Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Original Penguin by Munsingwear and Grand Slam Brands Announce Exclusive Apparel Partnership with USA Pickleball


(Miami, FL) —
 Original Penguin by Munsingwear and Grand Slam brands (divisions of Perry Ellis International) have signed an extensive, multi-year partnership with USA Pickleball. The brands will serve as the Official Apparel Partner and exclusive Referee Program sponsor. The partnership establishes Original Penguin by Munsingwear and Grand Slam as industry-leading paddle brands for all genders and ages to one of the fastest growing sports, pickleball. USA Pickleball will launch a new online store, https://shopusapickleball.com with exclusive co-branded merchandise.

Pickleball has great appeal with over 4.2 million players in 2020, an increase of 700,000 participants over 2019, despite the pandemic. Pickleball is fun, family-oriented, socially distanced and has cross-generational appeal. 

At Original Penguin by Munsingwear, we believe in heritage and unique fashion... it’s what you wear to be original and for the good times. With classic silhouettes and unique prints, the brand will launch a refreshing new apparel line in Fall 2021. 

These brands represent spin-offs of the legendary Munsingwear brand. They epitomize leading sport and leisure apparel distributed worldwide... from bowling to golf & tennis and now pickleball, its legacy continues to maintain authenticity and future relevance. 

“We are ecstatic to be at the forefront of one of the fastest growing sports, and see a tremendous opportunity to expand our footprint in a growing paddle sport industry. The collection will offer functional style and iconic logoed apparel to pickleball players,” stated Oscar Feldenkreis, Perry Ellis International CEO and President. “Additionally, sponsorship of prominent USA Pickleball tournaments will generate additional brand awareness and exposure through various marketing platforms and activations.” 

“To partner with a premier fashion house such as Perry Ellis International and the Original Penguin by Munsingwear and Grand Slam brands for our pickleball community, staff and referees is a great honor. We are excited for this new partnership and the opportunities that lie ahead,” said Stu Upson, USA Pickleball CEO.  “As an organization, we are thrilled to see the exponential growth in the number of players throughout the United States and the opportunity to attract and retain the best referees through this partnership.” 

Additional information is available at www.pery.com and usapickleball.org.

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