Perry Ellis to revive Pro Player brand with United Legwear & Apparel

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
Jan 5, 2016

Perry Ellis International, Inc. announced on Monday a partnership with United Legwear & Apparel Co., LLC for the Pro Player heritage athletic brand. United Legwear & Apparel has become the master licensee of the brand, and Perry Ellis will remain as the licensor.

 
"Pro Player is a name I grew up with and loved, partly because of the brand's aspirational message - if you wear it, you can be as good as the pros," said Isaac E. Ash, Founder, CEO and President of United Legwear & Apparel Co. "My interest and investment in Pro Player  are driven by strong consumer recognition of the brand, combined with the adaptability of the Pro Player  wordmark to so many product categories. There's tremendous growth potential across soft lines, sporting goods and many other fitness areas."
 
Pro Player is designed for team and everyday athletes, as well as fitness enthusiasts. The brand will offer performance design elements and benefits including compression, wicking and ventilation. A partnership with Major League Baseball will launch in spring 2016, as well as other marketing initiatives including prominent ballpark signage, stadium program ads, and hospitality activations at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, the Atlanta Braves' SunTrust Park, and the Houston Astros' Minute Maid Park.

The first collections for men, women and kids will be targeted to all sport specialty stores, sporting goods chains and department stores, and in Spring 2017 the brand will launch a full range of apparel, footwear and accessories.