U.S. Polo Assn. Nominated for Best Sports Licensed Brand
23 June 2023, Mumbai
U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), has been nominated as a finalist for the prestigious 2023 Licensing International Excellence Awards in the category of Best Sports Licensed Brand. The awards honor brands that demonstrate innovative and creative use of licensing to achieve their goals and expand their presence globally.
Recognition for U.S. Polo Assn.
A global judging panel and members of the licensing industry selected winners in 30 categories from over 200 finalists worldwide. Among notable brands like Formula 1, Head, NFL Players Association (NFLPA), Starting Lineup, UFC, and Yale University, U.S. Polo Assn. stood out as an outstanding contender. Ultimately, the NFLPA was recognized as the finalist in the Best Sports Licensed Brand category.
Record-breaking retail sales and digital growth
U.S. Polo Assn., a multi-billion-dollar brand, has strengthened its authentic connection to the sport of polo through compelling storytelling, partnerships, sponsorships, and philanthropic endeavors. This nomination from Licensing International acknowledges the brand's growth and accomplishments, including a remarkable $2.3 billion in global retail sales across 190 countries and over 1,100 retail stores, department stores, sporting goods stores, and e-commerce platforms.
J. Michael Prince, CEO & President of USPA Global Licensing, expressed gratitude for the nomination and commended the NFLPA on their achievements. He highlighted the tireless efforts of the global team, licensing partners, and retail collaborators in bringing the spirit of polo to life worldwide.
Collaborative
The brand's digital strategies have also played a significant role in its record-breaking growth, with 50 brand sites in 20 languages and a social media following of over 7 million in 2022.
Furthermore, U.S. Polo Assn. established a global partnership with ESPN, enabling the broadcast of top polo championships, such as the Federation of International Polo World Polo Championship, Westchester Cup, and U.S. Open Polo Championship(R).
Celebrates excellence in the licensing industry
The Licensing International Excellence Awards, held at The Luxor in Las Vegas on June 12, 2023, served as a platform to celebrate the achievements of the global licensing industry. Representing U.S. Polo Assn. were Chris Affolter, VP of Global Operations, and Jeff Nichols, Senior Director of Finance & Strategy.
