NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (April 9, 2014) – The Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP), the premiere professional beach volleyball tour in the U.S., announced today that Wilson, the world’s leading manufacturer of ball sports equipment, will extend its association with the tour this season with its designation as the official volleyball of the AVP Tour.
Wilson volleyballs will be used for AVP tournaments, AVP open qualifiers and grassroots and developmental tournaments associated with the AVP.Wilson will appear in the AVP’s on court promotions, in national television advertising, and at special on-site activations during all seven of the AVP’s tournaments across the United States. As part of the deal, which runs through 2015, Wilson will also sell AVP-branded volleyballs at retail.
“Wilson has been a terrific partner for many years and a long-time supporter of the AVP Tour,” said AVP Managing Partner Donald Sun. “When it comes to competition on the court, our players expect nothing but the best, and we feel that Wilson provides exactly that as the official volleyball of the AVP Tour.”
Added Enrico DiMario, Global Business Director of soccer and volleyball for Wilson Sporting Goods, Co.: “We have worked with the AVP since 1996, and we’re looking forward to this partnership continuing through 2015. We’re extremely confident in the AVP’s foundation and direction under Donald Sun, and we are excited to celebrate our 100th anniversary on the beach this summer.”
Chicago-based Wilson Sporting Goods Co., a division of Amer Sports, is the world’s leading manufacturer of sports equipment, apparel and accessories. Through its dedication to creating products that enable athletes at every level to perform at their best, Wilson has earned its place as a leader in sporting goods for almost a century.
Wilson is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2014, and a number of special promotional activities will be planned throughout the year.
The AVP’s 2014 schedule includes seven tournaments in different regions of the U.S., from Florida to Southern California. In its third year under the guidance of AVP Managing Partner Donald Sun, who purchased the tour in 2012, the AVP has expanded its property to include tour stops this season in St. Petersburg, Fla. (May 29-June 1); Milwaukee (July 3-6); Salt Lake City (Aug. 7-10); Manhattan Beach, Calif. (Aug. 14-17); Cincinnati (Aug. 28-31); Atlantic City, N.J. (Sept. 5-7); and Huntington Beach, Calif. (Sept. 25-28).
The AVP is the exclusive domestic beach volleyball home of the nation’s top athletes, including Olympic gold medalists Kerri Walsh-Jennings (2004, 2008, 2012), Todd Rogers (2008) and Phil Dalhausser (2008); Olympic silver medalists April Ross (2012) and Jen Kessy (2012); two-time Olympians Jake Gibb (2008, 2012) and Sean Rosenthal (2008, 2012); and Olympian Nicole Branagh (2008).
ABOUT THE AVP
Established in 1983, the AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) produces, markets and distributes volleyball events worldwide, including the popular AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour. While promoting family-oriented events and supporting a healthy lifestyle, the AVP is best known for its world-class athletes, who have won numerous Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in the Olympic games. The AVP headquarters are in Costa Mesa, California, USA.
ABOUT WILSON
Chicago-based Wilson Sporting Goods Co., a division of Amer Sports, is the world’s leading manufacturer of sports equipment, apparel and accessories. Through its dedication to creating products that enable athletes at every level to perform at their best, Wilson has earned its place as a leader in sporting goods for almost a century.
Media contacts:
Crystal Fukumoto Greg Ball Molly Wallace
AVP / BZA Public Relations AVP / BZA Public Relations Wilson Director of Communications
crystalf@bzapr.com gregb@bzapr.com Molly.Wallace@wilson.com
(310) 709-8690 (760) 271-9183 (773) 714-6400