For 24 years, Under Armour has pushed the limits of the world of sports performance with product innovations developed to make all athletes better. Last week, the brand began putting that experience to work helping health care systems defend against the coronavirus pandemic.
To support the University of Maryland Medical System’s (UMMS) 28,000 health care providers and staff, Under Armour has begun to manufacture and assemble face masks, face shields and specially equipped fanny packs, and is also exploring fabricating hospital gowns for the statewide medical system. The brand will also begin providing face masks to LifeBridge, a regional health care organization based in Baltimore. Additionally, Under Armour is currently discussing the needs for supplies with Johns Hopkins Medicine, MedStar and other local medical institutions.
"When the call came in from our local medical providers for more masks, gowns and supply kits, we just went straight to work," said Randy Harward, SVP of Advanced Material and Manufacturing Innovation at Under Armour. “More than 50 Under Armour teammates from materials scientists to footwear and apparel designers from laboratories in Baltimore and Portland quickly came together in search of solutions.”
Under Armour teammates at the UA Lighthouse on March 30 in Baltimore, Maryland.
The team focused on designing a protective mask that could be produced very quickly, in mass volumes, and could provide a barrier between the wearer and those around them. Harward introduced this challenge to the team after hearing an interview with an Italian doctor who reported that if more masks had been available in his country—even simple face masks—spread of the virus could have been significantly reduced.
The team settled on a one-piece mask design that does not require sewing. Its origami-style folds mold the specially chosen, breathable yet moisture-resistant fabric into the desired mask shape.
“I call it the magic of conflict,” Harward said of the mask design process. “This was a high-pressure situation in which a group of people were debating the best solution in a very dynamic environment. It was a nonstop iteration for a week until we finally got to where we are today.”
Mask production is taking place now at the Lighthouse, UA's innovation hub in Baltimore. Harward and his team are utilizing the lab’s knife cutter—one of the world’s most efficient, high-speed fabric cutting machines — to carve nearly 100 pieces of fabric at once. The mask cutouts will then be passed off to a group of Under Armour teammate volunteers and hospitals for folding and distribution. With this combination of machine power and manpower, Harward predicts the team could generate as many as 100,000 masks a week moving forward.
“At Under Armour, we know the value of being part of a team. This mindset is important now more than ever as we come together to combat COVID-19. I’m incredibly proud of the quick thinking and hard work of all our Under Armour teammates as we work with health care professionals to strengthen our community — teamwork has proven to be key.”
Patrik Frisk, Chief Executive Officer at Under Armour
Under Armour has already delivered 1,300 face shields to UMMS, and anticipates manufacturing and distributing more than 500,000 fabric face masks and assembling 50,000 specially equipped fanny packs with much needed supplies for personal preparedness kits. The Brand is also exploring the manufacturing of gowns at its Lighthouse facility.
These supplies will allow UMMS to distribute critical personal protective equipment to clinicians, and masks to staff and visitors. This initiative exemplifies the commitment of both the System and Under Armour to the health and well-being of the local community.
“We are incredibly grateful for Under Armour’s investment in our health care workers, patients, and each Marylander working hard to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Their willingness and ability to immediately pivot their manufacturing focus to help meet our personal protective equipment (PPE) needs will save lives. Under Armour is a model for corporate responsibility and their partnership is instrumental in Maryland’s success during this most critical time.”
Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of University of Maryland Medical System
The Under Armour team is also now exploring 3-D printing N95 and N80 masks for medical professionals.
Beyond this effort, Under Armour has lent support to various groups, including Feeding America and Good Sports Inc. As the fight against COVID-19 progresses, Under Armour will continue to seek ways to be of service across the country.
The need for speed is real in the game of basketball and no one plays with pace like Curry Brand athlete De’Aaron Fox. With speed that scares and a game that dazzles and defies boundaries, it was only right that Curry Brand create a sneaker that embodies the distinct play and personality of one of the NBA’s most impressive guards to date.
Back for its third year, Jordan Thompson’s hands-on training camp returned for youth volleyball players in Houston, Texas. One of the many ways Jordan gives back to the game she loves, this camp provides mentoring for elite youth volleyball athletes, empowering them on their journey to compete.
Many veterans return home with invisible injuries that aren’t easily understood or treated. But the SHARE Military Initiative—a comprehensive rehabilitation program for veterans with traumatic brain injuries and mental health concerns—is changing the way these wounded warriors are treated and giving them renewed hope.
On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, Under Armour Athlete and Los Angeles Dodger’s first baseman Freddie Freeman won his second World Series and was named the 2024 World Series MVP.
In honor of the historic and iconic local rivalry between Baltimore City College and Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Under Armour has partnered with lifestyle retailer and Baltimore community champion DTLR to co-create new school spirit Rivalry Packs. Dating back to 1889, the City vs. Poly rivalry is one of the oldest high school football rivalries in the United States, and one of Baltimore’s most highly anticipated sporting events of the year.
Following several limited releases, Curry Brand will officially launch the Curry 12 globally on Friday, October 18, in the ‘Gravity’ colorway.
Under Armour continues to innovate with product solutions for the 24/7 athlete needs, this time with its latest sportswear collection, UNSTOPPABLE. Again demonstrating how Under Armour makes athletes better, both on and off the field.
On Thursday, September 19, 2024, Under Armour marked its 20th annual Armour Day event with volunteer activations designed to positively impact and celebrate the brand’s hometown of Baltimore.
Under Armour has renewed its contract with Jackson State University as the official outfitter of all 17 of its varsity sports through 2029.
Today, Under Armour released a special limited-edition Breakthru 5 “Plum” colorway to celebrate Under Armour basketball athlete Kelsey Plum ahead of her 30th birthday on August 24.
Introducing the ARMR 037 uniform, the brand’s most innovative American football design to date.
The Curry 12 has arrived – ready to propel Stephen to peak performance in the next chapter of his career and help hoopers all over the world do their thing.
On August 10, Under Armour returned to New York for the first time since 2016 to host its UA Next Elite 24 event in Brooklyn, bringing together 48 of the world’s most elite high school basketball players for an unforgettable competition.
Under Armour, Inc. today announced that Eric Liedtke will join the company as Executive Vice President of Brand Strategy following the completion of its acquisition of UNLESS COLLECTIVE, INC (UNLESS), a zero-plastic regenerative fashion brand.
The world of golf is buzzing about Christo Lamprecht. The 23-year-old golfer from South Africa is one of the most promising rising stars in the game. At just 16-years old, Lamprecht won the South African Amateur Championship—the youngest player in history to win it. At Georgia Tech, Lamprecht was All-American three times, 2024 Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year, the winner of three collegiate titles, and ended his senior year as the top ranked amateur player in the world. Now, Christo Lamprecht has decided to turn professional—and join Under Amour’s golf roster.
Under Armour has embarked on a new era of sportswear with its evolved collection, Unstoppable, for FW24 and beyond, announcing its commitment to building a sportswear offering that supports athletes off the pitch. Using premium performance materials and featuring fresh and stylish silhouettes, UA Unstoppable is designed to meet the 24/7 performance needs and style expectations of the modern athlete.
This summer, Under Armour is putting a modern twist on the golf classics with the release of the UA Goin’ Under Golf Collection. The Goin’ Under Collection offers head-to-toe pieces for both men and women that golfers can wear from the course to the clubhouse. In this collection, golfers will hit the green feeling optimistic and inspired to lower their score – because when you look the part, you play the part. Why not make today the day that you ‘go under’ par and play the round of your life?
Under Armour and UA Next have reached a significant milestone in youth sports in Mexico by hosting a special flag football clinic exclusively designed for young female athletes eager to pursue their athletic dreams.
This year at the WNBA All-Star, Under Armour made sure a group of local middle school girls got to see their potential, providing a special experience focused on female empowerment and representation alongside some of Under Armour’s most notable WNBA athletes.
On Saturday, August 3, Under Armour and Project Rampart are hosting a community event at UA’s Tide Point campus to help you get ready for the fall 2024 athletic season.
Under Armour announced today that it has signed University of Miami Point Guard Haley Cavinder and Guard Hanna Cavinder to a multi-year partnership, marking the first exclusive apparel and footwear deal for the twins.
Under Armour’s support for the military community knows no limits. For years, the brand has remained committed to positively impacting active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. One of the ways this comes to life is through Under Armour’s continued support of the annual Department of Defense Warrior Games.
Jayde Riviere, Manchester United and Canadian national team player, and Under Armour athlete, gave back to her home Pickering Football Club (PFC) by hosting an immersive training experience for 32 youth players.
After two decades of partnership, the University of Maryland has renewed its partnership with Under Armour, extending its agreement for an additional 12 years through 2036.
Keisei Tominaga made quite a splash as a breakout star on the NCAA basketball scene this past season.
USA Football, the sport’s governing body in the United States and the organization responsible for creating and leading the U.S. National Teams, and Under Armour, the innovative performance brand, today announced a multi-year partnership through the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The partnership aims to allow every athlete to participate, ultimately growing the game of football.
In celebration of Pride 2024, Under Armour is turning its attention to the playing field with a campaign spotlighting three inspiring voices of Division 1 athletes from the LGBTQ+ community.
In 1996, Under Armour proved a single shirt can change the game forever. The brand’s original performance stretch, compression technology wicked away sweat faster than anything else out there and kept athletes cool, dry and light. Ever since, Under Armour has continued to change the game with innovative performance gear. Now, it honors its innovation heritage as it looks to the future of stretch.
After 15 impressive years of playing professional soccer, Kelley O’Hara has announced her decision to retire.
Surrey-based Kris Kim, who starred in Europe’s victory at last year’s junior Ryder Cup, will compete in Texas against some of the best players in the world, with the field at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch also including former number one and fellow Under Armour athlete Jordan Spieth.
Under Armour continues its commitment to growing its elite football roster by signing Tottenham Hotspur and Spain National Team player Pedro Porro. Porro joins an exciting roster of Under Armour top-tier players, including Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid), Malick Thiaw (AC Milan), Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal) and Fermin Lopez (FC Barcelona).
Under Armour is proud to announce that on April 29, 2024, Yuron White joined the company, bringing 25 years of experience working in sportswear, with deep expertise in footwear
Under Armour HeatGear® Baselayer has been a staple in athletes' uniforms since its launch in 1996. To highlight the key performance features of the latest iteration, UA organised the 'Power Through Pressure' challenge in Madrid, Spain. Held at Madrid City Football Academy, the experience brought together football creators, media, performance specialists, and Under Armour athlete Antonio Rüdiger to showcase the benefits of UA's original performance baselayer.
De’Aaron Fox is the face of a new campaign for Under Armour with partners Foot Inc., reintroducing the UA Phantom 1
Under Armour and Kelsey Plum are coming together once again to host the second year of Dawg Class, powered by UA NEXT.
In partnership with the Baltimore Community Foundation, Under Armour has released a specially designed shirt to raise awareness and support for the short and long term needs of its community following the March 26 Key Bridge tragedy.
On Monday, April 15th, Under Armour Athlete Sharon Lokedi finished second in the Boston Marathon during her race debut with a run time of 2:22:45, just 0:00:08 behind first. In 2022, Lokedi became the fourth woman to win the New York City Marathon in her race debut and followed that with a third-place podium finish in 2023. Traditionally specializing in the 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances, the New York City Marathon was Lokedi’s first. Now, she’s podium finished her third marathon for a 3/3 streak using the same combination of all-star preparation and performance outfitting. This year, Lokedi wore the second iteration of Under Armour’s award-winning marathon racing shoe— the UA Velociti Elite 2—and trained under Stephen Haas and Pat Casey with UA Mission Run Dark Sky Distance.
Under Armour continues to push the boundaries of innovation as it develops products that athletes cannot live without. It’s already been a busy year for Under Armour but the performance brand isn’t stopping now—Under Armour is excited to introduce the UA StealthForm Hat, a foldable travel-friendly hat engineered to fit your head, breathe easy, and wick sweat all year round. The hat is anatomically molded with seamless construction for a custom fit—and, with its unstructured design, it’s washable and completely packable, snapping back into shape with no creases with ease. Smash it in a ball and it bounces right back. This is the hat only Under Armour could make.
In November 2023, MiLaysia Fulwiley made a name for herself in the basketball world when a play of her taking the ball coast to coast for a basket in South Carolina’s season opener went viral.
Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE: UA, UAA) today announced that Kevin Plank will become President & Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2024.
Under Armour has been providing AJ with leading performance solutions in and out of the ring since 2015, supporting him on his journey to become a two-time unified heavyweight world champion over the last eight years. Ahead of his ‘Knockout Chaos’ clash with heavyweight mixed martial artist and professional boxer Francis Ngannou, Under Armour marked the renewal of their long-term partnership with the release of an AI sports commercial with AJ, entitled ‘Forever Is Made Now’.
Under Armour stands for equality, both on and off the field and court, and has committed itself to celebrating, supporting, and championing female teammates and athletes. As an extension of that support, Under Armour, in partnership with WNBA superstars Kelsey Plum and Diamond Miller, is releasing a limited-edition product line that pays homage to female trailblazers everywhere in honor of Women’s History Month.
Curry Brand, powered by Under Armour, completed its twelfth court refurbishment at DREAM Charter School East Harlem in New York City as part of the brand’s mission to impact 100,000 youth and renovate 20 safe places to play by 2025.
Under Armour amazed the London football community with a state-of-the-art holographic presentation of its latest innovation—the Shadow Elite 2 Football Boot. At an exclusive event hosted at Village Underground, Shoreditch, UA brought together elite athletes, creators, and media for an immersive look at the future of football footwear.
Under Armour is re-introducing the most versatile training shoes we’ve ever made with a supersized midsole for mega energy. With its convertible heel and new pumped-up midsole, the UA SlipSpeed Mega flexes between slip and speed modes with style.
Together the brands gear up for the 73rd Annual NBA All-Star with new, highly anticipated All-Star-inspired product and a “Curry’s Gameroom” pop-up activation dedicated to the fans
Under Armour today announced the appointment of Kevin Ross as its new Senior Vice President, Managing Director of Europe, Middle East & Africa. With nearly 20 years of experience growing high profile brands including adidas, TaylorMade, Under Armour, and Yeti, Ross brings proven talent and regional expertise to the company.
This February, in honor of Black History Month, Under Armour is releasing a product collection inspired by its athletes of color at the collegiate level. Designed around the legacy of African American quilting and inspired by HBCU athletes, the collection is aimed at amplifying Black voices and the brand’s ongoing commitment to empowering Black athletes year-round.
As the brand’s newest running footwear franchise, the UA Infinite Collection is all about delivering key footwear models that support long run days as well as everyday miles. Designed as the ultimate endurance Collection, the experience is boundless, effortless and limitless on the run. From the super plush feel of UA Infinite Elite to the balanced spring and support of UA Infinite Pro, these shoes were built to help you go the distance with ease and efficiency. The overarching goal of the Infinite Elite and Infinite Pro is to make the last mile feel better than the first.
Under Armour works closely with its golf athletes to create performance-enhancing products that meet the needs of golfers of all skill levels. Designed with direct feedback from these athletes, Under Armour is excited to announce the Phantom Footwear and Drive Pro Series, designed for golfers that are looking for that competitive edge to allow them to play like a pro, without being one.
Under Armour is committed to pushing the boundaries of style and innovation to meet the needs of aspiring, recreational, and professional athletes. Now, the brand is expanding its influence with the release of FUTR X ELITE: the pinnacle footwear model within Under Armour’s basketball portfolio that will redefine the category.
Celanese Corporation, a global specialty materials and chemical company, and Under Armour, Inc., a global leader and innovator in athletic apparel and footwear, have collaborated to develop a new fiber for performance stretch fabrics called NEOLAST™. The innovative material will offer the apparel industry a high-performing alternative to elastane – an elastic fiber that gives apparel stretch, commonly called spandex.
Under Armour, Inc. announced two new leadership appointments: Yassine Saidi as Chief Product Officer and Kara Trent as President of the Americas. Saidi will join the company on Jan. 29, and Trent, currently serving as the managing director of the company’s EMEA region, will assume her new role in February. Both will report directly to President and CEO Stephanie Linnartz.
Fermín López becomes the latest athlete to join Under Armour's rapidly expanding roster of young, up-and-coming elite football players. The Spanish midfielder joins the likes of Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid), Ansgar Knauff (Eintracht Frankfurt), Malick Thiaw (AC Milan), Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal), Lewis Hall (Newcastle) and Anna Patten (Aston Villa), all of whom were signed by Under Armour in recent months.
Following years of research in its innovation lab, earlier this year Under Armour announced a breakthrough fiber-shed test method to help address the invisible, but daunting sustainability threat microfibers and microplastics pose to society and the planet. Now, the brand has teamed up with James Heal, a leading precision testing solutions supplier, to bring its award-winning test method to life.
Under Armour welcomes Mexican soccer player and current La Liga MX champion Sebastian Cordova to its athlete roster. Córdova, who also plays for Mexico’s National Soccer Team, will be part of the brand’s soccer campaigns in both Mexico and the Hispanic markets in the United States.
The new HeatGear OG utilizes the fit and fabric of the 1996 apparel – it’s thicker, more compressive, and ultra-cooling. This iteration brings Under Armour’s learnings and the needs of a new generation of athletes to life within the iconic cut of the original HeatGear.
The Army–Navy football game, presented by USAA, an enduring and cherished tradition in American sports, is about to see its 124th match-up. This epic showdown not only symbolizes the fierce rivalry between two of the nation's most esteemed military academies but also serves as a poignant reminder of the camaraderie and shared commitment of these future leaders in uniform. Under Armour, renowned for its innovation in athletic apparel, will once again partner with the Navy football team to outfit the Midshipmen.
For the second year that the NFL International series visited Germany, Under Armour celebrated the sporting moment in Frankfurt by demonstrating how the brand pioneered the Baselayer back in 1996 and how it has since developed that technical product into today’s ColdGear Baselayer.
Stephen Curry is making waves within the apparel space. From his tunnel walk arrivals to his looks on the links, Stephen has long had an eye for fashion. On the heels of the release of his 11th signature shoe with Under Armour—the Curry 11—Stephen and Curry Brand are now gearing up for his latest fashion endeavor, a collaboration with luxury streetwear brand TUFF CROWD.
As the women’s basketball teams from two Under Armour-sponsored schools—The University of South Carolina and The University of Notre Dame—go head-to-head in the Oui Play Classic in Paris, France on November 6, there’s never been a better time to raise awareness and make a statement. Under Armour is partnering with luxury tailor and designer, Richfresh, to elevate these athletes’ off and on-the-court experience by outfitting them in suits fit for the pros.
In recognition of Military Family Appreciation Month and the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Under Armour is offering military and first responders up to 40% off their purchases. Between now and November 19, the brand has doubled its in-store military and first responder discount from 20% to 40% at all UA Brand Houses and online, and from 10% to 20% at all UA Factory Houses.
Together, De’Aaron, Stephen, and Curry Brand will partner to collaborate and expand Curry Brand’s reach across the basketball space and beyond. With a shared respect and a joint passion for making an impact on and off the court, the All-Stars will evolve their relationship from competitors to partners.
When Stephen Curry requested more compression sleeves to support an injury, Under Armour answered the call in less than 24 hours.
Under Armour is thrilled to announce that Jarace Walker— professional basketball player and rookie standout, power forward for Indiana, and familiar face around Under Armour since his high school days—is an official UA athlete. Both Jarace Walker and Under Armour look forward to pulling from a collective experience to chart a new course for up-and-coming athletes.
Scoring 70 points to take home the 2023 WNBA Championship for a second year in a row, UA Basketball Athletes Kelsey Plum and Cayla George led their team to victory with a three to one win in a five game series over New York. Wednesday night’s win cements Las Vegas’ status as the first team to win back-to-back titles since Los Angeles in 2001 and 2002.
Today, Under Armour announced that following a comprehensive search and interview process, retail industry veteran Shawn Curran will join Under Armour as Chief Supply Chain Officer, reporting to President and CEO, Stephanie Linnartz.
On Friday, October 13, Stephen, Curry Brand, and Under Armour will release the 11th iteration in his signature shoe portfolio, marking a monumental milestone that puts Stephen and Under Armour in an elite class of signature shoe lines alongside other basketball greats. Leveraging a futuristic design that celebrates the Future of Curry and his everlasting impact on basketball culture, the Curry 11 boasts a bold and disruptive flair, with the technology needed to fuel hoopers’ performance on the court.
Ripken Baseball®, the leader in sports experiences, announced they have entered a multi-year partnership with Under Armour® (NYSE: UA, UAA) to be the exclusive apparel company for Ripken Baseball’s six properties, hundreds of tournaments, and multisport events.
Six months after Protect This House officially re-entered the global sports vernacular, Under Armour has teamed up with Minnesota superstar wide receiver, Justin Jefferson, and legendary record producer, London On Da Track, to record and release a new iteration of the iconic rallying cry to show the world what it really feels like to be an elite athlete in today’s game.
Under Armour, Inc. today published its FY2023 Sustainability & Impact Report, providing a progress update on 23 goals the company announced in 2022 as part of its work to reduce the environmental footprint of its products and operations while accelerating its social and community impact.
Today, Under Armour is proud to announce that fashion industry veteran John Varvatos will join the company as Chief Design Officer, effective September 11, 2023. Varvatos started consulting for UA earlier this year and brings his deep expertise in style and form to the company. Varvatos will lead the creative design direction of the company and oversee the design studios in New York, Baltimore and Portland, Oregon.
The Baltimore Ravens and Under Armour joined forces to provide custom uniforms for female student-athletes as part of the inaugural season of girls’ flag football with Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS).
Over the weekend, Stephen Curry headed to the courts at Menlo Park to put on his annual elite hands-on training, giving youth hoopers the opportunity of a lifetime to learn from and play alongside the three-point king himself.
Top Boy star and football fan Ashley Walters brought the speech to life with his iconic voice, combining the powers of man and machine in an innovative and authentic manner.
It has been nearly a decade since Under Armour and Notre Dame joined forces in a partnership that epitomized the union of tradition and performance. With the vision to elevate and inspire student-athletes, UA and the Fighting Irish have renewed their partnership in an agreement that reflects their shared commitment to authenticity, innovation and achievement.
Under Armour welcomes Diana Flores, world flag football champion, as a new Global Ambassador addition to UA Athlete roster. Flores is the first flag football athlete to join the Under Armour family and, at 25 years old, is an inspiring example of the resilience and dedication it takes for young athletes to always strive for more.
Beginning July 31, Under Armour’s U.S.-based consumers will have a new way to score more with the launch of Under Armour’s “UA Rewards” loyalty program. In Under Armour’s drive to Make Athletes Better, our most loyal consumers will be able to connect to the brand in new and rewarding ways.
The biggest stage in the world has arrived for female global football players. Every practice, training session, and qualifier has gotten them to this point with their hopes and hard work laid out for everyone to see. The Women’s World Cup not only showcases the best athletes around the globe but provides a well-earned chance for the world to celebrate their success.
Under Armour, Kelsey Plum and Diamond Miller are ready to turn up the heat in Las Vegas for the upcoming WNBA All-Star Weekend. To celebrate the sport and encourage even more young athetes to get involved in women’s basketball, UA will host various opportunities for fans of all ages to engage with some of UA’s top women’s basketball stars and truly learn what it means to Protect This House.
Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE: UA, UAA) today announced a series of senior executive leadership team changes supporting the company's Protect This House 3 (PTH3) strategy.
Back for its 8th year, the elite football camp welcomed 50 of the best juniors and seniors in high school football to one of the most coveted events in the UA Next circuit.
As the confetti settles on a record-breaking women’s college basketball season and the WNBA season tip off gets underway, Under Armour is keeping the momentum of women’s basketball on fire both on and off the court.
At just 22-years-old, Jayde Riviere of Pickering, Ontario, Canada, already has a storied international career and she’s just getting started. She was part of the Canadian gold medal-winning squad at the 2020 Summer Olympics, has represented Canada at the FIFA World Cup, and most recently, has signed with Manchester United FC through to the 2024-25 season.
Under Armour athlete Anthony Joshua unveiled the home for Under Armour (UA) Next, an athletic programme designed to identify, train, and develop London’s young athletes and sports leaders of tomorrow.
Born out of her now famous ‘dawg mentality’ and a need for a smoother transition to pro basketball that Kelsey experienced firsthand, Under Armour and Kelsey Plum recently hosted the inaugural Dawg Class powered by UA NEXT. Held at IMG Academy, this three-day camp set out to help women college athletes navigate their journey from college basketball to the professional level. Inspired by Kelsey’s jersey #10, Kelsey engaged on and off the court with nine of the top women’s college basketball guards, providing them with the tools and insights to succeed as a first step to increasing equity in sports.
Rüdiger is now wearing the Under Armour Clone Magnetico Pro 2 boot, and the brand is committed to helping him be the best he can be on the football field week in, week out.
Professionals like Jordan Spieth have come to rely on Under Armour for technologies and innovations that provide that extra edge on the greens. As the golf brand for athletes, Under Armour knows exactly what the seasoned pro and the beginner need to take their game to the next level – whether you’re playing at Augusta or on your local course.
Under Armour and Stephen Curry became a team in 2013. What started as an underrated point guard only a few years into the league, and a challenger brand looking to shake up the sporting industry, has become an iconic partnership with disruption and innovation at its core. Now, the two have amplified their unique partnership even further, forging a long-term commitment to serve athletes and communities and drive mutual success for years to come.
With the help of current and future basketball legends Stephen Curry, Kelsey Plum, Aliyah Boston, and Bryson Tucker, Under Armour is bringing back Protect This House.
Under Armour has launched its first UK Brand House at Liverpool ONE in emphatic style. To mark the occasion, Under Armour athlete and dead ball specialist Trent Alexander-Arnold took on the challenge of taking a free-kick to smash open the windows and officially launch the new store.
Under Armour, Inc. today announced it has developed a new testing methodology to help fight fiber shedding at its source and support progress toward the company’s sustainability goal for 75% of fabrics in its products to be made of low-shed materials by 2030. Under Armour’s innovative test method offers a simplified process to accurately measure a fabric’s propensity to shed.
To pave the way for young women and show them what a future in sports can look like, Under Armour and Kelsey Plum are launching the inaugural Dawg Class. Hosted at IMG Academy in April, this mentorship program will help women college athletes navigate the transition to the professional level.
Today Under Armour and City Schools celebrated Project Rampart, an ongoing six-year partnership designed to elevate the City Public High School student athlete experience and improve academic outcomes through the power of sport.
Embracing a circular business model is critical to the future of the planet and to the apparel, footwear, and accessories sector. By optimizing resources and working to extend the lifespan of products, companies can accomplish more with fewer inputs – effectively reducing waste and consumption to support people and the environment.
At Under Armour, ‘Stand for Equality’ has always been a core value, meaning we stand with underrepresented groups, such as the LGBTQIA+ community, year-round and remain committed to creating better representation in sport, around the world, and in our own community.
Transcending the typical shopping experience, the UA Flatiron Pop-Up provides a physical manifestation of what Under Armour is all about - creating fearlessly with the courage and conviction to defy convention, innovating by taking bold and smart risks, and showing up big where athletes train, compete, and recover.
A legendary example of the dedication and focused mindset needed to turn a passion into an accomplished career, Tom Brady took a moment to in an emotional beach-side video to let his fans know that he was "retiring for good."
Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE: UA, UAA) today announced the appointment of Carolyn Everson and Patrick Whitesell as members of its Board of Directors effective Feb. 1, 2023. In addition, longtime member Harvey Sanders will retire from Under Armour's Board on March 31, 2023.
Under Armour believes that the power of sport can unite, inspire, and change the world. We are on a mission to empower the voices of our underrepresented athletes, teammates, and communities in our ongoing effort to Stand for Equality. We continue to celebrate the importance of Black History Month by delivering upon this mission.
Back for its 15th year, Under Armour gathered 26 of the best high school volleyball players and top 100+ high school football players in the nation in Orlando, Florida for its annual UA Next All-America Week. Providing a unique mix of world-class experiences and accommodations, access to elite instruction and coaching, and next level competition and exposure for these athletes, the week-long experience provided the next generation of athletes with an opportunity to elevate their mental and physical game.
Under Armour is empowering and motivating athletes everywhere to harness that “Real Tough” mindset and level up to their goals this year by teaming up with three UA athletes who know a thing or two about pushing past their limits. Brooklyn guard Seth Curry, gold medalist and volleyball player Jordan Thompson and Netherlands Track & Field para-athlete Fleur Jong, are showing athletes everywhere how they find their “Real Tough” mindset in a series of inspiring content that provides a rare look at the inner mantras that drive them, the physicality of their training and the unwavering dedication they maintain to perform at their best.
Stephanie Linnartz will join Under Armour as President, Chief Executive Officer, and member of its Board of Directors, effective February 27, 2023.
Today athletes are faced with challenges both on and off the field. Spurred by social media there is more noise than ever and the youth athletes of today are faced with comparisons at every turn. Rising above the noise, the most confident athletes all have one thing in common - they forge their own path to greatness.
On Sunday, November 6, Sharon Lokedi, of UA Mission Run Dark Sky Distance won the 2022 New York City Marathon wearing a World Athletics-approved prototype of the next iteration of the UA Flow Velociti Elite, with a time of 2:23:23. Traditionally specializing in the 5k, 10k, and half marathon distances, the NYC Marathon was Lokedi’s marathon debut and a celebration of a long journey to compete.
Kelsey’s new partnership with Under Armour is a perfect alignment of two forces that rally for the underdog and believe in the transformative power of sport.
Under Armour aims to inspire athletes with performance solutions they never knew they needed and now can’t imagine living without. Listening to our athletes and making their problems ours to solve, UA set out to develop a multi-dimensional shoe that can become what the athlete needs it to be exactly when they need it. The result was UA SlipSpeed™ - a performance trainer with a convertible heel design.
Hype Headquarters is just one piece of Under Armour’s larger Access to Sport commitment to break down barriers and create opportunities for millions of youth to engage in sport. Through this event and future efforts, the brand has committed to increasing equity in sport by providing more youth athletes with game-changing product solutions. This event kicks off a multi-year initiative designed to help 1,200 young female athletes during its first year.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are foundational to every industry. Yet these terms are almost exclusively used in corporate offices and boardrooms. While private businesses appoint board members with diverse backgrounds and create action plans, the sports world is being left in the dust.
This season was a remarkable one for Stephen Curry as he continued to reach new heights in his basketball career. After cementing himself as the best three-point shooter in league history, Stephen took home his fourth NBA Championship title and unanimously clinched the honor of Finals MVP. It’s only fitting that he will top off the year by eclipsing another milestone: the launch of the Curry Flow 10 – his tenth signature shoe with Under Armour and third under Curry Brand.
Coaches are elemental to the success of their team and the motivation of their players. But unfortunately the playing field is far from level. Minority football players and even the fans at home don’t see themselves represented on the sidelines. That needs to change.
Most of the greatest successes in life and in sports are brought on by a profound change. And these big changes don’t come easily—a willingness to adapt takes bravery and determination. Finding comfort in the unknown allows us to live out our true potential instead of cowering from the next big move. Joel Embiid has allowed change to propel him forward and never let comparisons slow him down. Through the new Athlete No One Saw Coming campaign, Under Armour wants youth athletes to do the same and keep moving as they forge their own paths to greatness.
The Project Rock Black Adam Training Collection is inspired by Dwayne’s ferocious dedication and relentless passion for his craft. Like Black Adam himself, the collection represents grit, determination, hard work and most importantly, disruption; and aims to inspire athletes to disrupt the status quo in their own lives, in and outside of the gym.
The steps of the female athlete are freshly-pioneered and all her own. Female basketball stars set a new course for the sport every time they step onto the court—their direction unmoored by men’s sports. There may be no better example than women’s basketball. In recent years, it’s become an entirely new game. As players move towards a position-less role and star power on the court increases, female athletes need a versatile shoe that not only heightens their performance but shows off their style and personality. Enter the UA Flow Breakthru 3: innovative footwear tailored to the specific needs and individual expression of female MVPs on the basketball court. Few players exemplify this combination of personal style and gametime performance like the face of this third generation shoe, power forward and NCAA Champion Aliyah Boston.
BALTIMORE, Sept. 27, 2022 – Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE: UA, UAA) today announced the release of its 2021 Sustainability & Impact Report, outlining a new sustainability framework, goals, and targets that will guide the company’s work to reduce the environmental footprint associated with its products and operations while accelerating its social and community impact. Aligned with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainable Accounting Standard Board (SASB) industry standards, the report outlines 23 goals and targets designed to drive company progress across three key pillars – Products, Home Field, and Team – and underscore Under Armour’s core values, including ‘Act Sustainably’ and ‘Stand for Equality.’ “As a global innovator and leader in athletic performance apparel, footwear, and accessories, we believe Under Armour has an important role to play in addressing impending challenges facing our society, industry, and planet. This belief informs our innovation methods and compels us to rethink, reinvent, and reimagine our products and how we make them in our work to support athletes and protect people and our shared planet,” said Colin Browne, Under Armour Interim President and CEO. “Mindful that lasting change will require global cooperation across communities and industries, our new report conveys our renewed commitments to continuous improvement, industrywide collaboration, and transparent communication with our stakeholders in our ongoing sustainability journey.” Under Armour’s sustainability approach, What’s Under Matters, reflects the company’s mission to make athletes better by focusing on performance-driven innovations that utilize more sustainable materials designed for recyclability and more efficient production processes in its delivery of durable, quality, high-performing products athletes know and trust. “The details underlying a company’s sustainability strategy are foundational to its longevity and ability to generate lasting impact. For this reason, Under Armour has worked diligently over the years to finalize our approach and take concerted action before releasing this report,” said Michael Levine, Under Armour VP and Chief Sustainability Officer. “We’re pleased to share our accomplishments and perspective on our future goals, and we look forward to providing updates on our progress.” A selection of report highlights within each pillar follows: Products – Through 10 goals, the company is embracing material innovations that will enable less waste and more durability, setting the stage for circular systems by 2030, including: Prioritizing recycled and renewable materials and reducing single-use plastic brand product packaging by 75% by 2025. Implementing sustainability and circular design principles in at least half of its products by 2027 and developing chemistry and processes that can enable a circular footwear program to be launched in market, at scale, by 2030. At the end of 2021, approximately 40% of fabrics used in the company’s apparel and accessories were made from materials capable of being recycled. Supporting innovation that reduces fiber shedding from textiles and targeting 75% of fabric to be made of low-shed materials, as defined by industry-leading guidance on fabric shedding that the company will work collectively to shape by 2030. Home Field – The company is working to reduce its overall environmental footprint and do its part to protect the planet through seven goals, including: Eliminating 100% of biocides and fluorine DWR in its products by 2025. Reducing absolute scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 30% and increasing renewable energy in owned and operated facilities to 100% by 2030. Advancing low-impact manufacturing, reducing the environmental impact of its materials, and targeting net-zero emissions by 2050. Team – The company is supporting its people and communities through six goals that build upon longstanding efforts, including: Continuing to invest in teammates' health, safety, and well-being – including through initiatives to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion and develop underrepresented talent at all levels. Protecting workers' human rights and well-being in its supply chain through comprehensive programs and audits. Working to create opportunities for millions of youth to engage in sports by 2030. To download the 2021 Sustainability & Impact Report and for further information on Under Armour’s sustainability program, visit this link. About Under Armour Under Armour, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, is a leading inventor, marketer, and distributor of branded athletic performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. Designed to empower human performance, Under Armour's innovative products and experiences are engineered to make athletes better. For further information, please visit http://about.underarmour.com. Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate to expectations, beliefs, projections, estimates, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends, and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts, such as statements regarding our goals, targets, commitments, future planned initiatives and the timing and effectiveness of any of the foregoing, including those relating to the environment, human capital matters, social and labor issues, and community impact; the development and introduction of new products, technologies and ways of working; our assumptions and the implementation of our sustainability strategies; the future impacts of our investments and initiatives; and the standards and expectations of third parties. In many cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “outlook,” “potential,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect our current views about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and changes in circumstances that may cause events or our actual activities or results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future events, results, actions, activity levels, performance or achievements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements, including our assumptions not being realized, scientific or technological developments, evolving sustainability strategies, evolving government regulations, and the risks and uncertainties set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect our views and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the statement's date or to reflect unanticipated events.
Comparisons aren’t the same thing as motivation. In fact, comparing athletes to one another distracts from the unique qualities that make an individual perfectly suited for greatness. But what happens when you can’t escape these expectations? What if you’re born into an athletic legacy but want to pave your own path? Through the new Athlete No One Saw Coming campaign, Under Armour wants youth athletes to focus on their own game and block out the toxic comparisons they’re faced with each day. No athlete is more familiar with this pressure than Gold Medalist Jordan Thompson.
Under Armour introduces the all new UA HOVR™ Phantom 3: a neutral, responsive running shoe designed for specialty athletes training to compete—those who would do anything to improve in the offseason so they may perform at their best in season. Fully tested and validated by UA Athletes, the UA HOVR™ Phantom 3 maintains the Phantom’s reputation as UA’s most versatile running shoe. It delivers the speed and propulsion that athletes demand from a performance running shoe while maintaining the comfort and stability needed from a training shoe. In developing the UA HOVR Phantom 3, the footwear design team analyzed the demands of the sport-driven athlete who is hitting the pavement through short runs and intervals as part of a comprehensive training regimen. The HOVR Phantom 3 seamlessly transitions from treadmill to gym, making it a must have for athletes who run for sport.
A segment on a sports show. A whisper on the sideline. A post on a social media feed. Athletes experience comparisons everywhere concerning just about anything—their form, their record, their presence on the team. Which All-Star do they most resemble? How does their technique stack up to the Greats? Will they be the GOAT or a bust? Comparisons are no longer used for context, they’re now confused with competition. Combating this long-standing and increasingly toxic trend, Under Armour has created a rallying cry to fuel self-confidence in youth athletes by empowering them to Be The Athlete No One Saw Coming in their latest campaign. Focused on encouraging young athletes to look beyond the comparisons and focus on their biggest competition - the athlete in the mirror - the campaign marks another important milestone in Under Armour’s ongoing mission to make athletes better.
Last month, ahead of pre-season with his club – Saracens – and in preparation for the France 2023 Rugby World Cup, Under Armour athlete and England International Maro Itoje travelled to Portland, Oregon, for a 10-day pre-season camp at the Under Armour Human Performance Centre. A world-class facility built for performance excellence, the Human Performance Institute hosts UA’s best athletes, who come to be assessed and learn about how they can become better. In the months leading up to the camp, Under Armour’s Human Performance Team worked with both Saracens and the England Rugby Football Union to build a program for Maro that best prepares his body and his mind for rugby pre-season. The training program focused on three elements: supporting Maro’s basic aerobic conditioning, improving his breathing and movement efficiency, and facilitating injury prevention.
Curry Brand, powered by Under Armour, is taking on its ninth court refurbishment at the Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson, North Carolina, as part of the brand’s mission to impact 100,000 youth and renovate 20 safe places to play by 2025. The project kicked off at a special time for Stephen, as he returned to his alma mater to be inducted into the Davidson College Hall of Fame and receive his diploma. The court will be refurbished in partnership with Stephen and Ayesha’s Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation and The Summit Foundation, both of which share Curry Brand’s mission of ensuring all kids have access to safe places to play.
On August 12, Under Armour hosted its Elite 24 event in Chicago, bringing together 48 of the nation’s best rising boy’s and girl’s high school basketball players. As a brand dedicated to supporting the next generation of athletes, Elite 24 provided a venue for the future’s brightest stars to showcase their skills on the national stage and rise to the ranks of the nation’s top high school performers on the court.
Today, more than 70 kids received the surprise of their lives when four-time NBA Champion Stephen Curry and entertainment icon Snoop Dogg unveiled a newly refurbished basketball court at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach facility in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. While the court had spent years in need of repair, it shined during today’s unveiling as kids took to the hardwood for the first time in more than a month to engage in hands-on skills programming through the support of Curry Brand, powered by Under Armour, on its mission to impact 100,000 youth and renovate 20 safe places to play by 2025. Since the launch of Curry Brand in 2020, Stephen and Snoop have been ideating ways they could collaborate and combine their shared passion for providing access to youth sports. Over the past two years, they remained close as they brought their vision to life, utilizing their collective platforms to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Following a two-year hiatus, Stephen Curry’s hands-on training camp returned for the top high school basketball players in the country. One of the many ways Stephen gives back to the game he loves, Curry Camp provides mentoring for elite youth basketball athletes, empowering them on their journey to compete. The four-time NBA champion personally invited 26 boys and girls from across the country to receive 1:1 coaching from the three-point king himself alongside a star-studded roster of coaches and trainers. Campers had the opportunity to show off their skills while practicing and playing with some of the sport’s best, including former Los Angeles Lakers player Kent Bazemore and recently retired Davidson College head basketball coach Bob McKillop, who also served as Stephen’s coach while at Davidson from 2006-2009.
Our Values define and unite us, the beliefs that are the red thread that connect everyone at Under Armour. Our values are rallying cries, reminding us why we’re here, and fueling everything we do.
We empower those who strive for more.
To give every stride more purpose, efficiency, momentum, and acceleration, UA set out to break the tape with the development of a new marathon shoe: the UA Flow Velociti Elite. This revolutionary shoe features award-winning UA Flow technology and is redefining fast for pro athletes chasing the finish line during race season.
Golf has historically been dominated by male players outfitted in traditional apparel. For the past five years, Stephen Curry has been working to change that by championing inclusivity in the sport and injecting personality-filled apparel to offer a more seamless transition from everyday streetwear onto the course. The new Curry Brand Fall/Winter 2022 collection includes five pieces that combine the same style elements and assets that propel Stephen on the court with popular, course-ready streetwear to achieve maximum performance. Players will notice the inspiration drawn from a basketball uniform through the collection’s use of monochromatic, head-to-toe uniformity and striking side details. The nods to streetwear show up via splashes of bold prints and trend-driven silhouettes. At the core of every piece of the collection is performance – from stretchy, quick-drying fabric to wind-resistant material and comfortable knits, the collection helps golfers perform at their best without sacrificing style.
The MLB All Star break is underway, and Under Armour athlete Juan Soto is doing anything but slowing down with his impressive win at the 2022 T-Mobile Home Run Derby Monday night at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles.
When it comes to footwear, today's ballplayers want it all – style, speed and simplicity. Enter the Curry 4 FloTro, which combines style elements from the fan-favorite Curry 4 with Under Armour’s award-winning UA Flow technology. The first in a series of reimagined models set to debut this year, the Curry 4 FloTro pays homage to the shoe that propelled Stephen in some of his most historic performances. While wearing Curry 4, Stephen became the fastest player in NBA history to achieve 2,000 career three-pointers and helped the Golden State Warriors clinch the 2017 championship title during a highly anticipated rematch of the prior year’s playoffs.
Aliyah Boston is one of the country's most talented and recognizable basketball players. She has come a long way from her makeshift driveway basketball court in St. Thomas, but that doesn’t mean she’s left the islands in her past. Earlier this month, Aliyah crossed yet another milestone off her list by hosting her first UA Next Basketball camp in her hometown in the Virgin Islands. Created to educate, empower and encourage athletes of all ages, backgrounds, skill and socioeconomic levels—especially youth athletes—to get out and get moving, Under Armour’s UA Next platform launched in 2021 and has since expanded to cover several team sports categories.
Eleven Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) cadets from University of Maryland (UMD), College Park and Bowie State University (BSU) completed their five-day wilderness expedition on Friday, June 10. The expedition took the participants along a stretch of the Appalachian Trail with their Outward Bound educators. The week-long challenge was the final step in the first year of the Building Bridges program that brought together over 40 cadets from the two schools, starting with a one-day program held in September 2021 at Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School’s (CBOBS) Leakin Park campus. The program is sponsored by Under Armour, through its UA Freedom Initiative, which focuses on supporting front-line workers, like ROTC cadets. “This was an experience of a lifetime. I took so many lessons and so much about myself. I learned and recognized that it’s okay to fall sometimes. It’s about what you do after. Getting back up and not allowing your setbacks to stop you from pushing forward. I learned so much about allowing yourself to work with others, trusting them along with yourself, and the difference it all makes in the end,” shared Kayla, an ROTC cadet from Bowie State University after completing the five-day expedition with their crew.
In 2021 the relationship between brands and student-athletes changed forever with the move to allow students to profit off of their name, image, and likeness (or NIL), in addition to making money from signing autographs, starting their own businesses, teaching camps or lessons, starring in advertising campaigns and posting sponsored social media content. Before this landmark decision, critics claimed for decades that compensating student-athletes would make it harder for them to focus on competition and schooling. Instead, athletes have found the new rules are not only lucrative but liberating. Now, on the first anniversary of this significant shift, Under Armour reflects on its successful roster of purpose-first, NIL partnerships and outlines its future goals for this new frontier of collegiate sports marketing.
On Tuesday, December 14, 2021, Stephen Curry achieved a milestone that he’s been aiming for nearly his entire career. Sinking a three against the New York Knicks, Curry surpassed NBA legend Ray Allen’s total of 2,973 to become the all-time leader in total 3-pointers made during the regular season. It’s a moment worthy of celebration that’s also seemed inevitable for years. Widely regarded as the best shooter in the league, Curry already holds the single-season record with 402 3-pointers sunk during the 2015-16 season, and surpassed Allen’s 3-point totals for regular and post-season play in November. Just this season, he’s been averaging 5 made 3-pointers per game and managed to surpass Allen’s regular-season record in 500+ fewer games, claiming the record in just 786 games, compared to Allen’s 1300. For Curry, the shot that has transformed professional basketball in his time has become an effortless extension of his talent.
Another milestone year is in the books for Warriors point guard Stephen Curry. The two-time NBA MVP led Golden State to a 103-90 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, earning his fourth NBA Championship title. Stephen finished the series with 34 points in last night’s game alone, including seven assists, seven rebounds and six 3-pointers, cementing himself as the NBA Finals MVP – a first for the all-time 3-point leader.
To build one of the most vibrant basketball communities in the metaverse, Curry Brand has partnered with some of the leading and most influential brands to push the boundaries of the Web3 space by developing Basketball Headz, the first-ever minted avatars linked to real-time performance. Following last year’s unforgettable NFT debut of the Genesis Curry Flow in honor of Stephen Curry breaking the NBA three-point record, Curry Brand once again made headway in the metaverse with the recent launch of basketball-inspired NFTs – or NF3s – linked to Stephen’s on-court performance during this year’s NBA playoffs. Through June 18, fans can continue to claim one free NF3 per digital wallet, per game, each time Stephen sinks a three-pointer. Beginning Wednesday, June 22, fans who were unable to claim a free NF3 will have the opportunity to purchase one for $125 at lab.currybrand.com, while supplies last.
Under Armour knows runners are looking for data driven technology that is peer-proven and road-tested to take them to the next level on their journey to compete. In 2022, Under Armour is continuing to push the run category forward through a laser focus on providing products that deliver superior performance and innovation to meet the needs of UA Run consumers, specifically those of our female athletes. Traditional women’s running shoes often derive from a men’s-designed shoe made smaller to fit the female foot. This means running shoes often lack the flexibility, fit, and arch support women need. UA Flow Synchronicity is the brand’s solution to this consumer need - built by HER, for HER and empowering HER Form, Her Speed and HER Rhythm on her journey to compete.
The final round of the U.S. Open falling on Father's Day is a storied tradition for golfers and golf fans around the world. For Jordan Spieth, this year will be his first U.S. Open as a dad, as Jordan and his wife Annie welcomed their son Sammy into the world this past November. Taking inspiration from his own dad, who he said is his “number one role model,” and the person he credits with helping him get started in the game of golf, Jordan expects this first Father’s Day to serve as a time to reflect on how much his life and career have changed over the past six months and how his bond with Sammy has already impacted him on the course.“It’s hard to put into words what it really means to me to now be a father,” Spieth said. “Sammy doesn’t yet understand my on-course accomplishments, he just deserves the best of me as a Dad. Spending time with him and Annie helps put my mind on other things, and where it should be, which is in the moment of hanging out with people I love. I want to be the best at anything I do, and I am enjoying learning the process of trying to balance being the best person for my family alongside working to be the best golfer in the world.” Jordan’s picks include tried and true UA Golf items he has worn throughout the season: Spieth's Performance Picks Men’s UA Playoff Polo 2.0 Men’s UA Drive Pants Men’s UA HOVR Drive 2 Golf Shoes Men’s UA Braided Golf Belt
Technology is always moving fast and runners’ demands are growing as the bar gets higher. Disrupting the market with innovation and meeting the athlete where they need us is what Under Armour does best. Together, our human performance and product development teams continue to bring athletes the best footwear from the UA Innovation Lab in Baltimore and UA Human Performance Center in Portland.
Under Armour, Inc. (“the company”) (NYSE: UA, UAA), today announced that Patrik Frisk will step down as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and as a member of the Board of Directors (board), effective June 1, 2022. The board has initiated a comprehensive internal and external search process to identify a permanent President and CEO. Until a successor is named, the board has appointed Colin Browne, the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), as interim President and CEO, effective June 1, 2022. To support the transition, Frisk will remain with Under Armour as an advisor through September 1, 2022. “On behalf of the board, I want to thank Patrik for his valuable contributions to Under Armour over the past five years,” said Kevin Plank, Under Armour Founder, Executive Chairman and Brand Chief. “During his tenure, we made significant strides in advancing enterprise-wide operational excellence, and Patrik’s steadfast leadership has been crucial to strengthening our foundation and positioning the company for our next growth phase. As we search for Patrik’s permanent successor, Colin’s experience as a seasoned executive in our industry and leading critical operational aspects of our business will serve Under Armour well as interim CEO.” Plank continued, “Under Armour is evolving to meet the needs of our athletes worldwide. As we transition, we are committed to identifying additional opportunities to drive improved returns for our shareholders and deliver for athletes, partners, and teammates. There is a huge opportunity in front of us. I look forward to working closely with the board during the search process to find our next leader who will take us to new heights. In the meantime, we are moving forward and will continue to connect with athletes in exciting ways, offering them exactly what they need when they need it.” Frisk, who joined Under Armour in 2017, helped architect its long-term strategic plan that underscored its commitment to athletic performance by reengineering its structure, systems, and go-to-market process. Under his leadership, the company delivered industry-leading products, deepened relationships with consumers and customers, and advanced its purpose, vision, mission, and values. “It has been the greatest privilege of my career to serve Under Armour athletes, customers, shareholders, and teammates. I am extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished as a team,” said Frisk. “Together, we have done a tremendous amount of work to strengthen this iconic brand while significantly solidifying its operations. Colin has an intimate understanding of the Under Armour business and our industry. I have every confidence that his stewardship will allow for a seamless transition.” Browne said, “What unifies and drives Under Armour is our purpose: to empower those who strive for more. This transition is an opportunity to further our long-term goals. I am grateful for Patrik’s leadership and partnership. As we work to deliver industry-leading innovation and premium experiences to athletes globally, we remain focused on amplifying the strong foundation that’s been set over the past few years.” Since joining the company in 2016, Browne modernized Under Armour’s digital go-to-market strategy and direct-to-consumer model and transformed its supply chain organization, leading to significant margin improvement and operating efficiency. Browne has held the role of COO since 2020 and oversees supply chain, global planning, sustainability, information technology, enterprise data management, commercial optimization, go-to-market strategy, and distribution capabilities. Browne has been an integral part of the company's successful transformation, and his leadership has been critical to navigating global supply challenges caused by the pandemic. About Under Armour, Inc. Under Armour, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, is a leading inventor, marketer and distributor of branded athletic performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. Designed to empower human performance, Under Armour’s innovative products and experiences are engineered to make athletes better. For further information, please visit http://about.underarmour.com. Forward Looking Statements Some of the statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends, and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts, such as statements regarding our future financial condition or results of operations, our prospects, and strategies for future growth, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and results of operations, the development and introduction of new products, and the implementation of our marketing and branding strategies. In many cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “outlook,” “potential” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect our current views about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and changes in circumstances that may cause events or our actual activities or results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future events, results, actions, activity levels, performance, or achievements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our industry and our business, financial condition and results of operations, including recent impacts on the global supply chain; failure of our suppliers or manufacturers to produce or deliver our products in a timely or cost-effective manner; labor or other disruptions at ports or our suppliers or manufacturers; changes in general economic or market conditions that could affect overall consumer spending or our industry; increased competition causing us to lose market share or reduce the prices of our products or to increase our marketing efforts significantly; fluctuations in the costs of raw materials and commodities we use in our products and our supply chain; changes to the financial health of our customers; our ability to successfully execute our long-term strategies; our ability to effectively drive operational efficiency in our business and successfully execute any restructuring plans and realize their expected benefits; our ability to effectively develop and launch new, innovative and updated products; our ability to accurately forecast consumer shopping and engagement preferences and consumer demand for our products and manage our inventory in response to changing demands; loss of key customers, suppliers or manufacturers; our ability to further expand our business globally and to drive brand awareness and consumer acceptance of our products in other countries; our ability to manage the increasingly complex operations of our global business; the impact of global events beyond our control, including military conflict; our ability to successfully manage or realize expected results from significant transactions and investments; our ability to effectively market and maintain a positive brand image; our ability to effectively meet the expectations of our stakeholders with respect to environmental, social and governance practices; the availability, integration and effective operation of information systems and other technology, as well as any potential interruption of such systems or technology; any disruptions, delays or deficiencies in the design, implementation or application of our global operating and financial reporting information technology system; our ability to attract key talent and retain the services of our senior management and other key employees; our ability to access capital and financing required to manage our business on terms acceptable to us; our ability to accurately anticipate and respond to seasonal or quarterly fluctuations in our operating results; risks related to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; our ability to comply with existing trade and other regulations, and the potential impact of new trade, tariff and tax regulations on our profitability; risks related to data security or privacy breaches; and our potential exposure to litigation and other proceedings. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect our views and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the statement’s date or to reflect unanticipated events. Under Armour Contacts: Lance Allega, SVP, Investor Relations & Corporate Development, (410) 246-6810 Blake Simpson, SVP, Global Communications, Community Impact & Events, (443) 630-9959
Today, at a meeting of UDAAP (Urban Design & Architecture Advisory Panel), Baltimore’s design review panel, Under Armour unveiled the design for its new corporate headquarters. The Gensler-designed location, currently known as Teammate Building 2 (TMB2), will be one of the region’s most environmentally sensitive and sustainable buildings, achieving a net-zero operation goal through the significant reduction of embodied and operational carbon. The building is designed to qualify for LEED-Platinum certification. Located on Under Armour’s new Port Covington campus, the iconic building is 280,000 sq. ft. and will become the primary home for most of the company’s core business functions globally. Designed to align with the company’s commitment to 'Act Sustainably’ and a hybrid working style, the building will feature interior spaces that promote collaboration, a flagship retail store that will be open to the public, and state of the art sports facilities set within a vibrant landscape that features pedestrian pathways throughout the campus and along the waterfront. TMB2 will be constructed using mass timber geothermal and water reduction technology. The building’s glowing north façade will embody Under Armour’s connection to Baltimore, lighting up to celebrate significant local and national milestones. The southern façade is engineered to reduce solar heat and maximize the building’s energy performance.
Trust builds great athletes, and trust runs deep at Under Armour. From trusting yourself to go the extra mile to trusting your teammates to step in when you need support, trust unites us and helps us Strive for More. Newsweek has recognized Under Armour in their inaugural Most Trustworthy Companies 2022 list. In partnership with Statista, a German company specializing in marketing and consumer data, Newsweek ranked Under Armour #2 out of 16 total companies for the Textile, Clothing, & Luxury Goods category. “Each and every teammate at Under Armour plays a role in bringing our purpose to life,” said Under Armour CEO Patrik Frisk. “Being recognized as one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies speaks volumes to the passion and integrity our teammates bring forward in everything they do in both their professional and personal lives.” With help from a survey of 50,000 U.S. residents, companies were evaluated across different elements related to customer, investor, and employee trust. Survey respondents answered questions about how companies engaged customers and treated their employees. Publicly traded U.S. corporations with $500 million or more in annual revenues made the list. Newsweek reviewed companies aligning to 22 industries, ranging from Banks, Energy & Utilities, Health Care & Life Sciences, and more. Insights from the 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer showed how employee trust is the number one driver of trust. More specifically, many employees expect their employer to engage on societal issues and provide quality information. Under Armour’s ongoing and tangible actions to address issues like economic equality and community policing relationships are felt across the business. As Under Armour continues to put its purpose at the forefront of all activities, the business will continue to make decisions grounded in doing what is right for their consumers instead of solely responding to the market and reacting to competitors. Under Armour is committed to empowering those who strive for more, and the company’s values – Act Sustainably, Celebrate the Wins, Stand for Equality, Love Athletes and Fight on Together – serve as both a checklist for each of our programs and the qualities expected of every teammate.
“For extraordinary achievements in times when leadership matters the most, Patrik has motivated and guided a global team to overcome turbulent challenges and reached highly impressive results,” said Martin Kössler, Huginbiz founder and CEO. Frisk also joined Claudia Klingelhöfer, Chief Digital Officer of EDM publications (publisher of Sporting Goods Intelligence Europe) to discuss Under Armour’s strategy for the future, the importance of global growth, and leading with purpose.
Under Armour is thrilled to announce that its signature UA Flow technology has brought home gold at the 2022 Edison Awards in the Performance Based Design category, a first-time honor for the brand. The groundbreaking lightweight and long-lasting shoe technology was developed and executed in partnership between Dow and Under Armour teams including Innovation, Product Design, Biomechanics, Athlete and Consumer Insights groups, and many others. UA Flow technology was first introduced in December 2020 as the signature design element of our Curry Flow 8 basketball shoe.
Across every sport, Under Armour athletes never fail to break boundaries and push limits, and our NBA athletes are no exception. Throughout the 2021-2022 season, each have put their grit, perseverance, and commitment to the sport on full display. With the NBA playoffs kicking off this month, Under Armour has yet another thing to celebrate alongside our athletes: all of our NBA stars – Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid, Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland, Patty Mills, Seth Curry, Will Barton and Damion Lee – have made it to the first round. “I am always amazed by the sheer grit and determination of our UA athletes, and this NBA season is proof of that,” said Sean Eggert, SVP, Global Sports Marketing at Under Armour. “All of our NBA athletes have all shown up in their own way for their teams, their fans and themselves this season, and UA could not be prouder of each of them.”
From inspiration to perspiration the UA ALL OUT MILE provides the motivation, the coaching, and the training plan to run your fastest mile. Starting this May, unique stories from around the world will highlight thousands of runners achieving their personal best. With virtual participation in 14 countries, Under Armour has almost doubled regional participation from last year’s challenge to execute a global event in both virtual and live formats. Teams and individuals alike will take on the 30-day mission to train with resources to fit into their existing routines with the ultimate goal to go ALL OUT just in time for Global Running Day.
Jordan Spieth has done it again! The Under Armour athlete took home his 13th PGA Tour victory with his RBC Heritage triumph yesterday at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, South Carolina, pulling out a win following a sudden-death playoff with Patrick Cantlay. Spieth’s performance coincidentally resulted in his second consecutive Easter Sunday win. Building on the excitement of this win, Under Armour is incredibly proud to share that its 10-year partnership with Spieth has been extended by another four years, until December 2029. This investment in Spieth reflects Under Armour’s continued belief in him, having first signed Spieth as a sprightly 19-year-old with no official tour status in 2013.
For 2022 NCAA National Champion Aliyah Boston, the love of the game was planted under the Caribbean sun, on an unlevel driveway with an old basketball hoop. Relentless determination, faith, hope, and family helped lead to her success as the National Player of the Year. Now, Boston is taking her success and love of the game, and transforming it into her legacy as she joins Under Armour in their commitment to increasing access to sport for youth athletes by growing the game of women’s basketball for athletes in the United States and across the globe.
After an extended off-season of America’s favorite pastime, the gates to freshly cut grass, footlong hotdogs, and cheering crowds have opened to usher in the 2022 Major League Baseball season. And while every year starts with a clean slate, the past woes and wins are what powers our Under Armour athletes to set even higher expectations to deliver for the fans, their teammates, and themselves. As models of focused performers, each one of them thrives under pressure and continues to test their limits on their journey to compete.
For more than a decade, Jordan Spieth has been working on two things – chasing greatness on golf’s biggest stages, and the opportunity to get 1% better each day. For his upcoming competitive season, Spieth is getting back to basics for what he hopes will be his best season yet. Helping pave the way is his coach. “I really went back to the drawing board with Cameron,” says Spieth, referring to his longtime coach, Cameron McCormick. “We kind of looked back at what's my DNA mechanically, where has it gotten off, and how do we start to structure things back? Almost go back to go forward.”
Under Armour athletes are tough. Ready to take on a challenge. They’re champions on and off the court; determined to always strive for more and empower the next generation of greats. This March, the South Carolina women’s basketball team proved what UA athletes are made of with its second National Championship title win. The Gamecocks allowed an average of only 50.5 points against them, per game. The team leads the nation in blocks with 265. The next closest team, Georgia, trails behind with only 197. They also lead the nation in rebounds with 1,686 total; out-rebounding opponents by approximately 18 per game. Adding to their victory on the court, South Carolina and Under Armour are donating $50,000 to the City of Columbia Parks & Recreation Foundation - an organization dedicated to preserving, enriching, and sustaining cultural, environmental, and recreational facilities and programs across Columbia’s diverse communities. This donation will help the City of Columbia Parks & Recreation Foundation continue to increase access to sport through their facilities at parks and recreation centers.
At Under Armour, we are committed to our value of ‘Stand for Equality’ and are focused on creating an inclusive culture so diversity can truly thrive. In addition to driving more inclusion in our workplace, we strive to be a force for positive change and support in our communities. In July 2020, we accelerated our plans to improve on these efforts. We published commitments across each of our strategic pillars with a goal of seeing bold progress by year end 2023. While we still have much work to do, we remain committed to our focus and are proud of the progress that we’ve made. We have positive momentum in our push for a more diverse, equal, and inclusive Under Armour. Here’s what we've accomplished so far across our key pillars of teammates, workplace and community.
The barriers that exist between members of law enforcement and young people, particularly those of color, are all too common. Breaking down these barriers takes real work to put an end to the cycle of mistrust and racial bias. How does Under Armour support the breakdown of these barriers? On the basketball court. RISE is committed to positively impacting community-police relations nationwide. The national nonprofit educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice, and improve race relations. Their vision is of a nation united through sports; one committed to racial equity and social justice. In partnership with Under Armour and the National Basketball Association (NBA), they are expanding the ESPN Sports Humanitarian Award-winning program, Building Bridges Through Basketball.
Following hot on the heels of the successes of 2021, where the UA HOVR™ Drive earned the highly coveted MyGolfSpy Best Spiked Shoe award, Under Armour has unveiled the all new UA HOVR Drive 2 for the 2022 season. The best performing spiked shoe Under Armour has built to date, the new UA HOVR Drive 2 has been developed in line with Under Armour’s commitment to data driven design to maximize performance, with every element of the UA HOVR Drive 2 being meticulously built around Under Armour’s 4 Dimensions of Traction.
March Madness® is that one magical and mind-blowing month of the year when we see sixty-eight men’s and sixty-eight women’s college basketball teams tough it out on the court to compete for the NCAA Championships® . But only two teams will achieve the blockbuster movie finish; complete with a buzzer-beating shot, explosion of cheers, exuberant team huddle, cutting down of the nets, and a shower of ice-cold, neon sports drink. This year, Under Armour is elated to see 29 of its teams in the tournament, four of which–Texas Tech men’s and South Carolina, Maryland and Notre Dame women’s–are still on fire as they head into the Sweet 16™. So far, these teams are leaving it all out on the court; dominating with a certain toughness and hunger that only athletes with a true Under Armour spirit could harness. To support the 29 teams on their journey to compete, Under Armour provided performance apparel and footwear fit for champions. Why? Because Under Armour exists to make athletes better and we know athletes perform their best when they have the solutions designed to make them better, faster, more adaptable, and more comfortable.
Incorporating a full knit upper with the support and stability of a traditional golf shoe, Under Armour has continued its history of data driven design with the launch of the new UA HOVR™ Tour SL in collaboration with world leading expert in the biomechanics of the golf swing, Jean-Jacques Rivet. The full knit upper on the UA HOVR Tour SL utilizes Under Armour’s proprietary Intelliknit™ technology to overcome the performance limitations of knitted footwear previously seen in Golf. Where regular knit uppers tend to be too unstructured to support the force of a golf swing, Intelliknit uses a strategic combination of stretch yarns and lockdown yarns to support the golf swing, to lock you down where you need support and stretch where you need flexibility through the swing while offering the most connected fit in any shoe we’ve ever built. No longer confined to be worn on dry, crisp fairways, the Intelliknit upper is also treated with NeverWet® and a waterproof membrane, meaning golfers can wear the UA HOVR Tour SL in any conditions they find themselves in out on the course.
Under Armour’s Curry Brand is gearing up for the launch of another set of sneakers inspired by the iconic characters of Sesame Street. After dropping the first two shoes in the collection, five more Sesame Street friends will be hitting the court with designs based on Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, Lily the Tiger, Abby Cadabby, and Elmo. “My favorite Muppet on Sesame Street is definitely Elmo,” said Stephen Curry. “He’s always laughing and smiling and having a great time and bringing the best out of everybody. It’s the same joy that I try to bring to the court,” said the NBA All-Star. Curry, a father of three, has embraced the Sesame Street collaboration in part because of their shared commitment to uplifting underserved and underrepresented communities, and its ability to spread joy and positivity around the world.
Like the rest of the world, we are shocked and saddened by Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine. At Under Armour, one of our values is Stand for Equality. We believe in the power of democracy, the ultimate team sport. We are partnering with humanitarian groups to provide what is needed for those displaced and have also stopped all shipments into our sales channels in Russia. We are proud to stand with Ukraine against Russia’s attack on their democracy and will do what we can as a global company where standing for equality matters.
“I started playing football because my brother’s coach thought I’d be good at it," said Gordon. "I stayed in football because I want girls to know they can have a future in the sport. Under Armour and I are ready to make a difference. This is going to be a game-changer for women in football, and I feel inspired and ready for what’s next.”
The Under Armour human performance and product development teams continue to create innovative solutions for runners to bring you the next generation of unparalleled performance running shoes. With the help of UA athletes and brand ambassadors, the UA Innovation Lab in Baltimore and UA Human Performance Center in Portland, Under Armour develops the best footwear that’s based on key insights and learnings from years of experience and research. UA has always performed best when we’re disruptive: The UA HOVR Machina launched with the innovative Pebax® Propulsion Plate, and the first iteration of UA Flow eliminated the need for a heavy rubber outsole — and we’re not stopping there.
Stephen Curry knows a thing or two about being an NBA All-Star. His appearance on the court in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 20th will mark his 8th consecutive NBA All-Star game since being selected as a starter for the first time in 2014. Stephen’s past appearances at the All-Star games have been a showcase for all of the things that make him great. His shooting skill, his dynamism, his ability to think on his feet — all while smiling and bringing infectious positive energy to the game. Stephen also embodies the elit moniker when he’s off the court just as much as he does when he’s on it. Through his philanthropic efforts, including his work with Curry Brand, Stephen has remained steadfastly committed to giving back to local communities, creating opportunities for young athletes, and generally changing the game for good.
Under Armour is committed to breaking down barriers all over the world that keep young people from accessing sports and sports education. That’s why we set out to “Change the Game for Good,” an ongoing initiative from Curry Brand aimed at creating opportunity, access, and equality for youth sports in neighborhoods around the world. In service of this mission, Curry Brand has proudly forged a partnership with Charity Bounce — an Australian organization that uses sports, the arts, and education to uplift disadvantaged communities, with a particular focus on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders and culturally diverse communities, including newly arrived refugees. Using the power of sport, Charity Bounce inspires change, builds resiliency, and creates positive job opportunities for young people at risk. As part of this partnership, Curry Brand has committed to rejuvenating youth facilities in Arncliffe New South Wales, Australia that are used for Charity Bounce programs — making it the first official Curry Brand basketball court outside of the United States. “We are thrilled to partner with a purpose-led performance brand,” said Charity Bounce CEO Ian Heininger. “The new court will provide inspiration for the young athletes across our programs to look beyond themselves and use the game for good. This initiative will not only encourage them to be their best, but our ambition is also that it will create a lasting impact on their sense of worth and increase their expectation of what is possible in life. Stephen Curry has one of the most inspiring stories of resilience, and we know this partnership will be a critical piece in empowering every young person that now steps on the court.”
At Under Armour, we have spent years building our focus on diversity and inclusion. As the Chief People and Administrative Officer, my primary goal has been to transform our culture including the way we think about our work, the way we engage in that work together and to build purpose into all that we do. That means turning our values into action, not just words. Last month, Under Armour announced a new, long-term commitment to create opportunities for millions of youth to engage in sports by 2030. Today, we’re taking another step, by expanding our partnership as the Official Outfitter of our hometown squad, Morgan State University in Baltimore, one of the nation’s premier historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). It’s not just a working agreement, but a template for how we want to elevate our work with HBCUs across the country in the years ahead to better engage with students to create a pipeline of top talent.
The Under Armour family stands with all of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) students, faculty, and administrators who have been threatened with violence. One of our core values is ‘Stand for Equality’ and we condemn any attempts or threats of violence against any group. This type of targeted act reminds us that we must continue in our steadfast commitment to equality and our community. We send our thoughts, prayers, and well wishes to everyone impacted, including our partners at Morgan State University, Jackson State University, and Howard University as they navigate through this challenging time.
Hyland grew up in a single-parent household with three siblings in Wilmington, Delaware. Bones’ mother Marshay — a constant force of optimism and betterment in his life — kept a close guard on him, always nudging him toward the relative safety of the gym and sports, and away from some of the darker roads available to a young man in Wilmington. His first sport was football, but he switched to basketball at the behest of his mom. “Making sure that he stayed busy was very important to me,” said Marshay Hyland. “He could've easily went the wrong way, so I had to constantly just [guide him] — it wasn't hard to constantly drive him, because he already had that self-motivation. It was just keeping him on a clear path, and making sure that he didn't do what everybody else was doing.” Through it all, Hyland stayed out of trouble by staying in the gym and on the court, dedicating every fiber of his being to becoming a better athlete, becoming a rising star by high school.
Growing up in Birmingham, England, Layla Banaras, 15, found herself at a crossroads of cultures. Her British mother and Pakistani father encouraged her to embrace each of her cultural influences, including her Muslim faith. But balancing the traditions of her culture with her interest in soccer became a challenge at an early age. “I would go to my brothers’ games and keep getting closer and closer to the pitch, and eventually the coach asked me to join in,” said Layla. Her enthusiasm for soccer grew, and at age eight, Layla joined the youth team league for girls run by the Birmingham City Football Club. That step was a new one for girls her age, as most youth soccer programs in Britain had historically focused on developing boys. Her parents faced the challenges shared by many – like how to balance practice time and find transportation. “When we started, there weren’t that many grassroots girls’ teams in our area,” Layla said. “We had to drive half an hour to play.”
Not every kid who enjoys basketball gets the chance to grow up learning and enjoying the game. For one Baltimore teenager, honing his talents required him to move away from home, and in the process, build new bonds and a brighter future. Karim Harris, 17, didn’t discover basketball so much as it found him. He was a third-grader in York, Pennsylvania, one who was head and shoulders taller than his classmates, who liked to hang out in the gym after school shooting hoops. A coach saw his potential and convinced him to sign up for an after-school league, and within a season, Karim’s team had a championship title with him at center. “From there, I just fell in love with the game,” says Karim. “I knew I wasn’t that great, but I played a big role in that team to just work hard, rebound, do whatever my coaches needed me to do.”
At Under Armour, we know sport is so much more than a game. It inspires collaboration and teamwork, increases confidence, reduces stress and improves mental health. But around the world today, millions of young people are facing barriers that are negatively impacting their journey to compete – from a lack of funding, time or transportation, to social and mental hurdles that make children feel they don’t belong on a team. In the United States, participation in sports has rebounded since the start of the pandemic, but many organized outlets have not yet come back. One study found that as a result, 3 in 10 kids who played organized sports before the pandemic have lost interest in doing so. Outside the United States, many lack access to public resources that could get them competing. And in every region and demographic group, children from lower-income families spend less time playing sports. Under Armour believes everyone deserves the right to engage in sport. That’s why we are making a new, long-term commitment of our resources, focus and energy to help break down barriers that limit access to sport across the globe.
Competing on a football field has been Charlotte Kirby’s dream since shortly after she could first pick up a ball. Showing that she belongs on the field with any player her age has served as her motivation ever since. The Gloucester, Virginia, teenager has been interested in football since she was two, playing with her dad and showing signs even at this young age that lesser-contact sports like soccer weren’t for her. She joined her first flag football team when she was only five years old, and a few years later, sought out a full-contact youth team. Upon joining, Charlotte noticed that while she wanted to play as much as any of the other kids, her ambition received a different reaction from coaches. “I heard a lot about the stereotypical girl’s first season, that we’ll say we have fun, then we’ll quit,” Charlotte, now 13, said. “They said I’d end up a kicker, but I’m not a kicker. I like to hit.”
The New Year is here and for many that means a time of reflection, sense of renewal, and opportunity to re-set personal goals for the next 12 months. According to a YouGov Poll, approximately 25% of Americans who made 2022 New Year's resolutions say they set a goal to live a healthier life, focusing on personal improvement, losing weight, and exercising. Under Armour knows that even the most well-planned New Year’s resolutions can be hard to keep by the middle of the month, when “Quitters’ Day” thinking starts to creep in. Quitters Day is the second Friday in January when people are most likely to quit their resolutions and revert to old habits and routines. To help those who want to go the distance with their goals and strive for more in 2022, we tapped a few of our trainers to get their thoughts on how to maintain motivation and the Focused Performer mindset in January and beyond. UA's very own Victoria Brown, Emma Lovewell, and Marquan Jones shared with us their recommendations for overcoming the urge to quit, keeping a focused mindset, habits, rest and recovery. Looking for more ways to get over the mid-January hump, Under Armour has the performance gear and digital support to keep you moving all year long. From hitting the gym in style with the latest from Project Rock to logging miles with UA’s Real-Time Form Coaching in MapMyRun (personal run coach, anyone?) Under Armour is committed to empowering athletes in 2022. Check out tips from our trainers below and head to UA.com for our freshest gear for the New Year.
On International Human Rights Day, Under Armour has announced its support of two major international human rights initiatives - the Women’s Empowerment Principles and Better Work. As part of its diversity, equity and inclusion strategy, Under Armour is committed to elevating women leaders and athletes both within and outside of the company walls. UA has signed the United Nation’s Women’s Empowerment Principles to support their goals of promoting gender equality in the workplace, supply chain and the community. Fostering better working conditions in garment factories within the supply chain is a crucial element of Under Armour’s sustainability strategy. This is why Under Armour has joined Better Work, a unique partnership program of the UN’s International Labour Organization and the World Bank Group’s, International Finance Corporation. Better Work brings together governments, factory owners, unions, workers and brands like UA to improve working conditions and supply chain resilience in the industry. “The partnership between Under Armour and Better Work marks a milestone for our program and reflects our commitment to putting people first,” said Colin Browne, Chief Operating Officer at Under Armour. “Our purpose is to empower those who strive for more and we seek to live this every day by striving to advance ethical practices in our supply chain.” Tchernavia Rocker, Chief People and Administrative Officer at Under Armour said, “Stand for Equality is a core value at Under Armour and we are proud to support these two initiatives which aim to improve human rights for two groups for UA, women and workers in our industry. We will continue to advance better working conditions for factory workers and empower women. Our partnerships with Better Work and Women’s Empowerment Principles are an exciting step on our journey.”
When the CEO brings boss energy to the mission, it empowers the people working for him to charge forward and . . . well, in this case, literally conquer a mountain.
Last week, Under Armour, DICK’S Sporting Goods, and members of a youth baseball organization delivered a special surprise to Bryce Harper, the Philadelphia Phillies superstar who was recently named the 2021 National League MVP—the second MVP award of his storied career. During his three seasons playing right field for the Phillies, the hardest-working player in baseball has been devoted to the greater Philadelphia area and its fans, including one youth baseball team in North Camden, N.J. Located in a Phillies’ stronghold just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, the North Camden Pirates first caught Harper’s attention in 2019, when he learned that $15,000 worth of food and equipment had been stolen from the concession stand, putting the remainder of their season in jeopardy. To lift spirits, Harper met 12 of the team’s players at a local DICK’S Sporting Goods, where they were treated to a shopping spree courtesy of Under Armour and DICK’S Sporting Goods. The two companies also donated $10,000 to the North Camden youth baseball league. Harper gifted every player a pair of his signature cleats, then the UA Harper 4, and capped their day with tickets to a suite at Citizens Bank Park for that night’s Phillies’ game.
It started with Stephen Curry asking for one split second. That was the challenge when he met with the Under Armour innovation & design team in 2019. Could a new shoe give him just one extra split second to create enough distance from defenders and get off a clean shot? The answer was Curry Flow 8, Under Armour’s most technically innovative basketball shoe. Its revolutionary UA Flow sole eliminated the need for a rubber outsole, giving Curry unparalleled traction and lightweight performance on the court.
Stephen Curry may not be a runner, but the man runs. The three-time NBA champion and two-time league MVP logs more than 2.5 miles per game—nearly eight marathons per season—and that’s just during the regular season. Add up all of the miles from in-season training, practice, the postseason, and offseason workouts, and the total distance becomes impossible to calculate. So it was only natural for Curry and Under Armour to collaborate on a premium running shoe: the Curry Flow Go, a lightweight, high-performance shoe for the grind of training that complements the Curry Flow 9 basketball shoe in the Curry Brand lineup. “When Stephen isn’t on the court, he trains in running products,” says Ryan Drew, vice president of Curry Brand. “So he thought it would be great to have a running shoe that was Curry Brand, that took on the same characteristics and design DNA of his other products.”
Under Armour updated this article on July 5, 2022 to reflect an update to the company’s return to office plans. After close monitoring of the latest COVID-19 developments, Under Armour shared plans for the return to campus for all U.S. and Canada corporate teammates, to July 5, 2022, in order to continue to protect the health and safety of teammates and their families. Once UA’s corporate offices in the U.S. and Canada reopen, all corporate teammates will be required to be fully vaccinated and have their status verified by the company in order to come to campus or partake in company-sponsored travel. All U.S. and Canada corporate teammates must be fully vaccinated by December 31, 2021. This requirement also includes teammates designated as full-time remote. “The health, safety and well-being of our teammates, as well as their families, are our top priority. We want to provide teammates with a safe work environment and at this time, we believe that being vaccinated is the way to keep our team healthy and safe,” said Tchernavia Rocker, Chief People and Administrative Officer at Under Armour. At this time, U.S. retail and Distribution House teammates will not be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, UA strongly encourages those teammates to get vaccinated and will provide incentives and vaccine clinics for those teammates. Teammates in other jurisdictions will continue to follow local, country-specific guidance.
This Veterans Day is the first in two decades that the United States is not at war, but the essential mission of supporting veterans and families of fallen heroes carries on in communities across the country. Under Armour embraces this mission with its continued support of the Travis Manion Foundation, which strives to create thriving communities built on the bedrock of personal character and purpose-driven individuals. Powered by Under Armour Freedom, the Travis Manion Foundation’s Character Does Matter program has connected more than 2,000 veteran mentors with more than 400,000 kids across all 50 states over the past two years. Veteran mentors receive training, support, and materials from the Travis Manion Foundation to bring a research-based character curriculum to schools, youth groups, and sports teams at no cost. “With continued investment and growth, Character Does Matter will become the premier character-development program available to schools and youth throughout the country within the next few years,” says Ryan Manion, president of the Travis Manion Foundation and the older sister of Travis, a Marine who died in combat in 2007. To support the Travis Manion Foundation, Dwayne Johnson and Under Armour have released Project Rock’s For the Heroes collection, an annual brand initiative that honors veterans’ service and sacrifices. The collection, which includes new pieces for men, women, and youth, is available at UA.com, Under Armour Brand Houses, and select global retailers. “It’s really amazing to recognize those who are continuing to serve even outside of uniform. These heroes walk among us every single day and they inspire us to follow in their footsteps with the same sense of service, character and leadership,” Johnson says. “The work TMF does with veterans and families of the fallen, providing them with personal development training and experiences, repurposing their leadership to continue serving in their local community—especially to mentor and serve the next generation—is so critically important.”
Most NFL players are Black. There are only three Black head coaches. Three. This is not for a lack of job vacancies. There were eight head coach vacancies in the last hiring period. Minority coaches are just not afforded the same opportunities as their white counterparts. The exclusion of minority coaches is a systemic issue. There are countless societal roadblocks that underrepresented people face. When most of the people doing the hiring and the interviewing are white, a coach’s Blackness makes their résumé look worse. Those with the ultimate say on hirings in the NFL are the team owners — only two are minorities and none are Black. Representation matters and football is more than a game. It's a microcosm of America.
Being raised by a single mother, my football coaches became the father figures that I didn’t have. Many of them served as role models that I still admire to this day. As I continued to move up the ranks, I knew that I would have the opportunity to have that same impact on my players. It wasn’t until recently I realized that I could have a similar influence on young coaches that looked like me just trying to forge their paths in this great game of football. I owe a lot of the opportunities football has given me to my high school football coach, Frank Young. He was one of the first people to make me and my teammates realize that college was a real and viable option for us. He found us a way out — and where I grew up, very few people ever left that neighborhood. Because of the game, I'm the first in my family to graduate from college. Football introduced me to my wife. It’s allowed me to have a family. Throughout my career, I've taken a little bit of life’s lessons from every coach that I worked with and every athlete I have had the privilege to coach. They all guided me in my success. The pandemic forced us all to stop. There were no games to prepare for — only life. It gave us all what I consider a much-needed time to reflect and think. The idea of The National Coalition for Minority Football Coaches came to mind in a phone call with Coach Mike Tomlin last year. We started talking about the head positions we have and how we got here. Recognizing that we’re both on the back nine of our coaching careers, it is hard to think that things aren’t looking any easier for minority coaches. So, I thought - how can we give back? How can we pay it forward? Thus, the Coalition was born. Our goal is to prepare, promote, and produce a complete coach. Imagine an almost Renaissance man, someone who meets all the needs of a football coach, both on the field and off. I'm a big believer that if you can see it, then you can achieve it. That vision now gives the next generation the ability to realize that they’re capable of doing it too. My idealistic view is that the world should become more like the locker room. Think about it — every racial, socioeconomic barrier is broken in the locker room. In there, we’re all playing on one team. In partnership with Under Armour, we can push this narrative onto the playing field. Under Armour is a champion for our cause, and that means the world to me. Our future success as a Coalition is critical. This is something that we don't take for granted. We must keep this door open for minority coaches. I want every qualified candidate to get the opportunities that I have had and then some – to be given the guidance that I was given. I know that we need to do this the right way and create a strong foundation for minority coaches to build upon for years to come and I thank Under Armour for standing behind us as we pave the way forward. The better we do today, the more doors we open in the future.
ColdGear Infrared Down Parka The Down Parka is made with ColdGear Infrared® technology holds in body heat, without adding weight or bulk. It's a special, soft print on the inside and it keeps you warmer, longer, so you can work out in the bitter cold.
UA IntelliKnit Phantom 2.0 Crew Layering up for winter runs usually means peeling off gear mile after mile. We solved that problem by reinventing this knit at the microscopic level, so it not only keeps you warm but stays light and breathable all run long. The UA IntelliKnit Phantom 2.0 Crew is made of high-performance yarns with zero-waste construction provide breathable warmth without the weight, and the body-mapped knit construction allows for insanely fast dry times.
Project Rock Over-Ear Training Headphones Finely tuned by Dwayne Johnson himself, the new Project Rock Over-Ear Training Headphones are designed for the grind and allow you to focus on your workout. Engineered with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, athletes will never miss a rep with the hands-free voice control by using the JBL Headphone App, to help change the playlist, check the weather or pump up the volume, so you can focus on hitting a new personal record. In addition, the new Speed Charge Battery allows fitness enthusiasts to juice up their headphones for two hours of playback time in just five minutes. When fully charged, the headphones have up to 45 hours of playtime.
UA RUSH™ Fleece Full-Zip Hoodie As your body emits energy, the mineral-infused fabric of the UA RUSH™ Fleece Full-Zip Hoodie absorbs and reflects it back, improving endurance. The soft knit fabric features engineered ribbed texture, mapped to the places you need it most. The nearly sew-free construction helps eliminate chafing for ultimate comfort. UA RUSH™ HeatGear® Seamless Illusion Short Sleeve UA RUSH is the gear you wear when it matters most—your toughest workouts, your biggest games, your most intense training. It fits great, keeps you dry, and makes you feel like you can crush every PR. The UA RUSH™ HeatGear® Seamless Illusion Short Sleeve has infrared technology that reflects your body's energy to help you work harder and recover faster. The soft knit fabric with engineered mesh ventilation mapped to the places you need it most is super stretchy, wicks sweat and dries quickly. UA Knit Woven Hybrid Shorts Strong, durable HIIT shorts? Light, stretchy gym shorts? The UA Knit Woven Hybrid Shorts are both. Tough woven material in the back and breathable knit in the front. That way, any workout you do, you do better.
UA Storm SweaterFleece 1/2 Zip We combined the comfort and warmth of a sweater, the performance of our stretchy, lightweight fleece, and the rain protection of a jacket. The Storm Sweater Fleece 1/2 Zip is a sweater you'll wear all season long. The UA Storm technology repels water without sacrificing breathability while the updated SweaterFleece fabric has a soft, brushed interior with added stretch for complete mobility.
UA RUSH™ Fleece Full-Zip Hoodie Recover faster, get better faster. The mineral-infused fabric takes the energy you already give off and reflects it back into your muscles, so they feel less fatigued and recover faster. This soft, double-sided performance UA RUSH™ Fleece Full-Zip Hoodie is warm and comfortable, and the UA RUSH™ infrared technology reflects your body's energy to help you work harder and recover faster. UA RUSH™ Fleece Pants Like the UA RUSH™ fleece hoodie, the UA RUSH™ Fleece Pants feature soft double-sided performance fleece that is warm and comfortable. UA RUSH™ infrared technology reflects your body's energy to help you work harder and recover faster. The water-resistant, stretch-woven overlays provide added durability and protection where you need it.
Under Armour athlete Trent Alexander-Arnold is wearing pink boots during Breast Cancer Awareness month featuring the names of his two aunts — both cancer survivors. In his own words, the right-back from Liverpool explains why he thinks football has the power to change the world.
In order to excel, Under Armour athletes know that they need to go beyond their comfort zones. Push harder, dig deeper, get … colder? The science doesn’t lie: training your body to perform in the cold can help make sure you’re never thrown off your game when the heat of competition gets turned up. To get an edge, that means training even when the mercury drops this winter. Under Armour has long put its finest athletes to the test in extreme conditions to strengthen their physical and mental resilience. Now we want to build a movement. This winter, we’re inviting athletes everywhere to embrace cold training and stoke a fire that can’t be put out by sleet or snow.
Curry Brand, powered by Under Armour, is launching a seven-part footwear collection that brings the spirit of Sesame Street’s iconic Muppets to the basketball court. Stephen Curry, father to three kids under the age of 9, knew that partnering with Sesame Workshop—the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street—would be a natural extension of his recent efforts to celebrate Harlem and inspire young athletes. “Curry Brand and Sesame Street, we preach the same message,” says Curry, a three-time NBA champion and two-time league MVP. “It’s about supporting all kids, especially those in underserved communities who are looking for an opportunity to be their best selves.”
Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE: UA, UAA) today announced the appointment of Massimo Baratto to Executive Vice President, Chief Consumer Officer. Since joining Under Armour in 2018, Baratto has served as Managing Director of the company’s Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. Effective Nov. 1, this newly created role will oversee all aspects of Under Armour’s consumer strategy, delivering a seamless, consistent brand experience with responsibility for global marketing, eCommerce and retail. “Today’s announcement underscores our commitment to delivering an ecosystem capable of deepening our connection with focused performers, inspiring them wherever and whenever they choose to engage our brand,” said Under Armour President and Chief Executive Officer Patrik Frisk. “Massimo’s global leadership skills, digital expertise, and significant experience building brands through understanding consumer behavior will be a great enabler in strengthening our ability to innovate and enhance our position as one of the world’s preeminent athletic performance brands.” Before Under Armour, Baratto served as Chief Executive Officer for Oberalp Group. In his 18-year career at Oberalp, he was credited with significant growth of the Salewa, Dynafit, Wild Country, and Pomoca brands helping the company become one of the most distinguished international house of brands in the mountain sports industry. In conjunction with this announcement, Kara Trent, a 7-year Under Armour veteran, will succeed Massimo as the company’s Senior Vice President/General Manager of EMEA. Trent has served in multiple roles in the company’s North American business and most recently has led the merchandising and planning functions for the EMEA region. Before Under Armour, she served in various merchandising, planning, and buying roles at PUMA and Reebok. Additionally, the company announced that Alessandro de Pestel, who has served as Under Armour’s Chief Marketing Officer since 2018, plans to leave in Feb. 2022 to pursue other opportunities. Frisk added, “We appreciate the disciplined approach and consistency that Alessandro has contributed during our transformational journey. By helping us build a holistic strategy around consumer-centricity and significantly elevating our reach to focused performers, Under Armour’s global brand consideration is increasing.” About Under Armour, Inc. Under Armour, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, is a leading inventor, marketer and distributor of branded athletic performance apparel, footwear and accessories. Designed to empower human performance, Under Armour’s innovative products and experiences are engineered to make athletes better. For further information, please visit http://about.underarmour.com.
As he crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon against a backdrop of raucous cheers and clanging cowbells, endurance runner Jordan Tropf finally had a chance to catch his breath after a whirlwind journey that included far more than the course’s 26.2 miles and its infamous Heartbreak Hill. It was Tropf’s third marathon in as many days, a unique challenge made possible by a pandemic scheduling quirk that saw Baltimore hold its race on Oct. 9, Chicago on Oct. 10, and Boston on Oct. 11. Far from a novelty act just to say he did it, the 29-year-old from Silver Spring, Md., completed the three races in a combined 7 hours, 31 minutes, 30 seconds — a heart-pounding, leg-burning time that he’s submitting as a Guinness World Record. (The previous record was 8:11:08; it can take several weeks for Guinness to certify the new record.) On Monday, Tropf crossed the painted stripe on Boylston St. outside the Boston Public Library in 2:32:13, finishing in 110th place. On Sunday, he placed 63rd in Chicago (2:31:54). In Baltimore on Saturday, he finished second (2:27:23). All told, he ran 78.6 miles, averaged 2:30:30 per race, and navigated some 1,700 logistical miles that pushed the limits of performance, recovery, and a new prototype of an Under Armour marathon shoe that is slated for release in 2022.
Curry Brand, powered by Under Armour, supported last weekend’s reopening of Rucker Park, the playground basketball mecca in Harlem that has long been a stage for NBA and streetball legends alike—and a community focal point at 155th and Frederick Douglass Blvd. Despite its cultural prominence, Rucker’s facilities had fallen into disrepair in recent years. And the hoops were even taken down in 2020 as a social-distancing safety measure in response to COVID. But the action was in full swing on Oct. 9, with the National Basketball Players Association having spearheaded a makeover of the court while funding new programming at a nearby community center. The unveiling included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, clinics, games and more. To complement the renovation, Curry Brand will invest in long-term initiatives to support youth athletes in the neighborhood and throughout New York City.
The Baltimore Ravens and Under Armour have partnered to provide grant funding to member schools of the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletics Association (MPSSAA) for the development of high school girls’ flag football programs. The Ravens are committing $250K over five years to support the initiative, with a target launch for the programs in the fall of 2022. This grant accompanies the MPSSAA’s commitment to developing new and innovative athletic opportunities that benefit the physical, social and emotional well-being of female student-athletes. Under Armour – a leading inventor, marketer and distributor of branded athletic performance apparel, footwear and accessories – will outfit custom uniforms for each high school team. The MPSSAA, which annually administers programs for over 111,000 participants from 199 public schools in the 24 local Maryland educational agencies, will institute the league’s rules and facilitate all field setup, uniform guidelines, game official framework and other areas of operation. Through this grant program, female high school students in Maryland will receive new opportunities to participate and enjoy a fast-paced, fun sport that has experienced steady growth throughout the country in recent years. Highlighted by a partnership between the NFL and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, flag football has proven to be an emerging offering for girls. “We are proud to partner with Under Armour on this groundbreaking initiative,” Ravens senior vice president of marketing Brad Downs stated. “Football is the ultimate team sport, and we believe young female student-athletes deserve an opportunity to experience the incredible life lessons it teaches. We’re excited to help establish a program that will create a new varsity sport for high school girls who are eager to play the game of football.” “At Under Armour, we believe everyone should have the opportunity and ability to play sports at every level, particularly young girls whose confidence can be impacted by lack of access to sport,” said Sean Eggert, senior vice president of global sports marketing at Under Armour. “We are proud to support the Baltimore Ravens and MPSSAA to bring flag football to girls across Maryland.” GRANT APPLICATIONS Schools interested in starting a girls’ flag football team can apply for grants to fund their respective programs. Each local school system will be able to apply for a grant through the MPSSAA. All teams participating in the high school girls flag football league will be included in Ravens RISE events and experiences.
Though this year marks the WNBA’s 25th anniversary, it also ushers in a newfound support for the league’s athletes. Season after season, WNBA players have raised their voices about inequities from the gender pay gap to racial injustice, but the public has only recently begun to listen. While Dallas Wings guard Tyasha Harris has a few theories as to why this is, she cares less about the past and more about future results.
Lower temperatures don’t mean you have to put your quest for lower scores on hold. Keep the clubs out all year long and Fight the Cold with Under Armour’s new ColdGear Golf Kit, which combines the best of our innovative winter technologies to keep you warm and dry without restricting any aspect of your swing. Built with our next-generation ColdGear Infrared tech (thermal regulation that delivers optimal warmth) and UA Storm tech (next-gen water repellent), Under Armour is arming golfers to turn 18 holes into 36—or even more—without having to stop in the clubhouse to warm up in even the coldest and wettest conditions.
Troy Grimes, an Under Armour retail teammate from the Charlotte, NC Factory House is set to run 58 miles to celebrate his 58th birthday in the Hot Rod Ultra Marathon in Bowling Green, KY on September 25. His goal is to raise $5,800 for Under Armour community partner, Every Kid Sports. Grimes has been an avid runner for the past 19 years. He initially began running to lose weight and often celebrates key milestones in his life with runs, including running 70 miles to celebrate his 70-pound weight loss several years ago. He is also a baseball fan, former player and umpire in his spare time. To combine his two passions – running and baseball – Troy decided to run the Hot Rod Ultra Marathon which takes place on the Hot Rod Minor League baseball field. Troy will be running 177 laps to complete his 58 miles. While working at the Under Armour Factory House in Charlotte, Troy learned about Under Armour’s partnership with Every Kid Sports, a 501.c.3 non-profit that aims to help kids from income-restricted families experience the positive benefits of playing sports by helping the family cover a portion of their registration fees. Through their signature program, the Every Kid Sports Pass, the organization covers up to $150 of recreational youth sports registration fees up to four times a year, per child aged 4-18. The funding is available to families who qualify for SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid. Customers at Under Armour retail locations in the United States are able to donate to Every Kid Sports at checkout, which has been available since July 2021. To date, Under Armour customers have raised more than $200,000 for Every Kid Sports through donations at checkout. “I am so excited that I am able to combine my love of baseball and running with the Hot Rod Ultra Marathon,” said Troy Grimes, Under Armour Teammate. “As a father and fan of sports, I have first-hand experience seeing the positive impact that youth sports can have on young kids, which is why I am honored to be raising money for Every Kids Sports.”
Youth sports coaches in underserved communities have long worked double duty, offering young athletes mental and emotional support in addition to skills instruction. This holds true for team leaders in Oakland, California, where nearly one third of children live in poverty. “I’ve always said that to coach here in Oakland, you have to be more than a coach,” said Franky Navarro, who grew up playing sports in the area and is now commissioner of the Oakland Unified School District’s (OUSD) Oakland Athletic League. “You have to embrace the fact you’re a mentor — or even an ‘uncle’ or ‘aunt’ — to some of these kids. You have to have that mentality that you want to go above and beyond.”