Lotto announced a strategic partnership with the Brooklyn Aces, becoming the first athletic brand in the ownership group of a professional pickleball team. The Italian sports brand joined celebrity owners Kevin Durant, Rich Kleiman, Drake, and Michael B. Jordan. The partnership will also make Lotto the team’s official apparel sponsor.
In 2023, Lotto announced a partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods to serve as the U.S. anchor retail partner for Lotto’s soccer and racquet sport products.
“With Lotto’s heritage in soccer and racquet sports, pickleball’s explosion on the scene presents a natural opportunity for brand growth,” said Jameel Spencer, chief marketing officer, fashion and athletic verticals, at WHP Global, owner of the Lotto brand. “The ownership group assembled by the Brooklyn Aces offers a dynamic blend of culture and sports that makes this venture an exciting investment.”
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Lotto as part of the Brooklyn Aces team,” said Boardroom CEO and Aces majority owner Rich Kleiman. “Not only are they committed to the growth of this team, but to the growth of pickleball as a whole.”
The partnership is subject to customary closing conditions.
Brooklyn Aces, founded by Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman, competes in Major League Pickleball (MLP). Team minority owners include Grammy-winning artist Drake; actor and entrepreneur Michael B. Jordan; UnitedMasters and Translation Founder and CEO Steve Stoute; CityPickle co-founders Mary Cannon and Erica Desai; LionTree Chairman & CEO Aryeh Bourkoff; Baby2Baby Co-CEO Kelly Sawyer Patricof; and Hunting Lane Founder Jamie Patricof. among others.
Photo courtesy Lotto
