WHP Global, owner of the Lotto brand, launched its first pickleball collection at Dick’s Sporting Goods. The retailer will serve as the brand’s U.S. anchor retail partner in-store and online.
Lotto’s new pickleball line, which expands beyond its soccer and tennis collections, includes equipment and footwear for both men and women.
Tied to the announcement, Major League Pickleball and PPA Tour player Pablo Tellez, recently traded from the Texas Ranchers to the Brooklyn Aces, added his name to Lotto’s roster of over 300 athletes globally.
The Lotto pickleball collection at Dick’s features a variety of paddles, including the Ultimo Pro (14mm and 16mm), Ultimo (14mm and 16mm), and Arco (16mm). The collection also includes the Mirage and Raptor footwear lines.
“Adding Pablo Tellez to our roster of pro athletes is a strategic move as we build a presence in pickleball—the fastest growing participation sport in the U.S.,” said Jameel Spencer, chief marketing officer of Fashion and Athletic Verticals at WHP Global. “With our pickleball collection now at Dick’s Sporting Goods stores and online, we are applying the same meticulous approach and attention to detail that has made Lotto world-renowned for innovation and performance in footwear and apparel for over 50 years.”
Effy Zinkin, COO at WHP Global, added, “We are enjoying tremendous success with our soccer and tennis lines at Dick’s Sporting Goods, and we are excited to strengthen our partnership with the leading sporting goods retailer as we introduce our innovative pickleball collection to a wider audience. This collaboration underscores our commitment and strategic vision for growing the Lotto brand in emerging sports categories like pickleball.”
Alongside Pablo Tellez, Lotto welcomed former tennis player Jhonnatan Medina Alvarez as a brand ambassador. Alvarez, now a pickleball player and private pickleball and tennis coach, brings three decades of experience in tennis and pickleball.
Tellez and Alvarez join Lotto athlete partners in the U.S., including USWNT and Seattle Reign FC defender Sofia Huerta, St. Louis City SC defender Tim Parker and Fox Sports host and former MLS and U.S. Men’s National Team player Stu Holden.
In June, Lotto announced a strategic partnership with the Brooklyn Aces, joining an ownership group that includes Kevin Durant, Rich Kleiman, Drake, Michael B. Jordan, and others. Lotto became the first athletic brand to co-own a professional pickleball team and is the team’s official apparel sponsor, with branding integrated into the Brooklyn Aces logo and on player apparel.
Images courtesy Lotto
