Spalding, a trademark of Russell Brands, LLC, will again be associated with the King of the Beach (KOB) Volleyball tour, the most recognized brand in the sport of outdoor volleyball which will ascend to the beaches of Southern California, Florida, NY, NJ, Chicago, Virginia, Seattle, and Colorado.
 
Spalding is the headline sponsor and official volleyball of more than 20 marquis events and 1,000 events throughout North America this summer. Its partnership with key event promoters throughout the country will continue to leverage and reaffirm the King of the Beach brand. The event series, designated Spalding – King/Queen of the Beach will include KOB branded signage, on-site PA’s, inflatable, web link, on-site and social media promotions.
 
“King of the Beach is the premier volleyball platform throughout the summer, so to associate our Spalding® brand with King and Queen of the Beach events provides a strong recreational presence to a wide range of key demographics,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of Spalding. “We are seeing steady growth in volleyball participation and our sales volumes are trending positively with our success of the official KOB Game Ball which is considered by many to be one of the best beach balls in the industry.”
 
Karch Kiraly, a Spalding Ambassador to volleyball and the quintessential King of the Beach and current coach of the U.S. women’s volleyball team competing in international competition will be highlighted as the “King of the Beach” icon – due to his illustrious career.  Usage of his image, namesake, and appearances at select marketing events will highlight this promotion. 
 
Associated with the Spalding brand for close to 20 years, Kiraly’s prestigious career includes winning three medals representing the U.S. at the highest level of international competition, including the U.S. National team championships in 1984, 1988 and the Beach Volleyball Gold Medal in 1996.  Kiraly went on to great success on the beach, winning 148 tournaments and more prize money than any player in the history of the pro beach volleyball tour.