U.S. RUGBY PLAYERS ASSOCIATION JOINS REP WORLDWIDE TO BUILD PLAYER-DRIVEN GROUP LICENSING BUSINESS

LAS VEGAS, May 22, 2018 – As rugby continues to grow in popularity among American audiences, REP Worldwide announced today, in conjunction with the 2018 Licensing Expo, that it has added the United States Rugby Players Association (USRPA) as its newest client. The agreement with the USRPA includes both men’s and women’s group player rights.

Launched in 2017 by the NFL Players Association’s (NFLPA) licensing and marketing arm, NFL Players Inc., REP Worldwide (Representing Every Player) is a first-of-its-kind group player representation business offering licensing and brand management services to athlete-driven sports properties.

The USRPA, which is independently governed by the players and includes all rugby athletes who represent U.S. National Teams, has helped accelerate the interest in one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. Interest in rugby and its players is at fever pitch as excitement is building for men’s and women’s competition at the Rugby Sevens World Cup 2018 in San Francisco this July 20-22, the first time a Rugby World Cup has been played on American soil. Members of USA Rugby will also represent the country in the sport’s signature event, the Rugby World Cup in Japan, where the men’s team will first take the pitch on September 26, 2019 against England.

“Timing could not be better for us to welcome this extraordinary group of athletes to the REP Worldwide team,” said Steve Scebelo, president of REP Worldwide. “The tenacity and toughness that rugby players exhibit in the game will be a huge support in building a new group licensing program featuring their likenesses, as this global powerhouse of a sport continues to gain momentum and appeal in the U.S.”

The USRPA joins REP Worldwide’s client roster alongside the U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association, both of which recently announced their first slate of licensed partners. REP Worldwide will provide resources and representation to the USRPA as the organization seeks to build and manage a robust and sustainable group licensing and player-marketing program.

“With rugby on the rise in the U.S., we see significant opportunity for our players to benefit from the type of group licensing and player marketing programs that REP Worldwide can deliver,” said Michael Young, USRPA executive director. “We’re excited to partner with REP Worldwide to put their tremendous expertise to work in support of our elite men and women players.”

As part of the agreement, REP Worldwide will structure and manage USRPA licensing partnerships across merchandise categories including digital, apparel and hardlines. Additionally, REP Worldwide will consult on marketing activation, driving support for players and licensees at retail, as well as develop content opportunities via ACE Media, the NFLPA’s content and production subsidiary.

“Our partnership with REP Worldwide will provide us with meaningful ways to focus on revenue creation on behalf of our members,” said Blaine Scully, USRPA Chairperson and USA Eagles Men’s Captain. “With the sport experiencing considerable growth in the U.S., we see the opportunity that exists for our membership to benefit off the pitch from a strong sports licensing program.”

About United States Rugby Players Association

The USRPA is founded by the players for the players of the U.S. National Teams to promote the highest quality player experience and assist in negotiations and dialogue with USA Rugby. Established in 2016, the organization represents U.S. National Team members in their communication with USA Rugby, while being committed to improving the quality of rugby in the United States, encouraging involvement and promoting interest in rugby at all levels.

About the NFL Players Association

The National Football League Players Association is the union for professional football players in the National Football League. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players’ interests. The NFLPA has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to assure that the rights of players are protected—including ceasing to be a union, if necessary, as it did in 1989. In 1993, the NFLPA again was officially recognized as the union representing the players, and negotiated a landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NFL. The current CBA will govern the sport through 2020.

About NFL Players Inc.

NFL Players Inc., the licensing and marketing arm of the NFLPA, connects businesses to the power of NFL players. NFL Players Inc. creates customized business solutions for partners, through licensing, marketing strategy and player activations. For more information, please visit nflpa.com/players.

About REP Worldwide

Built on a foundation of the NFLPA’s more than 25 years operating a successful sports group licensing program that builds off-field revenue growth that supplements athletes’ on-field earnings, REP Worldwide provides group licensing services for athlete-driven sports properties. The NFLPA is the majority shareholder of REP Worldwide and works in collaboration with its founding partners, the U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association (USWNTPA) and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA). Please visit www.repeveryplayer.com for additional information.

Media Contacts:
Jenna Sobray, 202-572-7458 or jenna.sobray@nflpa.com
Stephanie Martin, BrandForward, 415-565-9234 or stephaniemartin@bfwd.com

U.S. WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM PLAYERS ASSOCIATION SCORES THREE NEW LICENSEES VIA REP WORLDWIDE

LAS VEGAS, May 22, 2018 – In a move to bolster its group licensing program, the U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association (USWNTPA) has signed its first three licensees via REP Worldwide, its group licensing and player-marketing representation agency. Ruffneck Scarves, Strideline and Build-A-Head have agreed to multiyear deals to create player-identified products for a fan base eager to support the U.S. Women’s National Team as its prepares for qualifying competition on the road to the 2019 FIFA World Cup.

“This is great news for players, fans and women’s soccer overall as we head into an exciting year of competition. Adding Ruffneck, Stridleine and Build-A-Head as partners means that we’ll have a variety of licensed products out in the market that represent the incredible passion and support that our fans demonstrate year-round,” said Meghan Klingenberg, US Women’s National Team player and REP Worldwide athlete advisory board member

• As scarves are a primary symbol of support for soccer players and fans, category leader Ruffneck will produce the first officially licensed line of high-quality scarves branded with the images, names and numbers of the U.S. Women’s National Team players.

• Strideline, a leading manufacturer of sports socks featuring player images, will offer fans a new way to show their pride by creating a distinctive line of Women’s National Team player-identified socks as part of its new women’s collection.

• Build-A-Head will give fans a chance to make an oversized statement of support by creating officially licensed Women’s National Team player face cutouts, face heart cutouts, name and number cutouts, cutout keychains and ornaments.

The USWNTPA, which represents the rights of women soccer players on the United States Women’s National Team, features a diverse roster of players and personalities that points to continued excellence of women’s soccer in the U.S.

REP Worldwide (Representing Every Player) launched in November 2017 as a first-of-its-kind group player representation business that offers licensing and brand management services to athlete-driven sports properties. NFL Players Inc., the licensing and marketing arm of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) was joined by founding partners – the U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association. Please visit www.repeveryplayer.com for additional information.

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WNBPA INKS FIRST THREE LICENSEES VIA REP WORLDWIDE

LAS VEGAS, May 22, 2018 – In a giant step forward to further develop its group licensing program, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) has signed its first three deals via REP Worldwide, the player union’s group licensing representation partner. Strideline, Build-A-Head and Original Retro Brand join the WNBPA licensing business in multiyear deals to create player-branded products and merchandise for the players’ legions of fans.

“Working with REP Worldwide, we are excited to reenergize the women’s basketball community with an assortment of fun new products. Partners like Strideline, Build-A-Head and Original Retro Brand are the perfect fit to launch our licensing program because they have a commitment to the fans, the sport and us, the athletes,” said Nneka Ogwumike of the LA Sparks, president of the WNBPA executive committee and REP Worldwide athlete advisory board member.

Premium sports sock manufacturer Strideline will create a uniquely designed line of WNBA player licensed socks as part of its inaugural women’s collection. Additionally, the Seattle-based company will be providing players a chance to learn about the business and gain important career-building skills through offseason internships as part of a planned WNBPA player internship program.

Fans love to show support for their favorite players – and collecting giant cutout faces of the bright stars of the WNBA is no exception. Build-A-Head will for the first time celebrate the WNBPA’s diverse female athletes by creating a series of high-quality player face cutouts, face heart cutouts, name and number cutouts, as well as cutout keychains and ornaments.

Through its partnership with cutting edge fashion company, Original Retro Brand, WNBA players’ collegiate name and number will be co-branded on vintage tee-shirts, long-sleeved tee-shirts and hoodies. The initial line is planned to include players who attended Connecticut, Delaware, Tennessee, Baylor and Notre Dame.

There is rising excitement and momentum around the members of the WNBPA – which was the first labor union for professional female athletes – following historic levels in attendance, viewership, social media engagement and merchandise sales during the WNBA’s most recent postseason. Season tipoff is May 18, 2018.

REP Worldwide (Representing Every Player) launched in November 2017 as a first-of-its-kind group player representation business that offers licensing and brand management services to athlete-driven sports properties. NFL Players Inc., the licensing and marketing arm of the NFL Players Association was joined by founding partners, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association and the U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association. Please visit www.repeveryplayer.com for additional information.
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– U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association and Women’s National Basketball Players Association join as founding partners –

WASHINGTON, November 13, 2017 – In a move to bolster group licensing opportunities and provide the ability for athletes to support athletes in growing their business, REP Worldwide (Representing Every Player) launched today as a first-of-its-kind group player representation business that offers licensing and brand management services to athlete-driven sports properties.

NFL Players Inc., the licensing and marketing arm of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) is joined by founding partners – the U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association (USWNTPA) and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA).

The NFLPA is the majority shareholder and will work in collaboration with its founding partners to develop the business. REP Worldwide will feature an athlete advisory board and an executive board, each comprised of representatives from its founding partners.

Given its more than 25 years operating a successful sports group licensing program, as well as experience launching diverse businesses, the NFLPA and its partners are well-positioned to alter the playing field with this new venture. REP Worldwide will offer extensive resources and expert representation to a selectively cultivated portfolio of athlete-driven sports properties, as they seek to govern their brands. The ultimate goal is to create and manage sustainable group licensing and player-marketing programs.

REP Worldwide’s initial representation services will include: strategic planning; leveraging athlete intellectual property group rights; structuring licenses and sponsorships; consulting on marketing activation strategy; driving support for players and licensees at retail; as well as developing unique content opportunities across platforms via ACE Media, the NFLPA’s content and production subsidiary.

The USWNTPA represents the rights of women soccer players in the United States, including the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. Fueled by support at home and abroad, the 2015 team was part of the most-watched soccer game in U.S. history in its win over Japan to capture its third World Cup. The USWNTPA’s roster of stars along with its development of up-and-coming players and personalities points to a bright future both on the pitch and off.

The pioneering WNBPA – the first labor union for professional female athletes and the current union of women’s professional basketball players in the WNBA – protects the rights of its players and assists them in achieving their full potential on and off the court. There is a high level of excitement and momentum around the members of the WNBPA following historic levels in attendance, viewership, social media engagement, and merchandise sales during the WNBA’s most recent postseason.

As the connection between players and fans is stronger than ever because of social media engagement and the demand for unique, player-driven merchandise continues to grow across all sports, REP Worldwide, fueled by the success of the NFL Players Inc. business model, is at the forefront of this upward trend in sports licensing. Please visit www.repeveryplayer.com  for additional information.

EXECUTIVE AND PLAYER QUOTES

“We’re excited about the potential of this new business. Building on the athlete likeness commercialization successes we’ve seen through the NFLPA, REP Worldwide can immediately stand alone in terms of what it can offer athletes and partners alike.”

– AHMAD NASSAR, PRESIDENT, NFL PLAYERS INC.

“NFL Players Inc. is an incredible model that has generated a lot of success for NFL players and our union. I’m sure opening up our model to other players and sports services with REP Worldwide will allow them to enjoy the same kind of results and benefits that I’ve enjoyed. I’m excited to get this business started and lend my support in helping grow all group player licensing programs.”

– JOHNSON BADEMOSI, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

“The UWSNT is excited to be a part of this new organization – one that understands and believes in the value and group marketing opportunities creating by our USWNT players. Coming off the back of an incredibly successful year for women’s soccer, both in the U.S. and abroad, we see enormous potential to capitalize on the group licensing and marketing opportunities through REP Worldwide. We’re looking forward to working with our REP Worldwide partners to bring the organization’s offerings and expertise to other athletes and teams.”
— BECCA ROUX, INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, USWNTPA

“The players of the USWNT are proud to partner with the NFLPA and WNBPA on this new venture, which ultimately is about athletes supporting athletes to help each of us, and our teams, maximize their value and potential. Our team has had phenomenal success in the past several years, both on the field and commercially, and we are excited about the even greater heights we can reach working with REP Worldwide. And, we are pleased to be founding partners in an organization that will help other athletes and teams do the same.”
– MEGHAN KLINGENBERG, PLAYER REPRESENTATIVE, USWNTPA

“Working with REP Worldwide gives the WNBPA a leap forward in our group licensing program. The WNBPA is the first sports union for women and next year we celebrate our twentieth anniversary. We want this milestone year to include maximizing all licensing and marketing opportunities for our incredible and diverse athletes.”
– TERRI JACKSON, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, WNBPA

“On behalf of the WNBPA Executive Committee and the player membership, we are thrilled with this opportunity and see it as a great fit. NFL Players Inc’s recognition of the WNBPA as a founder and an equity partner creates a collaboration that not only aligns with our vision, but that also strengthens our collective voice.”
– NNEKA OGWUMIKE, PRESIDENT OF WNBPA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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ABOUT THE NFLPA

The National Football League Players Association is the union for professional football players in the National Football League. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players’ interests. The NFLPA has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to assure that the rights of players are protected—including ceasing to be a union, if necessary, as it did in 1989. In 1993, the NFLPA again was officially recognized as the union representing the players, and negotiated a landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NFL. The current CBA will govern the sport through 2020.

ABOUT NFL PLAYERS INC.

NFL Players Inc., the licensing and marketing arm of the NFLPA, connects businesses to the power of NFL players. NFL Players Inc. creates customized business solutions for partners, through licensing, marketing strategy and player activations. At $1.6 billion in retail sales in 2016, the NFLPA ranks as one of the 40 largest global licensors, and has earned industry awards as a best-in-class licensing and player-marketing business.  For more information, please visit nflpa.com/players.

ABOUT THE USWNTPA

The USWNTPA serves as a leading advocate for women’s soccer players, pioneering a new era of women’s soccer as a preeminent sport. The primary mission of the USWNTPA is to protect the rights of WNT players and to advance and safeguard the economic and social welfare of all WNT players, both on and off the field. The USWNTPA is committed to raising the level of women’s soccer domestically and continuing to grow the game worldwide.

ABOUT THE WNBPA

The Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) is the union for current women’s professional basketball players in the WNBA. The WNBPA is the first labor union for professional women athletes. It was created in 1998 to protect the rights of players and assist them in achieving their full potential on and off the court. The WNBPA handles the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, filing grievances on their behalf, and counseling players on benefits and post-WNBA career opportunities. The WNBPA also serves as a resource for current players, while they are competing internationally during the offseason. The WNBPA encourages players to participate in union activities – including executive leadership roles, team representative positions, and global community outreach initiatives.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
NFLPA: Jenna Sobray / jenna.sobray@nflpa.com / 202-572-7458
USWNTPA: Kaye Verville / kaye@mollylevinson.com / 207-807-2835 or Molly Levinson / molly@mollylevinson.com / 917-584-4342

WNBPA: Michael Goldsholl / michael.goldsholl@wnbpa.com / 212-655-0906