U.S. Polo Assn. Named Official Apparel Sponsor of China Open Polo Tournament as Brand Continues Aggressive Growth Agenda for China

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Sept. 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL), the official licensing arm and broadcaster of the United States Polo Association (USPA), along with its China licensing partner, Yicai Brands Management, is pleased to announce that U.S. Polo Assn. will be the official apparel sponsor of the 2018 China Open Polo Tournament, recognized as one of the largest and most high-profile international polo tournaments in China.

The event will take place on Sunday, Sept. 30 at the Tang Polo Club in Beijing, and will be the fourth consecutive year that U.S. Polo Assn. has been a major sponsor of the tournament. This year the tournament showcases four international polo teams including Brunei, England, Malaysia and host country, China. U.S. Polo Assn. will be providing official jerseys for players and uniforms for event staff, authentically connecting the brand and the sport for consumers and sports fans across mainland China.

With a global footprint exceeding $1.6B in retail sales and a brand presence in 166 countries worldwide, China has become a major growth market for U.S. Polo Assn. as the brand targets $2B in global sales. The brand plans to have over 300 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores in China over the next five years, representing one of the largest retail footprints for an international apparel brand in the Chinese marketplace. In early 2018, U.S. Polo Assn. became the first global brand to relocate its Chinese operations to the city of Changshu, also known globally as "Apparel City," into its new home in the Changshu Brand Operations Center. The operations center specializes in product design, research & development, marketing, social media and e-commerce.

"With our amazing partner, Yicai, U.S. Polo Assn. is building a significant brand presence in China while also driving tremendous long-term growth. We are also excited to be the official apparel sponsor for the prestigious China Open Polo Tournament. This will be another opportunity to build global brand awareness while also engaging consumers and sports fans in the sport and lifestyle of polo in one of the most important markets in the world," commented USPAGL President & CEO, J. Michael Prince. 

Yicai President, Justin Xu, commented, "We are proud to be part of U.S. Polo Assn. and are excited about building the brand and our long-term growth opportunities in China. We are also honored to be a major sponsor for the China Open Polo Tournament recognized as one of the most prestigious polo tournaments in China."

About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global Licensing Inc.

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States founded in 1890, making it one of the oldest sports governing bodies.  With a global footprint of $1.6B and worldwide distribution through 1,000 U.S. Polo Assn. stores, department stores, independent retailers and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women and children, as well as accessories, footwear, travel and home goods in 166 countries worldwide. 

USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL) is the for-profit subsidiary of the USPA and the exclusive worldwide licensor for the USPA's global licensing program. USPAGL is the steward of the USPA's intellectual properties, providing the sport with a long-term source of revenue. Additionally, USPAGL also produces global broadcasts to bring the sport of polo to consumers and sports fans around the world.

For further information, contact:

Shannon Stilson - Senior Director, Marketing

Phone +001.561.227.6994 ? E-mail: [email protected] 

Visit our website at www.uspolo.org

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SOURCE USPA Global Licensing Inc.