Major League Pickleball (MLP) and Toray Industries Inc. Announce Partnership
Major League Pickleball (MLP) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Toray Industries Inc., a composite materials manufacturer based in Tokyo, Japan. This partnership marks Toray as the first-ever Asia-based partner of MLP, expanding the league’s brand reach internationally as pickleball continues to grow in popularity domestically.
The agreement names Toray as a platinum partner with Kitchen branding at MLP’s professional, coed, team pickleball events. This collaboration has been in the works for several months, with both parties excited about the potential it brings to the sport. Toray’s involvement will not only shape future global paddle production but also create business-to-business opportunities at cities along the MLP schedule.
George Killebrew, UPA chief revenue officer, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “They will be our partner, helping to shape future global paddle production. The Toray branding of MLP’s kitchen — as well as several business-to-business opportunities at cities along the MLP schedule — will help make Toray a household name and a well-recognized brand in the U.S.”
Toray’s president and CEO, Mitsuo Ohya, shared his vision for the partnership, emphasizing the company’s commitment to supporting the development of pickleball globally and promoting health and well-being through sports. Toray’s long history of supporting various sports in the Asia-Pacific region aligns with its goal of contributing to the growth and innovation of pickleball in the U.S.
Through this partnership, Toray aims to raise awareness of its composite materials, which have applications in pickleball paddles, pickleballs, and sports apparel. The company’s carbon fiber products are already used in high-grade paddles, and Toray plans to enhance performance by providing higher-quality carbon fibers in paddle designs and using Toray resins in pickleball manufacturing.
Overall, Toray’s collaboration with MLP highlights its commitment to advancing the sport of pickleball and creating functional products that improve the competitive level of the game. This partnership not only benefits MLP and Toray but also opens up opportunities for co-creation partners to address global challenges such as climate change, resource circulation, and health and medical care.
