Sponsorship Marks Popular European Brand’s First Entry into Racquet Sports in the United States 

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‍Delray Beach, FL and New York, NY (September 3, 2024) - DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) presented by Delaware Life announced Osaka, the leading sports and lifestyle brand in padel, field hockey and other emerging sports, is making its first entry into pickleball as the official apparel sponsor of DUPR Collegiate Pickleball. Together, Osaka and DUPR will further advance the growth of collegiate pickleball and support more opportunities for collegiate athletes to compete regionally and nationwide. 

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Osaka World was founded in 2011 in Antwerp, Belgium, with the commitment to fuse sports heritage with lifestyle. Named after one of the biggest cities in Japan because of our great admiration for Japanese culture and its design ethos, Osaka World operates on a design principle where less is more, striving for design inspired by versatility, functionality and durability. With a spirit of inclusivity and innovation, Osaka World embraces a diverse range of sports and activities. From the intensity of field hockey to the finesse of padel and pickleball, Osaka World’s offerings are meant to elevate a players game and enhance their lifestyle. The brand’s offerings extend beyond sports equipment, encompassing apparel for other racket sports, teamwear, fitness essentials, and the recently launched women’s focused fashion-conscious sport range. 

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Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR, said: “Collegiate pickleball is the fastest growing segment of the game, and we’re honored to have the support of Osaka as we continue to create more opportunities and pathways for athletes to compete. This year will be our biggest slate of events yet, and it's an honor to have partners like Osaka to make the experience even better for the thousands of players who participate in the DUPR Collegiate tour.” 

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Valentin Debouche, USA Executive Director of Osaka said: “DUPR is heavily invested in the growth and legitimacy of pickleball in the US. They are present on all fronts and are always looking for more initiatives to be involved with. For a brand like Osaka entering a new market and space with pickleball, this is what you look for in partners. We are honored to partner with DUPR and support the growth of collegiate pickleball.” 

Since holding its first event in 2022, DUPR’s college program has solidified its position as the premier tour in the world, establishing a circuit of over 250 collegiate pickleball programs and 1,300 athletes to compete and earn prize money. In 2024, the DUPR Collegiate Tour will run 27 regional and national events, with opportunities for collegiate players to compete at the same events as the professionals through its partnership with the United Pickleball Association.

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To sign up for events and learn more, please visit www.dupr.com/collegiate.

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About Osaka World‍

Meet Osaka World, the epitome of vibrant athleticism and timeless style. Rooted in the heart of sports culture, we’ve evolved from our humble beginnings in field hockey to become a dynamic sports lifestyle brand that transcends boundaries. 

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At Osaka World, we believe in empowering athletes of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re a young enthusiast stepping onto the court for the first time or a seasoned pro seeking performance-enhancing gear, we’ve got you covered. 

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With Osaka World, it’s not just about the game—it’s about embracing the spirit of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and self-expression. Join us on this exhilarating journey as we redefine what it means to live life with passion and purpose.

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About DUPR Presented by Delaware Life 

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) presented by Delaware Life, is the premier global pickleball rating system and technology platform, trusted by the world's leading clubs, tournaments, leagues, and players. DUPR's dynamic rating system unifies pickleball across age, gender, and location by analyzing match results to accurately evaluate all players across a 2.000 - 8.000 scale. 

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DUPR is the official pickleball rating of leagues, tournaments and clubs around the world, including UPA, PPA, MLP, Pickleball.com, LifeTime, The Picklr, National Team Pickleball League, National Pickleball League, Pickleball England and Asian Pickleball Association, among others. Players and operators can visit www.dupr.com to sign up and learn more. 

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To learn more about Osaka's strategic partnership with DUPR, read the Q&A with Osaka here.