Need more proof that pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America? Check out this news item from a company you might not necessarily associate with team sports.

Original Penguin by Munsingwear, a division of Perry Ellis, recently signed top-ranked pickleball pros Lucy Kovalova and Matt Wright as brand ambassadors. Wright and Kovalova, former collegiate tennis players, will be showcasing Original Penguin’s Racquet and Paddle Fall 2022 collections. 

“We are thrilled to have Matt Wright and Lucy Kovalova join the Original Penguin team as brand ambassadors,” says Oscar Feldenkreis, CEO of Perry Ellis. “As the number one ranked mixed doubles team on the PPA Tour and U.S. Open Champions, Matt and Lucy have cemented themselves as true stars in the sport. We are confident they will represent Original Penguin with winning style on and off the court. 

“We are also ecstatic to be at the forefront of one of the fastest-growing sports for men and women of all ages and see a tremendous opportunity to expand our footprint in a growing paddle sports community,” he adds. “Additionally, our sponsorship of USA Pickleball reaffirms our commitment to the pickleball community by bringing functional style and iconic logoed apparel to pickleball players, tournament officials and referees.”

The collection’s inspiration merges retro styling with “original” twists in classic silhouettes and prints. Fabrics include sustainable recycled yarns with elastane blends, Repreve, 4-way stretch, lightweight, moisture-wicking blends, and UPF sun protection properties. Detail elements include power mesh for ventilation, piping, novelty logo details, and pockets.