NEW BALANCE WELCOMES MLB SUPERSTAR SHOHEI OHTANI TO THE FAMI NEW BALANCE WELCOMES MLB SUPERSTAR SHOHEI OHTANI TO THE FAMI
1/31/2023

NEW BALANCE WELCOMES MLB SUPERSTAR SHOHEI OHTANI TO THE FAMI

New Balance and Shohei come together to change the game and break barriers

 

Boston, MA – January 31, 2023 - Today, Two-Time MLB All-Star and 2021 American League MVP, Shohei Ohtani joins the New Balance family as part of a long-term deal. As one of the few two-way players to ever play the game, and only player to ever be named All-MLB First Team as a pitcher and a hitter (DH), Shohei and New Balance will build a relationship that celebrates breaking barriers and inspires the next generation of athletes around the world.

 

“As I continue my journey in baseball I am excited to join the New Balance family,” says Shohei. “New Balance is a global brand that is known for having incredible product innovation but also for being an authentic brand who allows their athletes to be themselves. I am excited to join with them to change the game.”

 

As the first athlete in the history of baseball to be named as a starting pitcher and leadoff hitter in the MLB All-Star game, Shohei is no stranger to doing things his way since the very beginning. Shohei was a powerhouse high school athlete and chose to stay in Japan for his first years as a professional, gaining several accolades, including five NPB All-Star selections and was crowned Japan Series Champion in 2016. Shohei signed an MLB contract in 2018, immediately making an impact and earning the American League Rookie of the Year Award. Entering his sixth year in the league, Shohei is often referred to as super-human and someone who is held in high regard for his dominance on the field but also for his gracious demeanor off the field.

 

“Shohei is a once-in-a-generation athlete who fits with our larger roster of athletes in their approach to their respective sports,'' says Neil Brooks, Head of Baseball Sports Marketing. “Shohei is never satisfied and is constantly pushing himself and his team to be better while letting his on-field performance speak for itself. We look forward to building the relationship and helping Shohei achieve his dreams and in the process truly change the game as we know it.”

 

 

 

New Balance will work with Shohei on a variety of campaigns across the brand, the first will be a special, limited-edition 574 Cleat, a new take on one of the brand’s classic models. This will represent the first time the iconic 574 model will appear on the field, bringing the culture of the ballpark and the fashion forward style together. The 574 Cleat matches up in pattern and aesthetic to the 574, however the cleat version includes changes to the interior that ensure this cleat is fit for the field and has all the fit, support and performance elements. The 574 Cleat will launch in February at www.newbalance.com with the suggested retail price starting at $120.

Shohei joins a stellar roster of athletes who are leaders in their respective sports such as Kawhi Leonard, Sydney McLaughlin, Coco Gauff, Raheem Sterling, Sadio Mane and more. The common thread throughout the New Balance roster of athletes is their ability push through physical limits and ensure a lasting impact within the world of sports but also in the communities in which they are a part.

 

About New Balance

New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, has the following purpose: Independent since 1906, we empower people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. New Balance MADE U.S. footwear contains a domestic value of 70% or more. MADE makes up a limited portion of New Balance’s U.S. sales. New Balance owns five factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K. New Balance employs more than 7,000 associates around the globe, and in 2021 reported worldwide sales of $4.4 billion. To learn more about New Balance, please visit www.newbalance.com and for the latest press information please visit http://newbalance.newsmarket.com.

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NEW BALANCE REVEALS THE ALL NEW FRESH FOAM BB IN PARIS NEW BALANCE REVEALS THE ALL NEW FRESH FOAM BB IN PARIS
1/19/2023

NEW BALANCE REVEALS THE ALL NEW FRESH FOAM BB IN PARIS

Boston, MA – January 19, 2023 – Today, New Balance will unveil the Fresh Foam BB worn by Chicago Bulls Guard Zach LaVine when he takes the court against the Detroit Pistons in Paris. The Fresh Foam BB is the newest addition to the brands basketball portfolio and its midsole features the award-winning Fresh Foam technology.

 

The Fresh Foam BB limited edition ‘Paris’ colorway will be available exclusively at www.NewBalance.com starting January 20th with the suggested retail price of $130. The second and global launch colorway, called ‘Virtual’ will be available at www.NewBalance.com and select retailers starting February 3rd with additional colorways that will launch throughout the season. 

 

“I have been working with the New Balance design team on this launch since I first joined the brand, so I am really excited to be able to talk about it and wear it on court,” says New Balance Athlete and Two-Time NBA All Star Zach LaVine. “The feel of this shoe is incredible. The combination of the soft ride with the right mix of stability allows me to focus on my game while my feet stay fresh.”

 

New Balance designers used the latest advancements in data-to-design to deliver precisely tuned cushioning underfoot, ideal for players who want to effortlessly play both ends of the court. Fresh Foam delivers a cushioned ride and the TPU cage on the lateral side adds stability to allow for sharp cuts on the court. A seamless lightweight one-piece FitWeave upper provides 360 degrees of support and comfort.

 

“With the addition of the new Fresh Foam BB to our hoops line, we now offer innovative comfort and performance for every style of play,” says Trent Casper New Balance General Manager for Performance Basketball. “The Fresh Foam BB gives players optimal cushioning with a smooth heal to toe transition. We continue to design for the position less player and the Fresh Foam BB gives athletes another on-court option that will help keep their feet fresh in the fourth.”

 

The limited-edition Fresh Foam BB ‘Paris’ is inspired by the charming, colorful aesthetics found in the architecture of the Rue Cremieux featuring bold, bright colors found on the popular street. The Fresh Foam BB ‘Virtual’ draws its inspiration from the digital extension of the game and the love players have both on the physical court and the digital one, bringing pops of blue, red and yellow.

 

For more information please visit www.newbalance.com/basketball.

 

About New Balance

New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, has the following purpose: Independent since 1906, we empower people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. New Balance MADE U.S. footwear contains a domestic value of 70% or more. MADE makes up a limited portion of New Balance’s U.S. sales. New Balance owns five factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K. New Balance employs more than 7,000 associates around the globe, and in 2021 reported worldwide sales of $4.4 billion. To learn more about New Balance, please visit www.newbalance.com and for the latest press information please visit http://newbalance.newsmarket.com.

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NEW BALANCE SIGNS RISING US STAR MICHELLE COOPER NEW BALANCE SIGNS RISING US STAR MICHELLE COOPER
1/13/2023

NEW BALANCE SIGNS RISING US STAR MICHELLE COOPER

JANUARY 13, 2023 – New Balance Football has announced 2022 MAC Hermann Trophy winner and 2022 ACC Offensive Player of the Year Michelle Cooper officially joins the brands roster. As one of the top prospects in the upcoming U.S. Women's National League draft Michelle joins New Balance ahead of an exciting year for women's soccer and represents the brand's commitment to championing the next generation of talent.

Leaving college following her sophomore season, Michelle has been in phenomenal form during her short college career, posting the school record for most goals (31) and points (78) through a Sophomore season while leading them to back to back NCAA Tournaments. She finishes her time at Duke as a history maker, becoming the first female to leave early for professional football and the first striker to score five goals in their first five games.

On the international stage, she is already beginning to make waves after winning the Golden Boot and Golden Ball at the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship as well as captain and leading scorer of the U-20 U.S. National Team at the 2022 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Michelle said: “I chose New Balance because they stand for more than just on the field performance. Their values, goals and what they stand for align with exactly who I am and want to be on and off the field.”

In 2023 the world will be focused on women’s football and Michelle becomes the latest female player to join New Balance Football as the brand expands its support and dedication to nurturing uprising talent. She joins NWSL Champion and Costa Rican star Rocky Rodriquez, Spain Midfielders Claudia Zornoza and Sheila Garcia and Portuguese midfielder Tatiana Pinto.

Andrew McGarty, New Balance Head of Global Football Sports Marketing said: “We are honoured to have Michelle join the New Balance family. We are excited for the world to see what an amazing, young talent Michelle is on and off the pitch and be a part of her story as she leaves her mark on the sport for years to come.”

ENDS

About New Balance Football

New Balance Football takes an original approach to designing and developing product, focusing on the unique needs of the player and the game. This is reflected in the quality of the sponsorships it has secured, including an enviable line up of some of the world’s great football clubs including AS Roma, FC Porto, Athletic Club and LOSC Lille as well as a roster of top flight players who excel at the highest level of the game. For more information about New Balance Football, visit www.newbalance.com/football. New Balance Football can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).

About New Balance

New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA has the following mission: Demonstrating responsible leadership, we build global brands that athletes are proud to wear, associates are proud to create and communities are proud to host. Manufactured in the U.S. for more than 75 years and representing a limited portion of our U.S. sales, New Balance MADE U.S. is a premium collection that contains a domestic value of 70% or greater. New Balance owns five factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K. New Balance employs more than 7,000 associates around the globe, and in 2021 reported worldwide sales of $4.4 billion. To learn more about New Balance, please visit www.newbalance.com and for the latest press information please visit http://newbalance.newsmarket.com.

 

 

Media Contacts:

George Marrable, Gung Ho for New Balance

georgem@gunghoco.com

Talene Pomfret, Ketchum for New Balance

Talene.pomfret@ketchum.com

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ABOUT NEW BALANCE

New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA has the following mission: Demonstrating responsible leadership, we build global brands that athletes are proud to wear, associates are proud to create and communities are proud to host. New Balance is the only major company to make or assemble more than 4 million pairs of athletic footwear per year in the USA, which represents a limited portion of our US sales. Where the domestic value is at least 70%, we label our shoes Made in the USA. New Balance owns five factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K. New Balance employs more than 4,000 associates around the globe, and in 2013 reported worldwide sales of $2.73 billion. To learn more about New Balance, please visit www.newbalance.com.

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