U.S. Polo Association named official apparel sponsor of China Open

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Sep 25, 2018

USPA Global Licensing Inc., the official licensing arm of the United States Polo Association, along with its China licensing partner Yicai Brands Management, have announced that the U.S. Polo Assn. will be the official apparel sponsor of the 2018 China Open Polo Tournament. 

The U.S. Polo Assn. will provide official uniforms for players and event staff. This will be the fourth consecutive year that the company has been a major sponsor of the tournament. 

The brand plans to advance on the Chinese market as it pursues a $2 billion global sales goal, the company said in a press release. The brand also intends to open over 300 retail locations in China throughout the next five years, after relocating its Chinese brand operations center to the city of Changshu earlier this year.  

"With our amazing partner, Yicai, U.S. Polo Assn. is building a significant brand presence in China while also driving tremendous long-term growth," said USPA Global Licensing president and CEO J. Michael Prince in a release. "[As] 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." 

This agreement follows soon after the brand announced expansion plans for the UK and Ireland under the leadership of new creative director Craig Prest. Earlier this year, the brand also clothed the US national team at the 2018 Westchester Cup in the UK. 

Currently, the U.S. Polo Association reports a global footprint of over $1.6 billion in retail sales, with distribution in 166 countries.  

This year's tournament is scheduled for September 30 at Beijing's Tang Polo Club, and will host teams from Brunei, England, Malaysia and China among others.