Now under the Foot Locker brand, Champs and Eastbay will work with Uninterrupted on an new creative strategy that includes a “More Than an Athlete” apparel line.
Longtime athletic apparel and lifestyle brands Champs Sports and Eastbay have officially come together under the Foot Locker Inc. brand, the company announced Monday, with the goal of inspiring high school athletes on and off the field of play.
There will be new retail experiences and joint offerings in store over the coming months, including an exclusive “More Than An Athlete” apparel line in partnership with Uninterrupted, part of LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s SpringHill Company. The line centered around basketball pieces like hoodies, tees, joggers, compression pieces, socks, beanies, and arm sleeves will range from $10-$80, with a special edition varsity jacket going for $840.
The line launches on Dec. 1 at Champs Sports retail locations, as well as Champs’ and Eastbay’s official websites.
The Uninterrupted collaboration will also feature a nine-episode content series “More Than An Athlete Hotline: Varsity Edition” hosted by Oregon women’s basketball star Sedona Prince and YouTuber and former college football kicker Donald “Deestroying” De La Haye.
“Uninterrupted’s ‘More Than An Athlete’ line and content series perfectly align with our brand philosophy,” said Guy Harkless, Champs Sports and Eastbay’s senior vice president and general manager. “With Champs Sports x Eastbay, our goal is to provide young athletes with the tools they need to be successful, and MTAA provides those same athletes with a space to connect with others and learn from their experiences. Together, we hope to support these athletes as they continue to excel on and off the field.”
“Varsity Edition” premieres on Nov. 22 and will air monthly on Uninterrupted’s YouTube page, with the debut episode featuring UCLA’s Johnny Juzang and Sierra Canyon High School’s Amari Bailey talking basketball and the new world of NIL.
“Uninterrupted’s mission has always been to empower athletes,” said Devin Johnson, The SpringHill Company’s COO. “This partnership with Champs Sports x Eastbay allows us the opportunity to connect with younger athletes through both content and commerce levers. We also want to communicate to all athletes, especially younger ones, that they have the ability to see growth in their becoming, both on and off the court or field.”