J. Michael Prince
Multibillion-Dollar, Sport-Inspired Fashion Brand Has Local Roots
Headquartered in West Palm Beach, USPA Global Licensing (USPAGL) is the for-profit subsidiary of the United States Polo Association (USPA), which governs the sport of polo, and the exclusive licensor for its global licensing program that distributes the sport-inspired apparel brand, U.S. Polo Assn. That means the official brand for the sport of polo is a worldwide organization close to home.
In fact, this locally based brand was recently named the fourth largest sports licensor by License Global, alongside such iconic sports brands as the NBA and the NFL. That’s because U.S. Polo Assn. has a global footprint of $1.7 billion with distribution through both brick and mortar and e-commerce to 180 countries. Brand profits maintain the USPA, a not-for-profit association that governs all U.S. professional games and supports former and future players, equine welfare and more, making U.S. Polo Assn. one of the country’s most philanthropic and historic brands.
Not only do the roots of polo date back to ancient times, but the USPA will celebrate its 130th anniversary this year. It’s the history of the sport and the authentic connection to the U.S. Polo Assn. brand that inspire J. Michael Prince, president and CEO of USPA Global Licensing.
U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel and accessories with style that speaks to the sport’s rich history. Think quality fabrics; denim; and timeless, classic polo shirts, now in vibrant colors and unique textures.
Prince, who previously worked for sport brands like Nike and Converse, has ushered in an exciting new era for U.S. Polo Assn. since joining in 2017. Focusing on global outreach, sport education and women’s initiatives, Prince notes that almost half of polo players are women.
“Female athletes play on the field alongside, and against, their male counterparts. Like the sport, the brand, too, is focused on all aspects of equality, on and off the field,” Prince says.
This CEO is laser-focused on the future, which includes reaching more millennial consumers. The brand collaborates with 50 collegiate teams and today has more than 5 million social media followers due to its aspirational and authentic posts.
Even more ambitious is Prince’s growth strategy that includes more than 1,500 U.S. Polo Assn. stores by 2025, many featuring immersive experiences through virtual reality and live streams.
“Today’s generation is looking for brands that engage them whether in-store, through social channels or cause-based initiatives,” Prince says. “We are that brand, and our success is rooted in leveraging the authenticity of polo’s past to achieve our goals for the future.”
USPA Global Licensing is located at 1400 Centrepark Blvd., Ste. 200, West Palm Beach. For more information, call 561-790-8040 or visit uspoloassnglobal.com.
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