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IMG Academy
BRADENTON, Fla. (Jan. 19, 2024) - IMG Academy, the world’s leading sports education brand, and Dunlop, the official ball provider of the ATP Tour, have agreed to a multiple year, strategic partnership renewal. This marks the second extension of a collaboration that underscores the successful and dynamic relationship between two iconic brands in tennis.
The renewed partnership is set to focus on the development of junior tennis talent, further solidifying IMG Academy and Dunlop's commitment to nurturing the next generation of tennis athletes. As Dunlop continues to expand its junior program, the partnership with IMG Academy becomes even more pivotal in providing a platform for young talents to thrive. This collaboration will see the brands join forces in unprecedented ways, leveraging their unique strengths to elevate the junior tennis experience through marketing opportunities, product testing and product seeding as the Official Ball, Racket, and Tennis Accessory Partner of IMG Academy.
"Dunlop, a brand synonymous with quality and innovation in the world of tennis, is an incredible partner and one we’re lucky to collaborate with for years to come," said Vanessa Taveras, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at IMG Academy. "This renewed commitment reflects the positive dynamic between our organizations and emphasizes our shared vision for the future of junior tennis development. Together, we aim to create unparalleled opportunities for young student- athletes and contribute to the growth of the sport globally."
Dunlop, a brand with a rich heritage in tennis and celebrating its 100th year as a tennis brand, sees IMG Academy as the ideal partner to introduce its top-of-the-line products to the world's most promising junior tennis talents. IMG Academy's reputation for excellence in training and developing student-athletes aligns seamlessly with Dunlop's mission to provide the tools necessary for players to reach their full potential.
"We are excited to continue our partnership with IMG Academy, a global leader in student-athlete development," said Ken Yamamoto, Head of Racket Sport Business for SRI. "This collaboration is a testament to our shared commitment to the future of tennis and our belief in the power of sport to inspire and transform lives. Together, we look forward to identifying and nurturing the next generation of tennis champions."
The extended partnership between IMG Academy and Dunlop signifies a continued dedication to excellence and innovation in tennis development. As both organizations look to the future, they are united in their pursuit of creating lasting impact and shaping the landscape of junior tennis on a global scale. The partnership has already seen IMG Academy alumni ink professional deals with Dunlop including Michael Mmoh, Kevin Anderson, Miomir Kecmanovic, Jamie Murray, Liam Broady.
About IMG Academy
IMG Academy is the world’s leading sports education brand, providing a holistic education model that empowers student-athletes to win their future, preparing them for college and for life. IMG Academy provides growth opportunities for all student-athletes through an innovative suite of on-campus and online experiences:
- Boarding school and camps, via a state-of-the-art campus in Bradenton, Fla.
- Online coaching via the IMG Academy+ brand, with a focus on personal development through the lens of sport and performance
- Online college recruiting, via the NCSA brand, providing content, tools, coaching and access to a network of 40,000 college coaches
To learn more about IMG Academy and its on-campus and online experiences, visit www.imgacademy.com.
About Dunlop
Dunlop is owned by Sumitomo Rubber Industries and has its headquarters in Kobe, Japan. Dunlop has a legendary 100-year history (1923 - 2023) in the sport of tennis. Dunlop is the Official tennis ball partner of the ATP Tour and the Australian Open Grand Slam, as well as the Mouratoglou and IMG Academies. Current players on tour using Dunlop products include Miomir Kecmanovic, Alexei Popyrin, Jack Draper, Tim van Rijthoven, Ann Li, Dalma Galfi, Qiang Wang, Michael Mmoh, Liam Broady, Jamie Murray, and Max Purcell. Dunlop U.S. legends James Blake and Michael Chang, as well as Patrick Mouratoglou and Rod Laver are also ambassadors for the brand. Learn more at us.dunlopsports.com.
