A first investment in pickleball apparel, adding stylish, high-performance athletic wear to the portfolio.
Thirty-5 Capital, LLC, a family office and private equity firm focused on sports technology and innovation companies, today announced its first strategic investment in pickleball apparel through a partnership with MUEV, a new fashion performance brand created to elevate the quality and style of activewear designed for America's fastest-growing sport.
The MUEV collaboration marks a key expansion of the pickleball portfolio Thirty-5 Capital is building through its United Pickleball Properties, LLC investment sleeve. The firm is also the majority owner of the Chicago Slice, a Major League Pickleball franchise; an investor in Paddletek, ProXR Pickleball and Boundless Pickleball, three paddle brands now combined under the United Pickleball Paddles (UPP) umbrella; and a backer of SQAIRZ, a sports footwear brand scheduled to introduce its first pickleball shoe in Q4.
Launched online last month, MUEV was founded by 30-plus-year apparel industry veteran Chris Rork. The bulk of Rork's career has involved leading supply chain operations for top brands like Levi's, Ralph Lauren and Carter's. Rork also founded sustainable baby apparel company Kanopy Brands, has led apparel startups for Shaquille O'Neal and Andre 3000, and is an avid cyclist and pickleball enthusiast.
Apparel has been on our radar ever since we began investing in the pickleball space, and MUEV has both the design and operational chops we were looking for in an athletic wear partner. Chris has assembled a superlative design team as well as a formidable supply chain that we believe will establish MUEV as a top brand in the sport. They know how to get players 'MUEVing' comfortably and stylishly, whether they're diving for a shot or grabbing a cup of coffee after a game.
Ron Saslow, Founder & Managing Partner, Thirty-5 Capital
MUEV apparel combines high-quality thermoregulated fabrics, technical construction that withstands the demands of pickleball play, and styles designed to look and feel good both on and off the court. The brand includes men's and women's lines ranging from shirts, socks and hoodies to dresses, skirts and hats, all developed by a team of experienced designers who have worked with brands including Tommy Hilfiger, Lululemon, Nike and Ralph Lauren.
This partnership represents a significant milestone for our company and the pickleball industry as a whole. With their support, we are well-positioned to offer pickleball apparel that leads in performance and style. This investment from Thirty-5 Capital showcases our shared vision and underscores the immense potential of this collaboration.
Chris Rork, Founder, MUEV
Early reviews of MUEV offerings validate Saslow's enthusiasm for the brand.
Joining forces with MUEV will change the way you wear and look at court apparel because it's completely focused on on-court movement. From playing collegiate tennis to professional pickleball, my 20 years of wishing court apparel worked with my body and not against it are now over. Come MUEV with me!
Kamryn Blackwood, pickleball player and influencer
MUEV is launching as a direct-to-consumer brand with plans to enter the wholesale channel in 2025.
Thirty-5 Capital holds a robust portfolio of investments in professional sports teams, leagues, and innovative technology-driven sports companies. thirtyfivecapital.com
MUEV designs stylish, high-quality pickleball apparel that blends innovation and craftsmanship to help players perform at the top of their game while looking and feeling good both on and off the court. The company plans to expand into other sports as well as the athleisure market. muev.com