back to news

Global Design Brand Vera Bradley Partners With Baddle On Stylish New Pickleball Gear

October 7, 2021 — Vera Bradley (NASDAQ: VRA), a leading American bag and luggage company and iconic lifestyle brand, and Baddle Pickleball, part of the outdoor and recreational product portfolio of OvareVentures, have partnered on an all-new line of designer pickleball paddles and paddle covers. In a marriage of style and performance, two colorful Vera Bradley prints are now available on Baddle’s Pro Circuit Pickleball Paddle:

The Baddle Pro Circuit pickleball paddle is a mid-weight, fiberglass-faced paddle with a thicker polymer core. It is tournament-approved by the USA Pickleball Association.

Available on baddle.com and verabradley.com, the designer Vera Bradley pickleball paddles (MSRP: $150) and paddle covers (MSRP: $30) are part of a limited release and are expected to sell out quickly.

“A passion for pickleball is sweeping the nation, and we’re thrilled to partner with Baddle and OvareGroup to give pickleball players the opportunity to carry their favorite Vera Bradley prints both on and off the court,” said Stephanie Lawrence, VP, Licensing for Vera Bradley.

“Congrats to Vera Bradley for having the foresight to enter the red hot pickleball market. Their partnership with Baddle gives them the first-mover advantage,” noted Trenton Pfau, President of Venture Portfolio Brands. 

“Vera Bradley has been making the world a brighter place with its travel bags, accessories, and philanthropic efforts since 1982,” added OvareGroup CEO, Jordan Reber. “Now they’re making the pickleball courts a brighter place. Our hope in partnering with Vera Bradley is to give pickleball players the chance to express a style on the court that’s as unique as they are.” Pickleball is often called the fastest-growing sport in America. According to USA Pickleball, in 2020, the sport grew to 4.2 million players in the US.