NFLPI, Pop Warner Football Announce Licensing Partnership

NFL Players Inc. and Pop Warner Football Announce
Co-Branded Licensing Partnership

LAS VEGAS, June 18, 2014 – NFL Players Inc. (NFLPI), the licensing and marketing arm of the NFL Players Association, announced today it has entered into a new partnership with Pop Warner Little Scholars Inc., the country’s longest-running youth football organization, to create officially licensed co-branded products featuring active NFL players. The news was announced from Licensing Expo 2014 in Las Vegas.

More than 70 percent of 1,800 active NFL players competed on Pop Warner teams across the country, including current stars such as Peyton Manning, Richard Sherman, Andrew Luck and Colin Kaepernick. That football history will be highlighted through a broad scope of NFLPI-licensed co-branded apparel and merchandise including jerseys, trading cards, mobile game characters, toys, sporting goods and Pop Warner uniforms.

“A licensing partnership with NFL Players Inc. is a natural extension, since hundreds of active NFL players began their football careers playing Pop Warner,” said Jon Butler, Pop Warner Little Scholars Executive Director. “We look forward to the many opportunities this relationship will provide to celebrate the incredible passion of football fans and players, from the youth level to the NFL.”

The deal reflects NFLPI’s continuing effort to create unique and innovative licensing partnerships. NFLPI and Pop Warner will work collaboratively to sign co-brand licensees, both existing and new, and designate co-branded products that can be sold through Pop Warner registration packages.All the items will feature NFLPA and Pop Warner Little Scholars logos.

“Teaming up with Pop Warner Little Scholars makes sense as we look to provide younger fans and their families with new and different ways to support their favorite players,” said Steve Scebelo, NFLPI Vice President of Licensing and Business Development. “Our players’ Pop Warner origins are significant and we believe offering fun and distinctive co-branded products are a great way to celebrate that history.”

About Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc.
Founded in 1929 and headquartered in Langhorne, PA, Pop Warner Little Scholars is the world’s oldest youth football, cheerleading and dance organization and the only youth sports organization that emphasizes academics as a prerequisite for participation. Currently there are organizations in 43 states, Scotland, Germany, Russia, Japan and Mexico. The NFLPA estimates that 70% of all current NFL Players got their start in Pop Warner programs. For more information on Pop Warner and its programs visit popwarner.com, our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

About NFL Players Inc.
NFL Players Inc. is the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association. NFLPI has been a trusted resource since 1994, delivering access to the influence, power and personal stories of NFL players. NFLPI is a “one-stop shop” for businesses seeking licensing rights, access to players through hospitality and events, marketing strategy and player procurement. For more information, please visit nflplayers.com.