In 1946, Franklin Sports was founded in Brockton, Massachusetts, by Irving Franklin. With humble beginnings, when its products were made of discarded scrap leather from local shoe factories, Franklin has evolved into one of the leading sporting goods manufacturers in the world. With more than 10,000 items across all its categories, Franklin’s products truly bring sports to life for athletes of all ages, from beginners to the pros.
Over the years, Franklin Sports has become most well-known in the world of baseball, thanks to its invention of the batting glove in 1984; a product that catapulted the company to new heights. But, beyond the diamond, Franklin has always relied on its professional sports partners to validate its products and serve as brand ambassadors. In decades past, world-class athletes such as Terry Bradshaw, Sugar Ray Leonard, Bo Jackson, and David Robinson were signed to help broadcast the Franklin name in sports nationwide. Today, Franklin is an official partner of Major League Baseball, the National Football League, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, National Women’s Soccer League, Women’s National Basketball Association, and Pro Volleyball Federation. This is a roster of partners that continues to validate thousands of products and catapult Franklin to new heights.
While Franklin’s product assortment has largely targeted young athletes experiencing their “firsts” in sports — think, their first swing of a bat, first kick of a soccer ball, first bump of a volleyball — in recent years, Franklin has pursued the elevation of its products in a few key categories, one of which is volleyball.
For decades, Franklin has ruled the backyard, importing millions of volleyballs that are primed for recreational play at your local beach, park, or playground. It wasn’t until a few years ago, that third-generation President, Adam Franklin, noticed the sport gaining serious momentum, both in participation and national visibility, and began wondering how Franklin could make its mark on the competitive side of the volleyball industry. With a goal of positively disrupting the landscape, Franklin began its foray into the world of competitive volleyball and in just a few short years, has already started to make its mark.
With strong partnerships a key element of Franklin’s success, it’s no surprise that they have been invaluable in the company making its presence immediately known in the volleyball industry. Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings has been a partner of Franklin since it began its mission of disrupting the market, serving as a guide in navigating the volleyball landscape, while also playing a critical role in product development. With the guidance, passion, and support of Walsh Jennings, Franklin has available a core offering of beach and indoor volleyballs, all of which bear a “Designed in Partnership with Kerri Walsh Jennings” insignia and are built for high-performance and competitive play.
Alongside this strong relationship, Franklin also partners with Platform 1440 (p1440), an organization co-founded by Walsh Jennings, which strives to improve access and opportunities in beach volleyball across the United States. Franklin proudly provides the Official Ball of p1440, the Franklin 9000 Beach Game Ball, and supports many other facets of p1440’s programming including its Future’s Tour and p1440 Gives Back initiative.
Off the sand, Franklin has notably struck up a multi-year partnership with Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF), the premier professional volleyball league in North America. A cornerstone of this partnership is the Franklin REAL Pro Volleyball, the exclusive volleyball of PVF, designed specifically for the league to challenge the status quo and rival any other ball played with around the world. In teaming up, Franklin and PVF are shining a light on the first, real opportunity for women to play professional volleyball in North America at a major league level. This partnership with PVF is the quintessential example of Franklin’s commitment to quality and innovation, as well their dedication to empowering athletes and elevating the game of volleyball.
As Franklin looks towards 2025, it is poised to continue making a positive mark on the volleyball industry. The company has more product launches on the horizon, with a new volleyball coming into the mix, plus accessories including ball carts, knee pads, and more. One major enhancement to Franklin’s volleyball assortment in 2025 will be the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) certification that has been granted to three indoor volleyballs. This NFHS stamp of approval will make these volleyballs more accessible than ever to volleyball coaches and their programs around the country. Of course, Franklin plans to continue elevating its current industry relationships, but also has the Volleyball League of America (VLA) joining its growing roster; a partnership that kicks off in December of 2024.
To learn more about Franklin Sports and its volleyball products visit www.franklinsports.com and be sure to keep up with Franklin Sports volleyball content on Instagram: @franklinsportseqp
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