Selkirk and UVA Athletics Announce Partnership: In a groundbreaking move that shows the growing significance of pickleball, Selkirk Sport has entered into a landmark partnership with the University of Virginia (UVA) Athletics. This collaboration, a first of its kind, positions Selkirk as the official pickleball partner for UVA Athletics, expanding its reach across a range of sports, including tennis, lacrosse, baseball, football, and basketball.
The partnership, which runs through Summer 2026, reflects a deepening commitment to elevate pickleball within the collegiate sports landscape.
Bridging Tennis and Pickleball
A central element of this multi-year agreement is Selkirk’s role as the presenting sponsor for UVA’s men’s and women’s tennis programs. This move is a strategic effort by Selkirk to bridge the gap between tennis and pickleball, fostering stronger ties between the two sports at the collegiate level.
Rob Barnes, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Selkirk Sport, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are incredibly excited to partner with the University of Virginia Athletics. This collaboration is a testament to our dedication to expanding pickleball at the collegiate level and supporting prestigious athletic programs like UVA. We look forward to engaging with the UVA community and fostering a love for pickleball among students, athletes, and UVA fans.”
Engagement with UVA’s Athletic Community
Beyond sponsorship, Selkirk Sport will engage directly with college athletes and fans, embedding pickleball into the UVA athletic culture. The partnership includes extensive sponsorship rights, such as exposure through PA announcements, presence on Virginiasports.com, and advertisements in game-day programs. On-site activations and giveaway opportunities will further enhance Selkirk’s visibility and connection with the UVA community.
Tyler Jones, UVA’s Deputy Athletics Director, welcomed the partnership, highlighting its potential impact: “Selkirk Sport’s commitment to the growth of pickleball aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing remarkable experiences for our student-athletes and fans. We are thrilled to welcome Selkirk Sport to the UVA Athletics family and look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on our sports programs and the broader community.”
Exploring NIL Opportunities
In addition to its sponsorship activities, Selkirk is also keen to explore name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities with UVA athletes, particularly those involved in the tennis program. This initiative underscores Selkirk’s broader mission to support student-athletes and cultivate the next generation of pickleball talent, ensuring the sport’s continued growth at both the collegiate and community levels.
News in Brief :Selkirk and UVA Athletics Announce Partnership
Selkirk Sport has partnered with the University of Virginia (UVA) Athletics, becoming the official pickleball partner across multiple sports, including tennis, lacrosse, and football, in a multi-year agreement through 2026. As the presenting sponsor for UVA’s tennis programs, Selkirk aims to bridge tennis and pickleball at the collegiate level.
The partnership also includes extensive sponsorship rights, fan engagement activities, and exploration of NIL opportunities for UVA athletes. Selkirk Co-Founder Rob Barnes expressed excitement about fostering a love for pickleball within the UVA community, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s growth.
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