By PoloHUB AG
J. Michael Prince, President & CEO of USPA Global, stands at the forefront of U.S. Polo Assn.’s rapid global expansion. Under his leadership, the iconic brand has achieved unprecedented growth and established itself as a dominant force in the global sportswear market.
In 2024, U.S. Polo Assn. celebrated a record-breaking year, delivering $2.5 billion in global retail sales. This remarkable success can be attributed to a multifaceted approach that includes a strong physical retail presence, innovative e-commerce strategies, and a robust social media following. With over 1,100 retail stores across 190 countries and a significant online presence through 50 brand sites in 20 languages, U.S. Polo Assn. has firmly positioned itself among the top five global licensed sports brands, alongside giants like the NFL, MLB, and NBA.
Prince’s vision for the brand includes ambitious plans for expansion, particularly in Argentina. “We are very excited about activating Argentina in 2025,” he shares. “Given the popularity of polo in the region, Argentina presents a tremendous market opportunity for U.S. Polo Assn. We plan to open several stores and launch our online presence there. Additionally, we anticipate hosting some exciting U.S. Polo Assn. events in Argentina.” This strategic move is part of a broader plan to activate other key markets, including Australia, Brazil, and Poland.
A pivotal aspect of U.S. Polo Assn.’s recent success has been its historic partnership with ESPN, which commenced in 2022. “Our deal with ESPN has been a game-changer for the sport of polo,” says Prince. Through this partnership, premier polo championships such as the U.S. Open Polo Championship®, the XII Federation of International Polo (FIP) Championship®, and the Paris Games Polo Challenge have been broadcasted to millions of sports fans globally. In addition to live games, ESPN airs multiple 25-minute made-for-television shows produced by GPE, including the award-winning “Breakaway: Presented by U.S. Polo Assn.,” offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look into the lives and careers of polo players and horses. The brand’s media reach has also extended into India through a collaboration with Star Sports, further enhancing its global visibility.
Looking ahead, Prince is committed to continuing U.S. Polo Assn.’s expansion and enhancing its digital presence. “Our goal is to reach over 1,500 stores in the next few years while maintaining our strong e-commerce growth,” he explains. “We’re also focused on activating new markets and hosting exciting events that promote the sport of polo. Our partnerships with ESPN and other media outlets will continue to play a crucial role in our strategy. Overall, we’re dedicated to promoting equine sports, supporting our athletes, and delivering high-quality apparel and accessories to our customers.”
With J. Michael Prince at the helm, U.S. Polo Assn. is poised for continued success, driving growth and innovation while staying true to its heritage and commitment to the sport of polo.
