ellesse heads back to the U.S. with bold new licensing partnership

We’re excited to announce ellesse is making its return to the U.S. market, and doing it in style. In a bold move that sets the stage for a new era, Pentland Brands has signed an exclusive long term licensing partnership with The Iconic Brand Corporation (TIBC) to relaunch ellesse across the United States.

The partnership will see TIBC design, develop, produce and market ellesse apparel and accessories in the U.S., in close collaboration with the ellesse team in London. The first premium collection is set to launch in Spring 2026 via ellesse.us, followed by flagship store openings later that year. The vision? A full scale return to the world’s most exciting sport and lifestyle market, with tennis and ski culture at its core.

An icon returns – with purpose.

ellesse has always stood at the intersection of performance and style. Born on the slopes of Italy and raised on tennis courts around the world, it’s a brand known for fusing fashion and sport in a way that few others can. This next chapter brings that DNA to life for a new generation of American consumers, with a bold brand strategy that centres on premium design, cultural relevance, and standout collaborations in sport, fashion and lifestyle.

Jack Richardson, Global Brand Director for ellesse at Pentland Brands, says: “This is a big moment for ellesse, and a critical part of our brand reset. The U.S. is packed with opportunity, and with The Iconic Brand Corporation on board, we’ve got the perfect partner to bring our unique blend of sport and style stateside. We can’t wait to kick things off with our premium collection in Spring 2026 and introduce a whole new generation to ellesse.”

Meet the team leading the charge.

At the helm of this exciting U.S. expansion is a powerhouse leadership team:

• Todd Furniss, Chairman of TIBC, was ellesse’s first U.S. amateur contract tennis player back in 1978. A key figure in U.S. tennis and golf culture, he now heads up gTCGroup, with deep expertise across private equity and healthcare transformation.

• Duwayne Miller, CEO, brings over 25 years of experience scaling leading lifestyle brands like Ralph Lauren and Brooks Brothers. He leads the vision for the ellesse relaunch with an expert team spanning product, sourcing, digital and marketing.

• PM Andersson, CFO, brings financial expertise across consumer goods, private equity, and asset management — ensuring the partnership is set up for long-term, sustainable growth.

Todd Furniss shares his personal excitement: “ellesse is a brand I’ve had a relationship with for 47 years, and few things bring more personal excitement than returning it to prominence at the intersection of sport, fashion, and culture. Collaborating with Duwayne’s brilliant team and the Pentland Group is a real career highlight.”

The ellesse U.S. relaunch is more than a market re-entry, it’s the start of a new chapter for one of sport style’s most iconic brands.