Pentland returns Ellesse to US in new TIBC license deal

Ellesse is set to make a comeback in the US market with the Italian sports label that’s owned by UK giant Pentland Brands returning in a deal with The Iconic Brand Corporation (TIBC).

Pentland said that “in a bold move set to reshape the US sportswear landscape”, it has signed an exclusive, long-term licensing partnership to relaunch the label across the “world’s most dynamic sport and lifestyle market, with tennis and ski at its forefront”.

Under the deal “and in close collaboration with the Ellesse team”, TIBC will “design, develop, produce, and market all Ellesse apparel and accessories collections” for the US with the first fruits set to launch in spring 2026. The debut will be direct-to-consumer through ellesse.us followed by “select flagship retail locations” opening later next year.

Pentland called it a “milestone agreement [that] signals a bold new chapter in the Ellesse journey, positioning the brand for rapid expansion across physical and digital channels, exclusive country clubs and select speciality retailers”.

It added that the sport-meets-fashion brand will be supported in the American market by “a robust brand strategy with a focus on premium design, cultural relevance, and world-class collaborations in sport, fashion, and lifestyle”.

One member of the leadership team at TIBC has history with Ellesse as chairman Todd Furniss was its first US contract tennis player in 1978. He’s “a key figure in US tennis and golf culture [and] now leads gTCGroup with a strong presence in private equity and healthcare transformation”. 

Meanwhile CEO Duwayne Miller “is a visionary apparel executive with over 25 years of experience launching and scaling businesses across apparel and home textiles”. Pentland said his work with brands like Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, and Four Seasons “reflects a proven ability to combine product innovation with commercial execution”. 

And CFO PM Andersson “brings international financial expertise across consumer goods, private equity, and asset management sectors — ensuring strong, responsible growth for the brand’s future”.

Jack Richardson, SVP and brand director at Pentland said that “this is a group of leaders who understand what it takes to build something meaningful. Our partnership allows us to reintroduce the brand in a way that feels elevated, relevant, and true to its heritage. They bring passion, precision, and the kind of deep cultural connection that aligns beautifully with where we’re heading as a global brand”.

And Furniss added: “Collaborating with the talented team that Duwayne is building, which includes industry experts across product development, sourcing, digital, and marketing, alongside the Pentland Group in London, is one of my greatest professional and personal joys. Ellesse is a brand that I have had a relationship with for 47 years, and few things could bring more personal excitement and enthusiasm than returning [it] to its place of prominence at the intersection of sport, fashion, and culture.”