Wikipedia

Draft:JOOLA


JOOLA (pronounced "YOLA") is a German-founded company that’s made a name for itself in sports equipment, especially in table tennis and pickleball [1]. Founded in 1952 by Karl Frey, JOOLA started as part of a department store in Landau, Germany, but over the years, it’s grown into a global brand, known for its innovative approach to sports.

History

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Founding and Early Years

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JOOLA’s story began in 1952 when the sports department of the Fr. Th. Jooss store in Landau started making table tennis tables. The name "JOOLA" blends "Jooss" and "Landau," which was a popular way of naming companies back then. By 1954, table tennis production had grown so much that it became its department.

In 1963, JOOLA officially became an independent company, moving to Godramstein. As the brand expanded, a larger facility opened in 1973 in Siebeldingen, which still serves as JOOLA’s European headquarters today. This location features a large production area, a warehouse, and office space.

Global Management and Growth

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Michael Bachtler took over as managing director in 1968 and became CEO in 1979. Under his leadership, JOOLA made a big push internationally, becoming a major name in table tennis. A major milestone was becoming the official table sponsor for the 1996 Atlanta, 2000 Sydney, and 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

In 2019, JOOLA was acquired by Sport Squad, Inc., led by Richard Lee, a former competitive table tennis. Lee had been JOOLA’s North American distributor since 2006 and helped the brand expand further, especially in the growing pickleball market.

In 2022, JOOLA made a big splash by entering the pickleball market. JOOLA quickly became a major player in the scene. The company teamed up with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA)[2] and even started sponsoring top athletes like Ben Johns, who’s currently the world’s #1 pickleball mixed player. JOOLA rolled out a variety of pickleball paddles and gear, packed with advanced tech, to meet the needs of everyone—from casual players to seasoned pros.

Table Tennis

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Beginnings Since it started, JOOLA has been a leading force in table tennis. By the 1960s, it was a major supplier, providing tables for competitions at local and national levels.

Olympic Partnerships

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JOOLA’s reputation skyrocketed in the '90s when it became the official table supplier for the Olympic Games in 1996, 2000, and 2004. These high-profile partnerships solidified its standing as one of the top global brands in professional table tennis.

Products

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JOOLA has always focused on pushing the boundaries of table tennis technology. From professional-grade tables to rackets and accessories, their products cater to everyone from casual players to elite athletes, known for their quality and performance.

Pickleball

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Entry into Pickleball In 2022, JOOLA entered the pickleball market, a sport that’s been growing rapidly, especially in the U.S. and globally. Richard Lee saw this as a natural fit for JOOLA’s expertise in racket sports, and the company quickly became a key player in this fast-growing sport.

Pickleball Products

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JOOLA introduced high-quality pickleball paddles and accessories, using advanced designs to maximize on-court performance. Their pickleball gear quickly gained traction among both recreational and professional players, building on JOOLA’s reputation for innovation.

Notable Professional Athletes

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Community and Inclusivity

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Inclusivity is a big part of JOOLA’s values. They believe that anyone can enjoy pickleball, regardless of age or skill.

Values

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  • Inclusion
  • Innovation
  • Inspiration

Notable Events and Sponsorships

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Olympic Sponsorship:

  1. ^ https://joola.com/pages/about-us
  2. ^ https://wtop.com/business-finance/2022/04/rockvilles-joola-signs-top-ranked-player-to-launch-pickleball-line/
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