West Palm Beach-based U.S. Polo Assn.has been named the highest-ranking sports brand on License Global's annual Top Global Licensor list for the second year in a row, according to a recent announcement. The brand climbed to No. 22 overall on the list, surpassing the NFL Players Association, PGA Tour and Formula 1.
The recognition comes as U.S. Polo Assn. reported $2.7 billion in retail sales in 2025, reflecting significant growth driven by its connection to the sport of polo and a global expansion strategy.
Global expansion and brand recognition
The brand's growth has been supported by key partnerships, retail expansion, digital commerce and consumer engagement initiatives. One of the initiatives is the global campaign "The Polo Shirt: An Icon Born from the Game," which celebrates
the sport of polo's role in inspiring the iconic polo shirt.
“Remaining the No. 1 Sports Licensor and moving up to No. 22 overall among the world’s leading licensing titans on License Global is an important milestone for U.S. Polo Assn. and reflects the incredible work being executed across our global business,” J. Michael Prince, president and CEO of USPA Global, said in the announcement. “As the official sports brand of the United States Polo Association, our authentic connection to the sport of polo remains a powerful differentiator for U.S. Polo Assn. that continues to resonate with consumers and sports fans worldwide.”
License Global's annual ranking
License Global's annual ranking is considered one of the licensing industry's most influential benchmarks, measuring worldwide retail sales of licensed consumer products and experiences across various categories. According to the 2026 report, the world’s leading licensors generated more than $338 billion in retail sales. The Walt Disney Company remains the largest brand with $63 billion in retail sales. Other notable brands on the list include NBCUniversal, Warner Bros. Discovery, The Hershey Company, BMW Group, Sony Pictures Consumer Products and John Deere.
U.S. Polo Assn.'s global footprint reaches consumers in 190 countries through an extensive network of e-commerce platforms, strategic global partners and more than 1,200 retail stores.
To be considered for inclusion in the annual ranking, participating brands and corporate entities submit retail sales figures based on worldwide licensed merchandise sales. These figures are supplemented by independent research and verification conducted by License Global's editorial team through industry sources, financial filings, annual reports and market analysis.
Recognition for trust and reliability
The recognition from License Global follows another milestone for U.S. Polo Assn., as the brand was listed on USA TODAY’s Most Trusted Brands 2026 list alongside Nike, Rolex, Disney, YETI and American Eagle Outfitters. This consumer-driven ranking highlights best-in-class brands across the United States based on trust, reliability and overall customer experience.
"Continued growth in licensing comes from combining a strong, consistent global brand with local market expertise," Molly Robbins, SVP of Global Licensing & Business Development for USPA Global, said in the announcement. "Our partners around the world play a critical role in bringing the U.S. Polo Assn. brand to life in ways that resonate with consumers, and we are proud of what we have built together.”
As U.S. Polo Assn. continues its upward trajectory, the brand remains focused on expanding its presence in established and emerging markets while sharing the heritage, style and excitement of the sport of polo with consumers and sports fans around the world.
This story was created by web producer Michele Kelley (mkelley@pbpost.com) with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: U.S. Polo Assn. brand beats NFL, PGA Tour, Formula 1 in global ranking
