Wilson sporting goods

Wilson Sporting Goods Company, headquartered in Chicago, is one of the most iconic names in American sports history. Founded in 1913 as the Ashland Manufacturing Company, it was renamed in honor of Thomas E. Wilson in 1916. The brand gained global fame for its high-quality tennis rackets, footballs, and basketballs, becoming the official equipment provider for numerous professional leagues including the NFL and NBA.

While the brand's heart remains in the United States, its manufacturing footprint is global. Products are manufactured in various locations including the United States, China, Vietnam, and other Southeast Asian countries depending on the specific product line. In 1989, Wilson was acquired by the Finnish conglomerate Amer Sports, which helped expand its international reach.

Today, Wilson is part of the Amer Sports portfolio, which was acquired in 2019 by a consortium led by the Chinese sportswear giant Anta Sports. This ownership structure places Wilson under a major global sports retail umbrella while maintaining its headquarters and design operations in Chicago. The brand continues to lead in sports innovation, particularly in the tennis and basketball sectors.