Champion athletic apparel

Founded in 1919 in Rochester, New York, Champion began as the Knickerbocker Knitting Company. It rose to fame after developing the first hooded sweatshirt and the reverse weave technique to prevent shrinkage. For decades, it was a staple of American college sports and professional athletics, famously serving as the official outfitter for all 27 NBA teams in the 1990s.

While originally an American manufacturing powerhouse, the brand's production now spans multiple countries including Vietnam, China, and various locations in Central and South America to meet global demand. Following a significant acquisition in 2024, the brand's ownership transitioned from HanesBrands to the Authentic Brands Group, marking a new chapter in its history as a lifestyle and performance icon.