Ellesse Establishes U.S. Headquarters in Dallas, Relaunches E-Commerce in U.S.

Italian sportswear label Ellesse has officially established its U.S. headquarters in Dallas, Texas, alongside the launch of its dedicated American e-commerce platform, ellesse.us. The move marks a high-profile return to the U.S. market through an exclusive, long-term licensing partnership between brand owner Pentland Brands and Dallas-based The Iconic Brand Corporation (TIBC).

Strategic Hub in North Texas

TIBC will design, produce, and market Ellesse apparel and accessories across North America in collaboration with the brand's London leadership. Choosing Dallas as the nerve center leverages the region's central logistics infrastructure and vibrant tennis community.

“Dallas is uniquely positioned to become the epicenter of the next era of tennis and sport culture in the United States,” noted Duwayne Miller, CEO of TIBC. Leadership also carries personal history with the brand: TIBC Chairman Todd Furniss was Ellesse’s first U.S. sponsored tennis player in 1978.

Digital-First Distribution and Retail Roadmap

The expansion kicks off direct-to-consumer before rolling out to physical storefronts and exclusive athletic venues.

• E-Commerce Direct Platform (ellesse.us): Expected to drive approximately 70% of initial U.S. sales, starting with the Summer 2026 performance and court-lifestyle collection.

• Flagship Stores & Wholesale: Up to four flagship retail locations are planned by late 2027, starting in Dallas, alongside distribution in country clubs, department stores, and specialty retailers accounting for the remaining 30% of sales.

Heritage Meets Modern Performance

Founded in Perugia, Italy, in 1959 by Leonardo Servadio, Ellesse rose to tennis dominance in the 1980s, famously worn by Grand Slam champions Chris Evert and Boris Becker.

To cement its modern revival, Ellesse is serving as the official tennis apparel partner for the Cincinnati Open, outfitting ball crews, line judges, and tournament staff, with additional tournament partnerships slated for the Charleston Open. On the ATP and WTA tours, the brand continues to be represented by professionals Donna Vekić and Alejandro Tabilo.