Brand management company Cherokee Inc. has entered into an exclusive license agreement for its Sideout brand for volleyballs and related volleyball accessories with Irvine-based Mikasa Sports USA Inc. Detailed terms of the multi-year agreement were not disclosed. Mikasa Sports, founded in Hiroshima, Japan, has been making volleyballs for more than 89 years. The inflatable ball manufacturer set up headquarters in California in 1973 in order to better satisfy the demands of North American athletes. Doug Flood, general manager for Mikasa Sports USA, said the company’s officials are excited to collaborate with The Cherokee Group to further develop the Sideout brand. “Sideout is arguably the most well known brand name in volleyball and we believe that there is tremendous opportunity to capitalize on its almost 30 years of brand equity,” Flood said. “We look forward to having product in the market within the next 12 months.” Howard Siegel, president and chief operating officer of Van Nuys-based Cherokee, said his company is also pleased with the partnership. “Over the next several months, we will be working hand-in-hand with Mikasa on many initiatives including grass-roots programs at various local levels,” Siegel said. “In addition, this partnership builds upon our global vision for Sideout and enhances our other domestic and international partnerships including Bolderway in China and our newest Sideout partner, Soriana in Mexico.”
