Inside Agent Rich Paul and New Balance’s Plans to Bring Energy to Sportswear

Klutch Sports founder Rich Paul made headlines in December 2021 when he collaborated with New Balance on a footwear and apparel collection, highlighted by a new-look 550 shoe.

Click here to read the story at footwearnews.com.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is a co-branded product?
2. Which two brands are collaborating based on information from this story?
3. Why do brands collaborate on projects like this one?
4. How might New Balance benefit from the partnership?
5. How might Klutch Sports benefit?
6. What is the new sportswear line being called?
7. Why do you think they decided to call it that?
8. How might determining a name for the new line represent an example of brand building?
9. Why is a name important?
10. In your opinion, will the brand be successful in the long term? Why or why not? Be prepared to discuss your answers in class.