Decathlon Partners with NBA Rookie Alex Sarr to Innovate Athletic Gear

WASHINGTON, D.C. — DECATHLON, a leading global sports brand, has announced a partnership with NBA rookie Alex Sarr, the second overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. This collaboration designates DECATHLON as Sarr’s official technical partner and exclusive shoe supplier, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to enhancing athletic performance and supporting emerging talent.

Sarr, who recently joined the Washington Wizards, boasts an impressive background with prior stints at the Perth Wildcats in Australia’s NBL, Overtime Elite, and Real Madrid‘s youth program. His diverse experience on international platforms has positioned him as a rising star in professional basketball.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Alex Sarr to the DECATHLON family. This partnership is built on shared values and a commitment to inspiring the next generation of athletes,” said Céline Del Genes, Global Chief Customer Officer at DECATHLON. “At just 19, Alex is making an impact in the NBA. His determination, work ethic, and passion for sports embody everything DECATHLON stands for.”

The multifaceted partnership includes Sarr working closely with DECATHLON’s research and development teams to create high-performance basketball shoes and apparel. The initiative aims to leverage Sarr’s insights from on-court experiences to drive innovation, making superior athletic gear accessible to athletes at all levels.

In addition to product development, the partnership will feature community outreach efforts. Both DECATHLON and Sarr will host basketball clinics and events designed to inspire youth participation in sports. “I could not be more excited to partner with DECATHLON,” said Sarr. “We are ambitious about our impact on the court and in the community. This is a true partnership, and together, only the sky is the limit for what we can accomplish.”

DECATHLON has also signed a partnership with Sarr’s older brother, Olivier Sarr, further cementing the brand’s foothold in the basketball market. These collaborations signify DECATHLON’s ongoing strategy to establish a strong presence in basketball and to push the boundaries of athletic performance.

The announcement underscores DECATHLON’s growing affiliation with elite athletes, including its recent partnerships with other sports figures such as Jimmy Gressier, a record-setting runner, and Antoine Griezmann, the celebrated football player from Atlético Madrid and the French national team. Furthermore, DECATHLON plans to extend its sponsorship with AG2R LA MONDIALE for the 2025 season, enhancing their commitment to supporting top-tier athletes across various disciplines.

This partnership marks the first time DECATHLON shoes will be worn on NBA courts, highlighting the brand’s commitment to the increasingly popular basketball segment. With a history of championing a technical partnership model focused on real-world product use and co-development with athletes, DECATHLON continues to innovate in high-performance sports equipment.

Recent collaborations have further illustrated this commitment, including partnerships with French Ligue 1 clubs and notable sports figures such as tennis player Gaël Monfils. DECATHLON’s efforts focus on advancing sports technology and enhancing athletic excellence in a competitive landscape.