Australian tennis legend Ash Barty has become an investor and ambassador of a one-year-old Australian tennis apparel brand, Rallee.
The three-time Grand Slam champion and former World No.1 Ash Barty will sit alongside fellow tennis legend Pat Rafter of the Byron Bay brand, which was founded by Dave Kean and James Gourley a year ago.
The brand sells apparel and lifestyle across tennis, paddle and pickleball.
“Rallee stood out to me because the brand doesn’t take itself too seriously, and genuinely cares about the people who play,” Barty said. “The opportunity to work with Pat, who I have so much respect for, is something I couldn’t say no to. I’m excited to help build the Rallee brand in an industry we are both passionate about.”
The brand’s meteoric rise is fueled by an impressive founder and investor lineup. Alongside Rafter, ARIA Award-winning musicians Bernard Fanning and Darren Middleton have jumped in to help.
According to Rallee, Barty’s involvement marks a significant milestone in the brand’s evolution.
“We didn’t set out to build just another sportswear label,” Rallee co-CEO James Gourley said. “Rallee is built around community first. Ash joining us is a natural extension of that. She embodies the humility, fun and love of sport that define who we are.”
Rallee also noted that racquet sports are seeing a nationwide surge post-COVID, with pickleball and paddle exploding in popularity across clubs and social venues.
Pickleball Australia reports a 67 per cent year-on-year jump to roughly 155,000 players. Rallee has grown alongside this shift as players seek apparel that moves seamlessly between sport and everyday life – a similar selling point made by athleisure.
“Having Ash come on board validates the direction we’re building toward,” co-CEO Dave Keam added. “We’re creating locally designed products that feel good to wear, bring people together, and support how people really live and play. This partnership is an exciting step into our next chapter.”
Barty will feature across upcoming Rallee campaigns, collaborations and community initiatives as the brand expands both nationally and internationally. The brand currently sells its products online only.