Meet the father and son behind the first-ever Black-owned athletic supply company

By Abu Mubarik, Face2FaceAfrica

The athletic equipment industry brings in millions of dollars annually. This is evident in a 2021 report published by Statista. It reported that the U.S. wholesale sales of basketballs amounted to an estimated $286 million, making it a lucrative sector for entrepreneurs.

The sector is also among the less diverse business ventures in America. It is largely dominated by companies operated and owned by whites. This became clear to Oronde Booker whenever he went to support his son at team practices and games.

He observed that equipment used by the players, trainers, and coaches was developed by four companies, and not even a single one of them was Black-owned. This inspired him to start Book Dawg Sports so as to become a major supplier of athletic products. He established the company with his son Kendall.

“When thinking about sports, it’s likely that several Black stars across all sports — basketball, football, tennis, or soccer — come to mind easily,” Booker told Black News. “Black people have contributed much to sports, attracting fans and diverse audiences, redefining the game and helping shape its culture, yet so few are found ‘behind the ball,’ particularly when looking at industries like sports equipment.”

The Atlanta-based company is the first ever Black-owned athletic supply company. Last September, the company said that it was taking pre-orders for its flag- last all season and beyond.