Iconic American Baseball Brands Now Owned by Chinese Company with CCP Ties
Wilson and Louisville Slugger, deeply ingrained in American baseball culture, have been acquired by Anta Sports, a Chinese conglomerate with significant connections to the Chinese Communist Party.
Two of America's most storied baseball equipment manufacturers, Wilson and Louisville Slugger, are now under the ownership of Anta Sports, a Chinese company reportedly tied to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). These brands, which have supplied bats and gloves for generations of players, from youth leagues to Major League Baseball, represent a significant part of American sporting heritage.
Louisville Slugger, founded in the 1880s, and Wilson Sporting Goods, established just before World War I, were long considered quintessential American companies. However, their ownership trajectory shifted over the years. Louisville Slugger's family ownership transitioned in 2015, and Wilson, previously owned by Amer Sports, was acquired by Anta Sports in 2018 when Anta purchased Amer. This acquisition placed both iconic brands under the control of the Chinese athletic giant.
Anta Sports, founded in 1991, has rapidly grown to become the third-largest athletic company globally, trailing only Nike and Adidas. Its growth has been partly attributed to outsourcing manufacturing to China, where lower labor costs and conditions facilitate production. Reports suggest that Anta has also been known to replicate designs and manufacturing techniques of Western companies.
The connection between Anta Sports and the CCP has raised concerns. As a major Chinese corporation, Anta is seen as being closely aligned with the CCP's objectives. This relationship was highlighted in 2019 when the NBA faced backlash after then-Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey retweeted support for Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests, leading Anta to suspend contract negotiations with the league. In 2021, Anta's owner reportedly donated significant shares to a charity, which, like many large businesses in China, is understood to be closely connected to the CCP.
This situation reflects a broader trend where American companies, seeking cost efficiencies through outsourcing, have seen their markets and even their iconic brands acquired by Chinese competitors. The long-term implications for American traditions and industries are a subject of ongoing discussion, particularly as companies with differing international objectives gain control over culturally significant American businesses.