What began as a shared vision one year ago has become one of the most exciting chapters in American wrestling. On January 1, 2025, RUDIS officially joined forces with USA Wrestling in a multi-year partnership aimed at elevating the sport in the United States and beyond, from grassroots youth wrestling to elite international competition.
Wrestling shapes who we are long before it ever defines what we do. This partnership reflects a commitment to the values the sport instills: resilience earned through sacrifice, and triumph forged through persistence. Wrestling is not simply a competition; it is a way of life, and carrying that identity alongside our nation is a responsibility we hold with deep respect.
ALIGNED BY VALUES
This partnership was never about logos or products; it was about purpose. “Our first year with RUDIS was nothing short of amazing,” said Rich Bender, Executive Director of USA Wrestling. “The partnership elevated USA Wrestling in many ways. The tireless efforts by the RUDIS family to deliver for USA Wrestling were evident, impactful, and very much appreciated. We couldn't be any more excited about the partnership as we approach one of the most important cycles in our sport and organization’s history. The best is yet to come.”
For RUDIS, the announcement wasn’t just a milestone. “Looking back after our first year, this partnership has reaffirmed the sacred responsibility we felt from the start,” said Jesse Leng, Co-Founder and CEO of RUDIS. “It has pushed us to grow, to evolve, and to bring our best in service of the wrestling community. We remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to support the sport we love and to help shape its future.”
Kyle Snyder, Olympic Champion and Team RUDIS athlete, expressed his feelings on what this partnership means to him, “USA Wrestling X RUDIS has been a dream of mine since I signed with RUDIS. This was destiny, and I am so thankful and humbled to represent both.”
BEYOND THE MAT
In just 12 months, the USA Wrestling x RUDIS collaboration has shown depth, energy, and tangible impact across the sport.
The launch of the official licensed collection has been a major highlight, from performance footwear and competition gear to everyday apparel that carries the legacy and pride of USA Wrestling. Wearing this gear isn’t just about performance; it’s about representing the sport’s history and future on and off the mat. Every piece from the singlet represented on the world stage to the backpack used at a local tournament carries the same message; every wrestler, everywhere, carries the same responsibility and honor.
Beyond the gear itself, RUDIS has supported USAW at major events and membership initiatives throughout the year. In 2025, RUDIS attended USA Wrestling events in 16 states, bridging the gap and building meaningful connections with the athletes, coaches, and families who uplift the sport at every level.
“Our first year partnering with USA Wrestling has been an honor. We’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to support an organization whose mission serves the entire wrestling community,” said Geoff Gray, Director of Events at RUDIS. “We look forward to continuing to build on this momentum together to elevate the sport for athletes, coaches, officials, families, and fans.”
While the USA Wrestling x RUDIS partnership has made headlines, it is part of a broader movement to elevate wrestling at every level. RUDIS also expanded its global footprint with United World Wrestling (UWW), launching a global apparel collection and strengthening wrestling ties worldwide, signaling a unified commitment to the sport as a whole.
THE PATH FORWARD
“Looking back on the past year, this partnership has delivered on everything we hoped for and more,” said Nancy Schultz, RUDIS Partner and Global Wrestling Advocate. “The unity between RUDIS and USA Wrestling has strengthened the sport at every level, and the foundation we’ve built will carry wrestling forward for generations.”
Partnerships in sports can be transactional, but this one resonates because it’s relational. It’s built on wrestlers cheering on wrestlers, on history honoring those who came before, and on shared ambition to elevate wrestling for generations to come.
As the partnership moves forward through the rest of the Olympic cycle and toward events like the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the USA Wrestling X RUDIS collaboration is set to shape the landscape of American wrestling for years to come.
