The new Alliance of American Football competition has signed a multi-year partnership with sports equipment manufacturer Riddell Sports Group.
As the official protective equipment partner of the AAF, Riddell will provide football helmet technology and protective equipment to the league and its players. The deal runs until the 2021 season.
For its inaugural season in 2019, the AAF will use helmets from Riddell’s SpeedFlex and Speed platforms, which include several protective features. Players will also use Riddell’s CPX and SPX shoulder pads.
Additionally, Riddell will conduct field tests and make new technology available to AAF players, while providing equipment fitting support and reconditioning services to each team.
Hines Ward, head of football development for the AAF: “The Alliance of American Football is invested in our athletes both on and off the field. The selection of Riddell as our protective equipment partner underscores The Alliance’s commitment to player health and wellness that I so passionately believe in.
“Riddell demonstrated its leadership through recent helmet and shoulder pad innovations, and we look forward to working together on initiatives that will advance player protection and grow the game of football.”
the AAF is scheduled to begin in February 2019, with eight teams from across the US set to compete.