Homage, the vintage-inspired sports apparel brand, has attracted a star-studded group of investors just five months after securing an initial investment from Ryan Reynolds’ venture firm, Maximum Effort.
The latest funding round features NFL star Jason Kelce and NBA champion Kevin Durant, who invested through their respective firms, Winnie Capital and 35V. Actor and Wrexham AFC co-owner Rob McElhenney also joined via his firm, More Better Ventures.
The Haslam Sports Group, owners of MLS' Columbus Crew, the Cleveland Browns, and the Milwaukee Bucks, is another key investor. Given Homage’s roots in Columbus, Ohio, and its popularity among the Haslam family’s sports properties, the partnership feels like a natural fit. Additional investors include Adam Hansmann, co-founder of The Athletic, and Wheelhouse 360.
Homage founder and CEO Ryan Vesler expressed his excitement about the new partnerships, saying, "It’s about surrounding ourselves with experts and learning from them. This group will help us reach more people, and we aspire to become a household name."
Founded in 2007, Homage blends Vesler’s passion for vintage with his entrepreneurial spirit. The brand, which started after Vesler’s early experiences selling thrift-store finds on eBay, is now an official licensed partner of major leagues like the NFL, NBA, WNBA, and MLB, as well as numerous colleges. Homage also creates pop culture-inspired clothing, with designs featuring iconic films and TV shows such as The Sandlot and The Big Lebowski.
Homage plans to use the new funding to expand its school partnerships, boost production capabilities, grow its team, and enhance its marketing and technology infrastructure.
Jason Kelce already had ties to Homage, as the brand is the merchandise partner for the Kelce brothers' popular New Heights podcast, which recently signed a three-year, $100 million distribution deal with Wondery. When Travis Kelce’s girlfriend, Taylor Swift, was spotted wearing a Homage New Heights hat in April, it caused a surge in demand, with the product selling out for months.
“I’ve been a fan of Homage from the start because their designs bring back so many memories—from the things I grew up doing to the teams I’ve always rooted for,” said Kelce. "There’s a real sense of nostalgia in everything they do, and it resonates with me."