Premier Rugby Sevens (PR7s), the highest professional level of rugby sevens in the United States, announced that Oakland-based Petaluma will sponsor the Golden State Retrievers for the 2023 season. Petaluma, a sustainable dog nutrition brand that launched in 2019, will be the jersey sponsor for the Retrievers men’s and women’s teams. This exciting partnership marks Petaluma’s first collaboration with a professional sports team and will include a series of cross-promotional content and brand-tailored activations.
“The connection between Petaluma, as a mission-driven dog food company, and the Golden State Retrievers goes beyond the team's mascot. We deeply believe in the mission behind Premier Rugby Sevens, and as a former collegiate rugby player myself, I have a soft spot for the sport," said Garrett Wymore, co-founder and CEO of Petaluma. "The league's approach to equity for its athletes and staff is a shared value for Petaluma, and we're honored to be a part of the Retrievers' expansion season for the men's and women's teams."
As an expansion franchise in PR7s, the Retrievers will host the 2023 Western Conference Finals tournament at PayPal Park in San Jose on Saturday, July 15. Petaluma and PR7s will also activate a series of content collaborations as part of the partnership. The PR7s tournaments will be available to watch via CBS Sports and FS1 in the United States. Each tournament includes eight 14-minute games, rotating between the men’s and women’s competitions on the same day.
“At PR7s, we believe in partnering with mission-based companies, and Petaluma is leading the way for sustainability in the pet industry,” said Owen Scannell, CEO of Premier Rugby Sevens. “As the Retrievers inaugural jersey partner, we plan to bring exposure to both brands in creative ways throughout the Bay Area and nationally this season.”
PR7s will crown a men’s and women’s winner at each tournament while building towards a 2023 PR7s Championship, where one franchise will take home the 2023 PR7s United Championship–an unprecedented prize that combines the men’s and women’s results. Additionally, the last men’s team standing will take home the A. Jon Prusmack Cup, and the women’s prize is the Kathy Flores Cup, honoring two major pioneers in American rugby.
