One collaboration you did not expect to see in 2025 is between Golden State Warriors NBA player, Stephen Curry, and former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama. Curry and Mrs. Obama are teaming up to create a new beverage in the sports drinks category. Michelle Obama is the co-founder of PLEZi Nutrition.
PLEZi already has two ranges of drinks available in the market: PLEZi Juice Boxes and PLEZi FiZZ. However, Mrs. Obama and Curry have come up with a new addition known as PLEZi Hydration. PLEZi Hydration comes in three different flavors: Tropical Punch, Lemon Lime, and Orange Mango Twist. The drinks are available on Amazon, as well as select stores in California. You can get yours at $2.29.
Keep reading to learn more about the collaboration between Stephen Curry and Michelle Obama.
Why did PLEZi choose Stephen Curry to work with for their new PLEZi Hydration?
Anup Shah, who is the Chief Operating Officer of PLEZi stated:
"What we love about (Curry) is he brings credibility to the space… and he wanted to put out a product that was a better option for consumers." Shah said.
He also talked about the kind of difference that PLEZi has in the energy and sports drink market. The taste and the quality of the drinks "delivers on Steph’s high expectations" since it contains low sodium content, high potassium, no added sugar, and more electrolytes compared to other energy drinks.
He adds:
"When we did a review of the market, a lot of the existing sports drinks have a lot of either high sugar or a lot of artificial sweeteners" - Shah explains why PLEZi Hydration is different.
Shah also shared that the drinks were made with the consultation of Curry's wife, Ayesha, who is a chef, restaurateur, and businesswoman.
The chief executive of drinks marketing agency YesMore, Tom Khan-Lavin, also had something to say. He talks about the importance of a prominent figure while promoting such drinks. Khan-Lavin says:
Stephen Curry's "connection to health and fitness is palpable, and that will resonate strongly, especially in the competitive US market... In a crowded market, a recognizable and respected figure creates instant trust and brand recognition"
He concludes:
"Moreover, they arrive with a ready-made audience, significantly reducing the need for traditional marketing spend" - Khan-Lavin ends.
Although PLEZi is a "small player" right now, the sports drink industry is expected to grow up to $32.6 billion in 2028. Stephen Curry's decision to invest and work with Michelle Obama (PLEZi) might be the perfect way to carve his name into this new space besides dominating the court.

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