Art Meets Play: Diadem Sports Unveils Exclusive Collaboration with Pop Art Phenoms Shelby & SandyLimited-edition Paddle Collection Transforms the Pickleball Court into a Canvas of Vibrant Nostalgia for National Pickleball Month
DiademApr 08, 2025
Pompano Beach , FL—APRIL 1, 2024—Diadem Sports, a premier pickleball brand, is partnering with Los Angeles artists shelby and sandy, whose work is collected by a star-studded roster including Bradley Cooper, Margot Robbie, Zac Efron, Drake, Kylie and Kendall Jenner, and many more, to create a limited-edition pickleball paddle collection launching April 8. The three unique paddles merge the brothers' signature colorful, nostalgic artwork with Diadem's performance technology, bringing contemporary art to the fastest-growing sport in America.
"Pickleball is truly a unique sport because of how it blends sport and culture," said Michael Manglardi, co-founder of Diadem Sports. "The sport is incredibly unifying, bringing together friends, strangers, and competitors to create lasting communities. With pickleball's explosive global rise, we're proud to introduce collaborations that highlight the FUN in the sport, its cultural impact, and the expressiveness players can bring to the court. shelby and sandy’s bold creative approach aligns perfectly with our drive for innovation, pushing boundaries, and inspiring players.".
The collaboration aligns with National Pickleball Month in April. It follows shelby and sandy's recent high-profile work designing international award-winning songwriter Diane Warren's outfit for the 2025 Academy Awards, where she was nominated for Best Original Song.
"In our artwork, we strive to make everything clean and crisp. It was an absolute joy working with Diadem, a company that shares that same dedication to precision and excellence," said shelby and sandy. "Their commitment to creating high-end, innovative equipment mirrors our own passion for pushing creative boundaries. Both Diadem and shelby and sandy are always evolving, always striving for the next level—and that's what makes this collaboration so special."
The shelby & sandy x Diadem collaboration features three uniquely designed paddles, each showcasing the artists' distinctive style:
Icons by Shelby & Sandy: This tournament-quality paddle features a vibrant green alligator on a blue background on one side and colorful summer-themed icons on the other side. It includes a display box, custom tote bag, sticker pack, and artist bio card (SRP $224.95).
People of Pickleball by Shelby & Sandy: This paddle features illustrations of the fun, quirky, and unique "People of Pickleball." Coming from all walks of life, and meeting on the court, this paddle embodies the spirit of Live to Play. It has a unique paddle cover that adds embellishments and accessories to the characters. The paddle includes a cover, sticker pack, and artist bio card (SRP $99.95).
The Skull by Shelby & Sandy LIMITED EDITION: There's one way to describe this paddle: deadly. The first of its kind, the Skull paddle was inspired by Shelby and Sandy's logo, the skull, and embraces the freedom of creativity that drove this collection. This limited edition collector's paddle will be made in minimal quantities and includes a custom tote bag, sticker pack, Shelby & Sandy performance hat, and artist bio card (SRP $299.95).
The collection also includes accessory merchandise, such as The Artist's Tote by Shelby & Sandy featuring the alligator design with 'Diadem x Shelby and Sandy' text (SRP $29.95), The Skull Performance Hat (SRP $30), and People of Pickleball Graphic Tee in Comfort Colors (SRP $30).
This highly limited collection will be available starting April 8th on Diadem's website (diademsports.com) and shelby and sandy's website. Select premium retailers will also carry the collection in limited quantities.
[High-resolution product images and artist headshots available upon request, all items and prices are subject to change upon availability]
ABOUT DIADEM SPORTS
Diadem Sports is a leading provider of innovative equipment and experiences in racquet sports, with a focus on pickleball and tennis. Founded in 2015, Diadem has quickly become a major player in the fast-growing pickleball industry, offering a full line of high-quality paddles, balls, shoes, and accessories for players of all skill levels. With a mission to promote the physical, emotional, and social benefits of pickleball and tennis, Diadem is committed to growing participation through grassroots initiatives like equipment donations, clinics, and tournaments.
ABOUT SHELBY AND SANDY
shelby and sandy are Los Angeles-based artist brothers known for their vibrant, nostalgic artwork created in a true 50/50 collaboration. Their modern, contemporary pieces featuring pop culture references have attracted collectors including Zac Efron, Bradley Cooper, Drake, and the Jenner sisters. Since 2014, they have partnered with global brands including Warner Brothers, Disney, Louis Vuitton, Nike, and now Diadem. Their work has been featured in prestigious publications and exhibited internationally. shelby and sandy are nice.
Diadem was founded in 2015 with a single goal in mind - to develop the most innovative, high-quality tennis products in the world to help players maximize their performance. With a team made up of former collegiate and professional players and coaches, Diadem set out to develop new and exciting products that catered to players of all levels looking to elevate their game. They offer a variety of products including rackets, strings, balls, footwear, and apparel for both tennis and pickleball.
Diadem Sports is committed to providing quality, innovative products that cater to players of all skill levels and preferences, fostering brand loyalty throughout their personal journey in the sport. Whether it's their first swing on the court or their transition into a passionate, dedicated player, Diadem aims to be an integral part of that experience. The company continues to offer lifestyle branding opportunities through its comprehensive line of head to-toe apparel and accessories, allowing athletes to fully immerse themselves in the Diadem brand both on and off the court. By consistently delivering exceptional products and embracing the diverse needs of its customer base, Diadem solidifies its position as a trusted companion for players at every stage of their athletic pursuits.
Apr 08, 2025
