Baden to resume as state WIAA ball

KENT — Kent-based Baden will return as the official ball supplier of the WIAA this fall after a five year absence.

A multi-year agreement was announced Wednesday, for all sports except football, beginning with the 2021-22 school year.

Baden is a third-generation, family-owned company, operating in south King County for more than 40 years.

“We believe in building stronger individuals and communities through sports. To be able to do that with the WIAA in our home state is a special honor and one with magnified importance as we emerge from the pandemic,” said Jake Licht, CEO of Baden Sports. “We’re excited to once again be the official ball of Washington and look forward to delivering products athletes love and a standard of service that demonstrates our appreciation for the coaches, parents, and administrators that make sports happen.”

Baden balls will be used for WIAA sanctioned state championships as well as all district playoffs.

“Baden, as a local company, is genuinely committed to the success of all the coaches and student-athletes in our membership,” said Mick Hoffman, executive director of the WIAA. “We’re thrilled to be resuming our partnership and look forward to seeing the positive impact Baden’s high-quality products and personalized service will have on our member schools.”