Winning Moves Games USA to develop licensed classic and retro Wham-O legacy toys in latest deal for the brand

Winning Moves Games USA has struck a new licensing partnership with Anjar Co. & Becker Associates to market classic, retro-style Wham-O legacy toys, including the likes of Frisbee, Hula Hoop, Super Ball, Hacky Sack, Slip ‘N Slide, Trac-Ball, and Boogie Board.

The line is scheduled to launch in Spring 2022. The Winning Moves deal follows closely on the heels of the licensing deal with Jazwares for a range of Wham-O Branded Pet Toys.

“Winning Moves Games USA is proud to announce it has signed a licensing agreement with Anjar and Wham-O to bring back the classic versions of Frisbee, Super Ball, Hacky Sack, Trac Ball and many other classic Wham-O toys,” said Philip Orbanes Jr., president of Winning Moves Games USA.

“For more than 25 years Winning Moves Games USA has built a positive reputation as a leader in the world of classic, retro, cool and fun games. Now we’re going to bring that same passion for gaming into the world of classic outdoor toys, and there’s no better brand to work with than the iconic Wham-O.”

Todd Richards, Wham-O president, added: “The Wham-O Team is very pleased to have Winning Moves as a new partner to further enhance our legendary brands with their innovative product and packaging concepts, and their complementary distribution channels.”

Wham-O is a lifestyle brand that has been synonymous with fun, play, and active sports since it was founded. The Frisbee and Hula Hoop were inducted into the Strong Museum’s National Toy Industry Hall of Fame in 1998 and 1999 respectively.

Anjar & Becker Associates are building a global licensing program for Wham-O’s iconic toy brands across all product categories, including apparel, branded promotional products, pet products, and crafts and activities.

Patti Becker, CEO of Becker Associates, said: “We’re so excited the classic, retro versions of Wham-O brands are in the hands of Winning Moves. The backyard is the new vacation spot, and with the increased popularity of classic retro products, and the surge in outdoor play, the timing couldn’t be better for Winning Moves to capitalize on the extraordinary brand awareness and appeal of Wham-O’s amazing toys.”

Other recent Wham-O licensees include Zuru’s Mini Brands, and Critical Content’s Ultimate Slip ‘N Slide. Ultimate Slip ‘N Slide is a new unscripted reality competition series launching this summer on NBC. The first episode will premiere August 8, 2021 at 10:30 pm ET, immediately following the Closing Ceremony of the Summer Olympics. Bobby Moynihan of SNL fame will host the series.

Jazwares takes first steps into pet toy market with Wham-O licensed toys for our furry friends

The global player in toys and licensing, Jazwares, is making new tracks in the pets market through a partnership with Anjar & Becker Associates that will see the firm launch a range of Wham-O licensed toys for our furriest of friends.

Scheduled to launch online and at brick and mortar retailers across the US next autumn, the new line will mark Jazwares’ first entry into the Pet Toy category, as the Wham-O products join upcoming pet costumes in building out the company’s pet product offerings.

Wham-O has produced some of the most recognisable and classic American toys like Frisbee, Superball, Hula Hoop, Slip ‘N Slide, Hacky Sack, and Boogie Board for nearly 75 years. Together with Jazwares, it is now bringing its roster of brands to a playful and durable range of pet toys.

The collection will include both traditional toys like balls, discs, tug toys, and plush, as well as new innovations in the pet space.

“Wham-O toys has been at the center of active play for families across America for decades and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to help extend its iconic brands to new products for our four-legged friends,” said Michael Rinzler, executive VP/partner, Jazwares.

“As we continue to grow Jazwares offerings beyond our core toy and collectibles business, we look forward to bringing our innovative, quality approach to consumer products into the pet category.”

Jonathan Becker, president of Anjar Co, added: “We’re excited to partner with Jazwares to extend the iconic Wham-O brands into the Pet Toy category. Jazwares has a reputation of bringing creativity, innovation and quality toys to all their brands, and I’m confident that’s what they’ll do for the Wham-O brands for pet toys. This opportunity will benefit pets and their owners everywhere and encourage active play all day.”

Todd Richards, president of Wham-O, said: “Wham-O has long been associated with active play and carrying our brand over to the pet world seems like a natural extension of our brands’ image. Thanks to Anjar and Becker Associates, we at Wham-O are thrilled about this exciting partnership with Jazwares.”

This news continues Jazwares’ expansion into new product categories and follows on the heels of Jazwares’ recent announcement about its forthcoming entry into the costume segment.

Classic toy maker Wham-O strikes partnership with Critical Content for live action TV series

The independent classic toys maker, Wham-O has partnered with the indie production studio, Critical Content, to develop and create TV content built around the firm’s portfolio of toy brands, including the likes of Frisbee Disc, Hula Hoop, and Slip ‘N’ Slide. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

The exclusive agreement now grants Critical Content access to globally recognised IP and the option to create live action TV content. Kicking off the partnership, Slip ‘N’ Slide is to be at the front and centre of a new project tentatively titled Slip ‘N’ Slide Island, the working titles of a competition series centered on the childhood pastime.

Participants will go head to head as they attempt to body-glide their way to glory through a series of obstacles all designed in the spirit of Wham-O’s outdoor game. Match ups will take place in supersized chutes, jumps, and tunnels with winners of each installment getting a cash prize and a chance to compete in a grand finale event against the best of the best.

Slip ‘N Slide has a long history with consumers and has become somewhat of a summer staple since its introduction at the New York Toy Fair in February 1961. Sales of the product – now in its 60th year – have jumped over 180 per cent as many public pools, camps and water parks were forced to close because of the global pandemic.

Todd Richards, president of Wham-O, said: “Wham-O products have always brought out the best in kids and adults alike and this collaboration with Critical Content is indicative of our desire to elevate these nostalgic brands to the next level. We couldn’t be more pleased to partner with Tom, Jenny and their teams to bring Slip ‘N Slide to viewers around the globe in a meaningful way and look forward to creating epic content that celebrates our broader portfolio in the months ahead.”

Tom Forman, Critical Content’s CEO, and Jenny Daly, president, Critical Content Studios, added: “Wham-O is synonymous with good times and fun for the whole family and Slip ‘N Slide is one of the most enduring products in their portfolio for good reason. We all have fond memories of our first encounter with a Frisbee disc, a Hula Hoop and a Slip ‘N Slide and have passed that legacy onto our children, and our children’s children.

“We can’t think of a more uplifting and entertaining inspiration for TV content – all of these brands are immediately recognizable to consumers around the globe and have brought smiles to millions over the years. As we all try to embrace a more optimistic view of the world, we feel privileged to bring the re-imagining of these brands to market for a whole new generation of fans.”