Authentic Brands Group Accelerates Growth in Japan, Aiming for System-Wide Retail Sales of $38 Billion (Approx. ¥5.7 Trillion)! Expanding in Experience-Based, Long-Form Content, and Consumer Products.

The global sports, media, entertainment, and lifestyle platform "Authentic Brands Group" (hereinafter referred to as "Authentic") is accelerating investment in the Japanese market, positioning it as its most important strategic hub for 2026, following strong growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

Authentic is a global commerce platform operating at the intersection of culture, entertainment, and technology. It owns and manages over 50 brands and iconic intellectual properties, including globally recognized brands such as Reebok, Champion, and Nautica, as well as intellectual properties of celebrities like David Beckham and Shaquille O'Neal. Through a capital-efficient, royalty-based model, it generates over $38 billion in system-wide retail sales.

Unlike traditional brand IP owners, Authentic breathes life into brands and cultivates fandom through powerful storytelling, premium content, and unforgettable live experiences.

Positioning Japan as a Key Market in the 2026 Growth Strategy

With approximately 30% year-on-year growth across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, accounting for about 10% of total sales, Authentic has identified Japan as a crucial market for its continued business expansion in 2026.

In June 2025, Authentic established its APAC headquarters in Shanghai, laying the foundation for regional growth. With the infrastructure in place, Authentic is now fully launching its business development in Japan, including expanding its Tokyo office and accelerating talent investment.

"Japan is one of the most dynamic and brand-conscious markets in the world," said Wesley Chew, APAC President. "With Japan's deep understanding of heritage brands and its highly passionate consumer base, we see significant opportunities to expand our portfolio and create long-term value."

Authentic's portfolio in Japan includes both established brands and those with high growth potential. Brands like Brooks Brothers, Reebok, and Barneys New York have a strong presence in Japan, while Eddie Bauer and Nautica are also gaining momentum with potential for further growth.

To continue growth in the Japanese market, Authentic is focusing on opportunities that align with local culture and consumer interests. This includes initiatives such as capsule toy products, which are highly popular in the market, and collaborations with popular IPs like anime and manga, to help brands reach new customer segments and channels.

A Platform Supporting Global Growth

At the core of this model is Authentic's ability to build cultural relevance and consumer engagement at scale. Through premium content, live experiences, and strategic partnerships, such as "Power Moves with Shaquille O'Neal," "EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert," and an expanding slate of original programming, the company cultivates brand fandom. This virtuous cycle from content to commerce accelerates intellectual property value and drives expansion across categories, channels, and the global market as a whole.

Authentic's digital-first model offers a unique advantage. By combining enduring intellectual property with advanced technologies, such as the recently launched Authentic Intelligence Platform, it enhances capabilities in areas like partner discovery, contract management, and creative development.

### About Authentic Brands Group (Authentic)

Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) is a leading platform spanning sports, media, entertainment, and lifestyle. Owning the world's most iconic and beloved intellectual properties, Authentic creates long-term value for all stakeholders through brand acquisitions and investments.

As a digital-first, asset-light platform, Authentic is positioned at the intersection of culture, commerce, and technology. Through powerful storytelling, premium content, and memorable live experiences, it breathes life into brands and nurtures fandom. With approximately 2,000 best-in-class licensing partners in 150 countries and an extensive distribution network, Authentic's brands generate over $38 billion in system-wide sales annually worldwide.

Authentic's diverse portfolio encompasses over 50 brands and boasts approximately 1 billion social media followers. Its brands include Reebok, Champion, Shaquille O’Neal, David Beckham, Kevin Hart, Sports Illustrated, Elvis Presley, Muhammad Ali, Marilyn Monroe, Guess, Nautica, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand, Nine West, Brooks Brothers, Juicy Couture, Vince Camuto, Izod, Van Heusen, Docker's, Ted Baker, Hart Schaffner Marx, Vince, Barneys New York, Judith Leiber, Quiksilver, Spyder, Billabong, Volcom, Roxy, RVCA, DC Shoes, Prince, Sperry, and Hunter, among others.

Company Overview

Company Name: Authentic Brands Group Representative: Jamie Salter (Founder/Chairman & CEO) Homepage: https://corporate.authentic.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareauthentic/posts/?feedView=all Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authentic/