Babolat
Babolat is a French racquet sports company founded in Lyon in 1875 by Pierre Babolat. Still family-controlled, it makes tennis, badminton, padel and pickleball equipment along with shoes, apparel and bags.
| Founded | 1875, Lyon |
|---|---|
| Founder | Pierre Babolat |
| Ownership | Family-controlled, fifth generation |
| Sports | Tennis, badminton, padel, pickleball |
| Website | babolat.com |
What is Babolat?
Babolat is a sports equipment brand from Lyon, France, founded in 1875 by Pierre Babolat to make natural gut racquet strings. It is an independent, family-controlled company now in its fifth generation, led by Éric Babolat.
History
Key milestones include:
- 1925: launch of the VS natural gut string
- 1955: introduction of synthetic strings
- 1994: the first Babolat tennis racquet, the Pure Drive
- 2003: the Pure Aero range and performance tennis shoes developed with Michelin
- 2012: a connected racquet
Products and positioning
Babolat covers four racquet sports. In tennis it makes racquets, strings, balls, grips, stringing machines, shoes, bags and apparel. In badminton it offers racquets, shuttlecocks, shoes and clothing, and in padel and pickleball it sells racquets, paddles, shoes and accessories. Its footwear and apparel extend the brand from equipment into sports fashion.
Distribution
Products are sold worldwide through specialist sports retailers and through the brand's own website.
Why it matters
Babolat is one of the oldest names in racquet sports and a rare example of a family-owned French company competing globally with larger sportswear groups, using its technical heritage to support footwear and apparel.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Babolat from?
Babolat is a French brand founded in Lyon in 1875, where it is still headquartered.
What does Babolat make?
Babolat makes racquets, strings, shoes, apparel and bags for tennis, badminton, padel and pickleball.