Alright, let’s talk about Under Armour. You know the brand—the one with the logo that looks like two “U”s having a very intense hug. It’s everywhere: gyms, sports fields, and even your buddy’s closet who swears he’s “training for a marathon” (he’s not). But who actually owns this empire of sweat-wicking glory? Grab a protein shake (or a donut, no judgment), and let’s dig in.
The big cheese, the head honcho, the founder and majority owner is a guy named Kevin Plank. He’s the one who started it all back in 1996, sitting in his grandmother’s basement in Washington, D.C. Fun fact: the first prototype was a shirt that didn’t soak up sweat like a sponge—Plank was a former college football player who got tired of feeling like a wet sock during games. So, he did something about it. Classic entrepreneurial move, right?
Now, here’s where it gets a little legal. Kevin Plank isn’t just the “owner” in a friendly, handshake sense. He’s the Executive Chairman and holds a massive chunk of the company’s stock. As of 2024, he owned about 15% of the company, which doesn’t sound huge until you realize that’s worth over $600 million. Yeah, he can probably buy his own island—or just a really, really nice gym.
Must Read
Wait, Is He Still the CEO?
Nope! This is where the plot twists. In 2020, Plank stepped down as CEO and handed the reins to Patrik Frisk, a retail veteran. Then in 2022, Stephanie Linnartz took over. She’s the current CEO, a total boss lady from Marriott. But here’s the kicker: Kevin Plank is still the controlling owner because of his stock and special voting rights. He’s like the wizard behind the curtain—still pulling the strings, just not wearing the CEO hat.
Think of it this way: Kevin Plank is the creator of the recipe, and the CEO is the chef who cooks it daily. He gets to taste-test and say, “More garlic!” Plank still owns the restaurant, even if he’s not in the kitchen flipping burgers. And yes, Under Armour makes stuff besides shirts now—shoes, shorts, and even those ridiculous recovery boots that make you look like a spaceman.
The Founder of Under Armour Has Big Plans for 'Made in the USA' | Inc.com
But Wait, It’s a Public Company!
Ah, smarty-pants alert! You’re right. Under Armour is publicly traded on the stock market under the symbol “UA” (or “UAA” for the Class A shares). So technically, millions of people can own a tiny slice of the company—including you, if you buy a share. But let’s be real: owning one share doesn’t mean you get to call Kevin Plank for advice on your squat form. Sorry.
Here’s the nitty-gritty: the company has two classes of stock. Class A shares are what regular folks buy, with one vote per share. Class B shares are owned mostly by Kevin Plank, and they get ten votes per share. That’s like having a golden ticket in a chocolate factory, except the chocolate is athletic wear. Because of this, Plank controls about 65% of the voting power. He’s the king of the castle, even if the castle has shareholders.
Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank steps down after scandals
Does Anyone Else Own a Big Chunk?
Sure, there are some big institutional investors—like Vanguard and BlackRock—that own large percentages. But they’re not “owners” in the emotional sense. They’re like those friends who crash on your couch for a week and claim they “own” the remote. Nah. Plank is the one who named the company after himself (sort of—he took the name from a character in a movie, “Undercover Brother,” then tweaked it). So it’s his baby, his legacy, and his hoodie collection.
Also, let’s not forget Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson joined the board in 2023. He doesn’t own the company, but he’s a brand ambassador and has a massive Project Rock line. So if you’ve ever wondered if The Rock could arm-wrestle Kevin Plank for ownership, the answer is: probably, but Plank would just sell him a shirt that catches his sweat.
Kensington's Kevin Plank, Founder of Under Armour - The MoCo Show
What Does All This Mean for You?
Honestly, it means that Kevin Plank is living proof that a guy in his grandmother’s basement can build a global brand. He’s the owner, the visionary, and the guy who probably still gets excited when he sees someone wearing his gear at the airport. And while he’s not the CEO, he’s still the soul of Under Armour—the one who decided that “We Must Protect This House” wasn’t just a slogan, but a way of life. (Okay, and a pretty good ad campaign.)
So next time you zip up that cold-weather gear or lace up those Curry shoes, remember: Kevin Plank is the man behind the curtain. He’s not just the owner; he’s the guy who turned a sweaty problem into a billion-dollar solution. And that’s pretty darn cool.
In the end, owning a company isn’t just about stock certificates or boardroom meetings. It’s about heart. Kevin Plank built Under Armour from a single idea—“I can make a better shirt”—into a global powerhouse. He’s the owner, yes, but he’s also the dreamer who never gave up. So whether you’re a CEO of your own life or just trying to finish a 5K without chafing, take a lesson from Plank: sweat is just weakness leaving the body, and ownership is just belief leaving the basement. Go crush it.
