Nobull (stylized NOBULL) is an athletics company based in Boston, Massachusetts that makes sportswear. Founded in 2015 by Marcus Wilson and Michael Schaffer,[1] the brand is closely associated with CrossFit but has expanded into other sports.[2]
According to Wilson and Schaeffer, the two worked together at Reebok before leaving to found Nobull. As both worked with each other's interests and personalities, they realized that they wanted a company that didn't "sell bullshit" to their customers.[1] The name is therefore short for "no bullshit".[5]
History
Nobull was founded in 2015 by Wilson and Schaffaer in Boston.[6] The company took a minimalist approach to its designs of sportwear such as shoes, and created products that are durable and functional across a range of movements.[5][7] It claims to produce sportwear for a community of "people who work hard and don't believe in excuses".[8] Its products initially catered to the CrossFit community.[7]
The company grew strongly during the Covid-19 pandemic, and in 2021, it raised funding worth $32 million that valued the company at $500 million.[9][10]
The company formed a partnership with CrossFit Games in 2021 when it became its title sponsor for three years.[11] It also formed a six-year partnership with the PGA Tour in 2022,[12] and the NFL Combine in 2023.[13][14]
In December 2022, Nobull reportedly laid off 35 percent of its staff, with the founders citing "the challenging economic climate" and a desire to "safeguard the brand for the future", affecting 75 workers.[15]
In July 2023, Mike Repole took a majority stake in the company.[16] In January 2024, former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady agreed to merge his health and apparel brands with the company and to become its second largest shareholder.[17][18]
