Wilson Sporting Goods – a name synonymous with sports excellence – has origins as unexpected as they are unique. Before it became a powerhouse in the world of tennis, baseball, and golf, Wilson was part of the Sulzberger & Sons Company, a Chicago-based meat producer. In 1914, the company established the Ashland Manufacturing Company, repurposing animal by-products for a surprising new purpose: sporting goods. In 1915, it was renamed Wilson & Co., but the sporting goods division became Thomas E. Wilson & Co. in 1916, laying the foundation for Wilson Sporting Goods.
One of Wilson’s earliest breakthroughs was the production of natural gut tennis strings, a step that would transform the company’s trajectory. No longer just a by-product business, Wilson began setting industry standards, pioneering new materials and designs that shaped the modern game.
With a commitment to precision and innovation, Wilson racquets became the choice of champions. Jack Kramer, whose Wilson Jack Kramer Autograph set a new benchmark for professional equipment and became one of the best-selling racquets in history. In the 1980s and 1990s, Wilson’s Pro Staff series became synonymous with excellence, wielded by Pete Sampras, whose dominance with the Pro Staff 85 defined an era. Steffi Graf captured an unmatched 22 Grand Slam singles titles.
In the 21st century, Roger Federer’s Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph brought the brand into a new Golden Age. His precise playing style and record-breaking achievements further strengthened Wilson’s presence at the top of professional tennis.
The making-of photo "Wilson – From Meatpacking to Sports Giant" tells the story of Wilson’s journey through the decades, from World War I to the present day. Each model represents a defining moment:
Early Ashland wooden racquets, crafted from repurposed materials,
The Jack Kramer Autograph, a bestseller that ruled tennis for over 40 years,
The Pro Staff series, revolutionizing precision in the 1980s,
Roger Federer’s Pro Staff RF97 Autograph, the pinnacle of Wilson’s craftsmanship.
The complete documentation, including exclusive photos, a video documentary, and historical insights will be available on the Berlin Tennis Gallery channels from July 1, 2025. Stay tuned for a deep dive into over a century of sporting excellence.
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