Wham-O and Winning Moves Games USA are teaming up. | Source: The Toy Book

The Wham-O resurgence has begun.

Following recent deals with Jazwares for pet toys and Critical Content for TV projects, Wham-O is getting into business with Winning Moves Games USA.

Anjar and Becker Associates — acting as the exclusive licensing agency for Wham-O — brokered the deal under which Winning Moves will produce and market a collection of classic, retro-style toys based on the Wham-O archives. Since its founding in 1948, Wham-O has produced several iconic American toys, including the Hula Hoop, Frisbee, Boogie Board, Slip ‘N Slide, and more.

Wham-O co-founders Arthur Melin (left) and Richard Knerr (right) | Source: Wham-O

According to Philip Orbanes Jr, president of Winning Moves Games USA, its line of classic Wham-O toys will include Frisbee, Super Ball, Hacky Sack, Trac Ball, and more.

“For more than 25 years Winning Moves Games USA has built a positive reputation as a leader in the world of classic, retro, cool, and fun games,” Orbanes says. “Now we’re going to bring that same passion for gaming into the world of classic outdoor toys, and there’s no better brand to work with than the iconic Wham-O.”

Related: From Shelf to Screen: The Dramatic Evolution from Toymakers to Entertainment Companies

“We’re so excited the classic, retro versions of Wham-O brands are in the hands of Winning Moves,” says Patti Becker, CEO of Becker Associates. “The backyard is the new vacation spot, and with the increased popularity of classic retro products, and the surge in outdoor play, the timing couldn’t be better for Winning Moves to capitalize on the extraordinary brand awareness and appeal of Wham-O’s amazing toys!”

Since signing on with Wham-O in March, Anjar and Becker Associates have been working to build out a fresh, global licensing program for the company’s brands.

Over the past year, Wham-O toys have appeared in miniature as part of ZURU’s 5 Surprise Mini Toy Brands, and Slip ‘N Slide was developed into a reality competition series. NBC’s Ultimate Slip ‘N Slide (formerly Slip ‘N Slide Island) is slated to debut on Aug. 8, 2021, immediately following the Closing Ceremony of the Summer Olympics. Bobby Moynihan and Ron Funches are handling hosting duties.

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book, a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book‘s weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel’s Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.

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