Basketball superstar Stephen Curry and former first lady Michelle Obama announced Wednesday that they’ve teamed up to create a new, healthy sports drink. Together they launched PLEZi Hydration, officially stepping into the $25 billion sports drink market. PLEZi, which means “fun” in Haitian Creole, is marketed as an energy drink with no added sugar, double the electrolytes, a daily dose of vitamin C, and a lower sodium content than brands currently available on the market. “We’re excited to provide a delicious, healthier option for everyone who’s trying to get active and stay hydrated,” said Obama in a statement. PLEZi Chief Operating Officer Anup Shah told CNN that Curry brought “credibility” to the sports drink market and “wanted to put out a product that was a better option for consumers.” Curry said in a statement: “We’ve created something with smart ingredients and unbeatable flavor, so people can fuel their bodies the right way. No nonsense, no shortcuts — because the next generation deserves better.” Ayesha Curry, who has a culinary background, was also “instrumental” in helping create the beverage. According to Euromonitor, the current demand for “advanced hydration” is strong. Obama created PLEZi Nutrition in 2023 to “help raise a healthier generation of kids” following her “Let’s Move!” campaign as first lady. Over the years, other celebrities have also explored the energy drink market, from LeBron James with MTN Dew Rise, to Logan Paul with Prime. PLEZi is being sold in stores in California, Curry’s home state, in the flavors lemon lime, orange mango twist, and tropical punch.
