Steph Curry and Michelle Obama Team Up to Launch PLEZi Hydration, a Healthier Sports Drink Aiming to Change the Game

There’s a new player shaking up the sports drink world — and it comes with star-power and purpose. NBA legend Steph Curry and former First Lady Michelle Obama have officially joined forces to introduce PLEZi Hydration, a wellness-driven line of sports drinks designed with health, performance, and long-term nutrition in mind (CNN). The collaboration expands Obama’s long-standing mission to promote healthier living, a movement she kicked off with her nationwide “Let’s Move” initiative during her years in the White House.

Curry, known for his meticulous approach to training, recovery, and nutrition, is now channeling that same focus into consumer health. He and his wife, entrepreneur and chef Ayesha Curry, worked closely with the PLEZi development team to build a drink that met their exact expectations — one that tastes great while prioritizing wellness. The result is a lineup of three refreshing flavors: lemon-lime, tropical punch, and orange-mango twist, now available in select California stores and on Amazon.

With a retail price of $2.29 for a 16.9-ounce bottle, PLEZi Hydration enters the massive $25 billion sports drink industry — an arena currently led by giants like Gatorade, BodyArmor, and Prime. However, PLEZi aims to differentiate itself through cleaner ingredients and upgraded nutrition. Each bottle contains double the electrolytes, no added sugar, lower sodium, and more potassium than many traditional sports beverages, giving athletes and everyday consumers a performance boost without unnecessary additives (Bloomberg).

“When we did a review of the market, a lot of existing sports drinks have either high sugar or a lot of artificial sweeteners,” said PLEZi COO Anup Shah. “What we love about [Curry] is he brings credibility to the space… and he wanted to put out a product that was a better option for consumers” (Associated Press).

This authenticity is central to the brand’s identity. Curry and Ayesha aren’t just spokespersons — they’re hands-on creative partners and investors, ensuring the drink reflects their values of wellness, community care, and innovation. Their involvement has generated significant buzz within the health-drink sector, where celebrity-backed brands often rise quickly but struggle to demonstrate substance.

The launch comes at a moment when the sports drink category is expanding rapidly. The market is projected to reach $32.6 billion by 2028, fueled by consumer demand for functional beverages and health-forward products. Industry leaders such as PepsiCo have begun acquiring emerging wellness brands — including the rising prebiotic soda Poppi — signaling a shift toward cleaner, more intentional formulations (Wall Street Journal). PLEZi Hydration enters this evolving landscape with both momentum and mission.

Originally introduced two years ago as a healthier alternative to high-sugar kids’ drinks, PLEZi (whose name is inspired by the Haitian Creole word for “joy”) has since grown into a broader family of wellness beverages. Its expanding line includes PLEZi Fizz, a carbonated soda substitute crafted to deliver flavor without the usual trade-offs. Throughout its evolution, the brand has stayed rooted in Michelle Obama’s vision: empowering families and communities to make informed, healthier choices.

Curry has long demonstrated his ability to influence culture both on and off the court, from revolutionizing the NBA’s three-point game to investing in youth sports and community programs. Michelle Obama has spent more than a decade championing health equity and advocating for accessible nutrition. Together, they’re not just launching a beverage — they’re striving to redefine what a modern sports drink should be.

With PLEZi Hydration, they’re raising the bar for athletes, families, and anyone seeking a cleaner boost. One sip, one bottle, one better choice at a time.