The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) has expanded its partnership with British strength-sports brand SBD, appointing the company as the official supplier of weightlifting belts, knee sleeves, knee bandages and wrist wraps. The agreement broadens SBD’s role in international weightlifting, extending its involvement beyond competition apparel to essential athlete-support equipment.
The agreement was signed in Ningbo, China, alongside the 2026 IWF World Championships, being held from October 27 to November 8. The IWF confirmed that the products covered by the appointment became available worldwide on October 27. All equipment included in the agreement is manufactured at SBD’s headquarters in Sheffield, England.
The appointment builds on the partnership established in 2025, when SBD became an IWF official partner and official supplier of Weightlifting Costumes under an agreement running until 2032. The latest development strengthens the brand’s association with the sport’s international governing body, although the financial terms and duration of the expanded equipment arrangement have not been disclosed.
The IWF President Mohammed Jalood said, “We are very happy to extend our partnership with SBD, a company renowned for the quality of its products and its close relationship with National Federations and athletes. Since the start of our collaboration, SBD has been present in our major competitions, offering support and providing equipment to many weightlifting stars around the world.”
Benjamin Banks, Founder and CEO of SBD, added, “Belts, knee sleeves and wrist wraps are where SBD began, and they are what lifters around the world know us for. Being trusted by the IWF to supply them is a proud moment for everyone at SBD and for our team in Sheffield who make them. In weightlifting, the bar moves faster, and positions change in a fraction of a second, so we have designed these products for the specific demands of the sport. This appointment deepens our commitment to weightlifting, from the national federations we work with to the world’s best lifters.”
The IWF also reported that SBD had partnered with 17 national weightlifting federations during its first year in the sport, with its products available in 62 countries. Eleven teams competing at the Ningbo championships are wearing SBD competition singlets.
The expanded partnership reinforces SBD’s position in international weightlifting while deepening the IWF’s relationship with a specialist equipment manufacturer. However, the absence of disclosed financial details leaves the commercial value of the agreement unclear.
