ORIGIN

Founded in 2013 by Travis Lyland and a group of close friends, Straight Elite started as a basketball group, united by the shared passion for the sport and the powerful culture surrounding it.

 ABOUT

It started in Harlem on the courts, in the neighborhoods, and in the everyday grind of a group of young athletes who lived and breathed basketball near Rucker Park.

What began as a group of friends competing, traveling, and building a name through the game quickly became something more.

We weren’t a program.
We weren’t backed by an organization.

We were just a group of individuals committed to being the best together.

IT STARTED

The name “Straight Elite” came from a moment. A decision to represent something bigger than where we came from.
“Elite” meant striving to be the best.
“Straight” meant being real, authentic, and solid.

Together, it became a mindset. We wore it. We lived it. And people started to notice.

What changed everything wasn’t a business plan—it was a question:

“How can my child be apart of this?”

That question turned a name into a mission.

OUR MISSION

Straight Elite exists to create connection through sports, lifestyle, and community. We are committed to building environments where people can compete, grow, connect and feel a sense of belonging. Whether it’s on the court, at an event, with product or through everyday life we aim to bring people together in meaningful ways.

OUR VISION

Our vision is to create a lasting impact across generations. From youth development to community events, from fitness initiatives to lifestyle experiences. We are creating spaces where people of all ages can come together and grow. We want people to not only support the brand… but to truly connect with it. To wear it with purpose. To live it with intention. To be apart of something bigger than themselves.

WHERE CONNECTIONS INSPIRE

Straight Elite is more than a name.

It’s a story.
A community.
A lifestyle.

And we’re just getting started.