Win Your Favorite Athlete's Game Day Gear | mov

“If it smells, that’s how they’re going to receive it.”

Though that statement might seem unsettling to most direct-to-consumer business creators, Chris Alston, the founder of Mov, considers it a key element of his company’s appeal. This new venture, located in Los Angeles, links enthusiasts with authentic, game-used apparel from their preferred athletes through a unique sweepstakes format. In the realm of sports collectibles, genuineness – even including signs of wear – is paramount.

“We ship the items in their original condition,” he explained. “Our goal is to deliver a truly memorable experience for the fans.”

Mov, which launched only a few weeks ago, represents a novel approach beyond simply replicating existing platforms like eBay or NBA auction sites. Established by Alston, his brother Brandon, and creative director Jacqueline Pounder, the company utilizes a sweepstakes model to generate funds for game-worn items. For each sale, 70% of the proceeds are directed to a charity selected by the athlete. The remaining 30% covers Mov’s operational costs and employee compensation. Currently featured causes on the website include the Milwaukee Freedom Fund, the Girls and Boys Club of Portland, and the With Us Foundation.

“These items are worn by athletes during games, and our platform provides them with a convenient way to support charitable organizations without adding to their already demanding schedules,” Alston stated. An athlete simply needs to send their item to a warehouse in Los Angeles following a game, and Mov handles the rest, ensuring it reaches the winner.

As with any sweepstakes, participation is free. Everyone receives one complimentary ticket for a chance to win an item, whether it’s CJ McCollum’s Li-Ning Yushuai 13 sneakers or Pat Connaughton’s Equality jersey. However, fans can purchase additional tickets – priced between $1 and $2 each – to improve their odds of winning.

“Traditionally, acquiring game-worn gear often comes down to financial resources,” Alston noted. “We’re making it possible for anyone to participate with just one ticket, thereby lowering the financial barrier to entry.”

Alston’s upbringing was steeped in both philanthropy and athletics. His grandparents actively fought for desegregation in Virginia Schools, even taking their local school board to court. His brother is a professional basketball player, and Alston himself competed in college football at Columbia University. He ultimately left Columbia to dedicate himself to technology-based entrepreneurship.

Given this background, it’s fitting that Alston conceived a business that merges charitable giving with the world of sports. However, the initial concept for Mov differed significantly from its current form. The company began as a video e-commerce platform, essentially a visual version of eBay. After encountering challenges in scaling the marketplace, Alston explored alternative ways to define his target audience. He focused on his and his brother’s extensive network of athletes – and a recent, noteworthy change in NBA regulations.

In 2018, NBA players gained the freedom to wear sneakers of any color they chose. While seemingly minor, this change quickly led to players using their footwear to promote charities or causes during games. Alston envisioned Mov as a means to repurpose gear that athletes might otherwise discard or donate, directing it towards a worthy cause.

Mov’s success, both in terms of charitable impact and revenue generation, hinges on attracting users to its service and encouraging them to purchase tickets for a chance to win. While the founder has not yet revealed the total number of users, he is encouraged by the amount of money generated per item through Mov. For instance, Pat Connaughton’s jersey raised $2,164 on Mov, compared to $560 on the NBA auction site.

“In these challenging times, we’re striving to maximize everyone’s ability to contribute,” he said.