#United States #California #Yerba Madre #Functional Nutrition #Athlete Roster

Yerba Madre Enhances Athlete Roster for 2026

Yerba Madre, a leader in regenerative organic yerba mate, has unveiled its expanded athlete roster for 2026, showcasing an impressive collection of athletes across multiple sports. This initiative not only reinforces the brand’s commitment to performance but also emphasizes cultural connection and community engagement.

For nearly three decades, Yerba Madre has set a benchmark in the yerba mate industry, dominating the North American market with an 89% share in the mate category. The company's mission is deeply rooted in promoting South America's rich yerba mate tradition, which has lasted over 3,000 years. With the new roster, Yerba Madre is bringing a fresh perspective to the sports scene, linking athletes with the superior benefits of functional nutrition through mate.

The 2026 athlete roster includes competitors from various sports such as basketball, soccer, climbing, surfing, skateboarding, BMX, and Jiu-Jitsu. This diverse representation of talent is part of Yerba Madre's strategy to strengthen its presence in the global sports arena. Athletes will not only embody the spirit of performance but also act as ambassadors for the cultural and communal values inherent in yerba mate practices.

Some highlighted athletes joining the Yerba Madre team include:

• - Basketball: Jared McCain, Hansel Emmanuel, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and more.
• - Soccer: Jeremy Ebobisse, Casey Phair, and Madison Hammond.
• - Action Sports: Samuel Watson (Speed Climbing), Ty and Kade Ruotolo (Jiu-Jitsu), and others from the world of surfing, skateboarding, and BMX.

Emily Kortlang, Chief Marketing Officer at Yerba Madre, emphasized that athlete marketing should extend beyond mere sponsorships to represent genuine community values. She stated, “Yerba mate has been part of athletic life in South America for generations, not because of sponsorships, but because of what it represents — shared ritual, community, and culture.”

Yerba Madre is taking active steps throughout 2026 to engage these athletes through significant cultural moments, major events — including the All-Star Weekend and the World Cup — and storytelling initiatives that will resonate with sports enthusiasts. These strategies aim to introduce more consumers to mate as a plant-based, culturally-rich alternative to traditional caffeinated beverages.

The invigorating properties of yerba mate, which combines caffeine with theobromine and polyphenols, are well-regarded among athletes for enhancing focus, energy, and overall performance. Through its ready-to-drink mate beverages, Yerba Madre aims to embed these benefits into the daily routines of both athletes and their fans, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the perks that come from this time-honored tradition.

Fans can further engage with the athletes on social media or learn more about the remarkable health benefits of mate by visiting the official Yerba Madre website and following their account on various social platforms.

About Yerba Madre

Previously known as Guayakí Yerba Mate, Yerba Madre stands as a 30-year pioneer in the field of regenerative yerba mate and is the foremost provider of ready-to-drink mate beverages across North America. The name reflects their dedication to Mother Earth and their respect for the Indigenous communities that have cultivated this plant for generations.

Their commitment doesn’t stop at just the drink; Yerba Madre actively engages with 257 Indigenous and farming families in South America, employing a Market Driven Regeneration™ approach that aids in the preservation of the Atlantic Forest, supports fair trade, and fosters long-term economic stability for these communities. Moreover, as the first yerba mate brand to obtain Regenerative Organic Certified® status, Yerba Madre continues to lead by example in ethical sourcing and regenerative agriculture practices.

For those interested in embracing the benefits of yerba mate, learning about the brand's sustainable mission, and bringing home the spirit of community and tradition, Yerba Madre is readily available at over 45,000 retail outlets across the U.S. and Canada. More details can be found on their official website, www.YerbaMadre.com.