Jon Dabney is making history in an industry where few men, particularly Black men, are behind brands created exclusively for women. The Morehouse College graduate and founder of RocketSports-1, a Black-owned women’s activewear company, has secured placement for his signature leggings in 37 Walmart stores across the United States, while making the brand available to shoppers nationwide through Walmart.com. The breakthrough comes after a 12-year journey of building, developing, and refining a brand designed around what everyday women say they want most from activewear: comfort, fit, functionality, and confidence at an affordable price.
Dabney, who was born and raised in Southwest Atlanta, launched RocketSports-1 with a vision of creating activewear that could serve women beyond the gym. After years of product development, manufacturing challenges, financing, testing, and persistence, the company earned an opportunity through Walmart Open Call 2025 to introduce its products to one of the world’s largest retailers. “Seeing RocketSports-1 inside Walmart after 12 years is difficult to put into words,” said Dabney, who also earned an Executive MBA from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. “There were plenty of opportunities to quit, but I believed that if we continued creating a quality product and preparing for the right opportunity, eventually a door would open.”
Now available at Walmart for $36, RocketSports-1 leggings were developed for everyday women and the many roles they play—from workouts and morning walks to work, travel, errands, and weekends. The leggings feature flexible 4-way stretch fabric designed to move comfortably with the body, along with a high-rise supportive waistband created to provide a secure and flattering fit while helping reduce unwanted rolling and slipping. A breathable mesh back panel provides added ventilation, while the fabric is designed to maintain its color and appearance through regular wear and washing.
Perhaps one of RocketSports-1’s biggest differentiators is its price. In an activewear market where premium leggings can easily cost $80 to $100 or more, Dabney intentionally positioned RocketSports-1 as an affordable alternative without abandoning the performance-focused features women expect. “Women shouldn’t have to pay a premium simply to get comfort, fit, support, breathability and style,” he said. “We designed these for the everyday woman. The woman balancing her career, family, fitness, travel and life, but who still wants to look good, feel good and move with confidence.”
The Walmart launch is especially significant for Dabney because it puts a Black-owned brand created by a male entrepreneur for female consumers on the shelves of America’s largest retailer. But Dabney says getting onto the shelves is only the beginning. Consumer response during the launch will play an important role in determining the brand’s future growth at Walmart. “This opportunity has taken more than a decade to reach, but getting into Walmart isn't the finish line,” he said. “Every woman who tries our leggings, purchases a pair or tells someone else about the brand is helping demonstrate that there is demand for what we have built.”
RocketSports-1 is currently available at 37 select Walmart stores, and consumers who do not live near a participating location can purchase the leggings nationwide through Walmart.com. Dabney hopes the milestone will inspire other Black entrepreneurs who may spend years building businesses before receiving their big opportunity. “For 12 years, I kept believing we could reach this moment,” he said. “Now we have the opportunity to prove that an emerging Black-owned brand can compete on a national retail stage. We just need consumers to give us a try.”
About
RocketSports-1 is an Atlanta-based, Black-owned women’s activewear brand founded by entrepreneur Jon Dabney and built around the philosophy “Comfort. Fit. Confidence.” The company creates versatile activewear designed to combine performance, comfort, and everyday functionality at accessible prices. In 2026, following a 12-year entrepreneurial journey, RocketSports-1 launched its leggings in 37 select Walmart stores across the United States and online nationwide.
For press inquiries, contact jon@rocketsports-1.com or 404-692-9949