How Sportsheets Just Made History at ANME 2026

William Brown · 2026-07-22

It's not every day a company makes history in the adult industry. But that's exactly what happened when Sportsheets took the stage at the ANME Founders Show and walked away with a third consecutive win for BDSM/Fetish Company of the Year. No one has ever done that before. This wasn't just another award ceremony. It was a statement. And for anyone paying attention, it signaled something bigger happening behind the scenes. ### A Historic Third Win The ANME Founders Show is one of the most important events in the adult retail calendar. It's where industry players showcase what's next, and where relationships get strengthened. For Sportsheets, July 2026 was a defining moment. They were named ANME's 2026 BDSM/Fetish Company of the Year for the third year running. That's a first in the show's history. "Being recognized for a third consecutive year is an incredible milestone," said Julie Stewart, CEO of Sportsheets. "We're deeply grateful to ANME and StorErotica for this honor, and to our retail partners for their trust." ### The New Face of Sportsheets This year's show also marked the first ANME appearance for Donavon Dartez, Sportsheets' new General Manager. He spent the event meeting with retail partners, talking about innovation, customer support, and long-term growth. It wasn't just a meet-and-greet. It was a signal that the company is thinking about the next decade, not just the next quarter. But the real buzz was about the Signature Collection. ### Inside the Signature Collection If you've been following Sportsheets, you know they don't just release new products. They evolve. The Signature Collection features more than 20 new items, plus refreshed versions of their most popular categories. Retailers loved the new color palette, with Twilight Tease (a rich blue) quickly becoming a fan favorite, alongside Dawn Dream (a warm brown) and the classic Midnight Muse black. But it's not just about colors. The packaging has been completely rethought. Every box now features a foil-embossed Signature logo, premium lifestyle imagery, and detailed product specs. There are even QR codes that link directly to demo videos. That means retail staff and customers can learn about the product right there on the sales floor. ### Packaging That Tells a Story Emily Silva, Director of Product & Merchandising, explained the thinking behind the redesign: "We wanted every detail, from the materials to the packaging, to help retailers tell the product story more effectively. The result is a collection that feels elevated while making it easier for customers to shop with confidence." Retailers are already asking for more. They want the Signature aesthetic on other Sportsheets favorites, like the Door Jam Sex Sling and the Under the Bed Restraint System. That kind of demand doesn't happen by accident. ### What Retailers Are Saying Kelly Sofferman, Executive Vice President, said the response exceeded expectations. "Retailers immediately recognized the elevated presentation while appreciating that Signature still feels unmistakably Sportsheets. The enhanced product details, premium imagery, and educational videos give our partners stronger merchandising tools." Preorders for the Signature Collection surpassed expectations after the show. The collection will continue rolling out at regional trade shows and events, with shipping starting in August 2026. ### What This Means for the Industry This isn't just a win for Sportsheets. It's a sign that the adult industry is maturing. Companies are investing in design, education, and customer experience. They're thinking about how products look on shelves, how they're explained to customers, and how they build trust. That's good news for everyone. For product information or to place an order, contact sales@sportsheets.com.