What happened to the Glove Wrap after the Shark Tank? Details explored

Shark Tank has been a platform for entrepreneurs of all ages to present their innovative ideas to potential investors. In season 15, episode 3 aired on October 13, 2023, young entrepreneur Gavin Batarse appeared on the show with his family to pitch Glove Wrap, a product designed to help break in baseball gloves quickly and efficiently.

They sought a $50,000 investment for 20% equity in their company. Eventually, they guaranteed a deal with Sharks Mark Cuban and Michael Rubin, who invested $50,000 in exchange for 22% of the company.

Today, Glove Wrap is not only sold on its official website but is also available at major retailers, including over 200 locations of Dick’s Sporting Goods and Scheels stores. The product’s reach has expanded, with Glove Wrap now licensed as the official glove wrap for Major League Baseball (MLB).

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Glove Wrap’s journey from Shark Tank success to nationwide recognition

Glove Wrap's origin and development

According to the brand's official website, the idea for Glove Wrap originated when Gavin Batarse, a 9 nine-year-old baseball fan, struggled to break in his new glove. His father, Jon Batarse, was initially using rubber bands to form a pocket in the glove, a common method, but they soon ran out.

Shark Tank fame Gavin told Daily Pilot by Los Angeles Times in October 2023:

“We used to use rubber bands, but we didn’t have enough. So Dad asked me to find a different way."

Unable to find a product that specifically addressed this issue, Gavin and his father decided to create their own. The result was Glove Wrap, a latex-free, thermoplastic elastomer band designed to shape stiff gloves effectively.

In their pitch, Gavin, along with his father Jon and sister Morgan, demonstrated Glove Wrap to the sharks. They explained the product's usage: place a ball inside the glove, wrap the glove tightly with the band, and let it set. This process could efficiently form a pocket in the glove, making it easier to use on the field.

During the pitch, the Batarse family requested $50,000 for a 20% equity stake in Glove Wrap, valuing the company at $250,000. While initially skeptical, the sharks were impressed by the simplicity and functionality of the product. Kevin O’Leary chose not to invest, as he wanted Gavin to focus solely on the business, but the family emphasized that they wanted him to stay in school.

Lori Greiner and Barbara Corcoran also stepped out, both agreeing that the product would be a better fit with investors with sports experience. Michael Rubin and Mark Cuban saw potential in the product, with Rubin noting that his experience with Fanatics, a large sports merchandise company, could provide significant opportunities for Glove Wrap.

Rubin proposed partnering with Cuban to offer the $50,000 investment, but at a slightly higher equity percentage of 22%, which the family accepted.

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Post-Shark Tank success and retail expansion

Following their appearance on Shark Tank, Glove Wrap saw a marked increase in visibility and demand. The exposure brought by the show drove a spike in website traffic, leading to higher sales and more followers on social media. As of October 2024, their Facebook account currently has 47.7 K followers, whereas their Instagram account has garnered 86.6 K followers.

According to Jon Batarse, Glove Wrap quickly moved from a small, home-based business to gaining traction nationwide. LA Times reported that Glove Wrap has now expanded into retail, securing shelf space in over 200 stores, including major retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Scheels. This expansion has provided greater access for baseball players and fans, with the product priced consistently at $19.99 on its website.

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Partnership with Major League Baseball and future growth

The summer following their show appearance brought further growth for Glove Wrap, including a licensing deal with Major League Baseball (MLB). The agreement made Glove Wrap the official glove wrap of MLB, which is also reflected in the brand's Instagram bio.

The Batarse family attended MLB’s All-Star Week in Dallas, where they were filmed for a retrospective segment on Shark Tank. Glove Wrap's success in MLB endorsements has also driven its presence on social media. Videos featuring Glove Wrap in use have reached a large audience, attracting millions of views across platforms.

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A special episode of Shark Tank featuring Glove Wrap inventor and CEO Gavin Batarse, along with his sister Morgan and father Jon, aired on November 1 on ABC.