American Athletic began in 1954. Over the years, the company has expanded its sporting goods line to include more than 1,500 products for the sports of basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, baseball, cheerleading and other gymnasium components. The company is a subsidiary of Russell Corporation, one of the leading sporting good companies. The company is widely known as a top apparel company, set out to expand its position as an athletic company. Headquartered in Jefferson, Iowa, American Athletic operates nearly five facilities totaling more than 200,000 square feet.