Stephen and Ayesha Curry have partnered with former First Lady Michelle Obama to tackle a major health challenge for today’s youth: improving what children drink. Through the Stephen Curry PLEZi Health Initiative, they aim to shift the focus away from sugary sports drinks by introducing a healthier alternative that combines nutrition with great taste, available nationwide.
The Currys, known for their achievements on and off the basketball court, are deepening their commitment to child wellness. Building on their work with the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, which promotes improved nutrition and opportunities for children, they’ve joined Michelle Obama’s PLEZi Nutrition, a health-forward brand launched in 2023. Together, they are pushing for a change in hydration habits among young people.
Designing PLEZi Hydration: A Drink Made with Care and Purpose
PLEZi Hydration stands out by offering a sports drink with no added sugars or artificial sweeteners, packed with vitamin C to support children’s health. It comes in three refreshing flavors—lemon lime, tropical punch, and orange mango twist, the latter being Stephen Curry’s favorite. The drink is distributed through major retailers such as Walmart and Amazon.
This product is more than a typical celebrity endorsement. Stephen and Ayesha Curry played an active role in developing PLEZi’s flavor profile, packaging, and overall mission. Ayesha shared a glimpse behind the scenes on social media, expressing her enthusiasm:
☑deliver on nutrition ☑deliver on taste ☑deliver on disruption @drinkplezi got it all ✨.
—Ayesha Curry, Entrepreneur and Chef
During the video, she also emphasized the innovation involved in the process, remarking,
I love that I now have the ability to create if I have a culinary background, and to be able to exercise that muscle and innovate some products that can truly change the game is gonna be really special.
—Ayesha Curry, Entrepreneur and Chef
Her personal connection to the project reflects her role as a mother of four and a health-conscious entrepreneur, combining culinary expertise with a vision to improve wellness for future generations.
Raising Standards Beyond the Court with a Family-Centered Approach
The Currys and Michelle Obama set out with a clear goal: to make nutritious hydration accessible and appealing for children and families. Michelle Obama’s leadership in launching PLEZi Nutrition connects directly to her legacy with the Let’s Move! campaign, aiming to encourage healthier lifestyles for kids nationwide.
Stephen Curry highlighted the team’s dedication, stating,
We’ve created something with smart ingredients and unbeatable flavor, so people can fuel their bodies the right way. No nonsense, no shortcuts—because the next generation deserves better,
—Stephen Curry, NBA Star
The Currys are not merely investors; they contributed ideas on product design and packaging, with their own children acting as critical taste testers. Their family-focused involvement adds authenticity and accountability to the initiative.
Challenging Industry Giants with a Health-First Alternative
PLEZi Hydration enters a competitive sports drink market led by Gatorade, Powerade, and BodyArmor, aiming to disrupt with wholesome ingredients and a mission-driven approach. The Currys emphasize the importance of offering beverages that parents trust and kids enjoy drinking.
They noted,
Our kids were the ones that drove our decision to partner with PLEZi Nutrition. PLEZi passed the taste test, and they couldn’t stop drinking it,
—Stephen and Ayesha Curry
Continuing, they said,
Food should be joyful…we’re furthering our mission to provide healthier, delicious options for families—making balanced nutrition a fun, easy, and accessible part of everyday life.
—Stephen and Ayesha Curry
These statements capture the Currys’ commitment to blending health and enjoyment, reflecting their belief that excellence applies both on the basketball court and in everyday choices for children’s well-being.
The Impact and Future Prospects of PLEZi Hydration
This collaboration holds promise as an example of how sports figures and influential public leaders can drive meaningful change in public health. With Michelle Obama’s vision, Stephen Curry’s widespread influence, and Ayesha Curry’s culinary insights, PLEZi Hydration aims to support a healthier generation on a large scale.
As the initiative grows, it may influence other brands to prioritize clean ingredients and family-friendly nutrition. For parents and young consumers, PLEZi offers a refreshing option that challenges the status quo in sports beverages, combining science, flavor, and cultural relevance.
Stephen and Ayesha Curry’s engagement with PLEZi Hydration signals a powerful shift toward more health-conscious decisions for children, potentially reducing the consumption of sugary drinks and inspiring similar efforts across the industry.