Starter was founded in 1971 by former US national basketball player David Beckerman. An alumnus of the University of New Haven, Beckerman launched Starter to supply quality uniforms for the University’s sports teams, later expanding to manufacture premium and stylish uniforms for the wider collegiate market. In 1976, Starter entered into numerous non-exclusive licensing agreements to manufacture and sell sportswear emblazoned with insignias of professional sports leagues and teams, creating the licensing model in the sports apparel industry.