9 Strap Technology Shark Tank Update – Shark Tank Season 17
From backyard prototype to big-league ambition, can 9 Strap really change the way athletes swing?
In sports like baseball and softball, small mistakes can have big consequences. If you have a grip or do not swing the bat correctly, it affects how you play. It can also lead to very serious injuries. That is the problem that Alyson and Ryan wanted to fix with 9 Strap.
Walking into Shark Tank Season 17, 9 Strap Technology is designed to keep both hands connected to the bat for a safer, stronger swing.
With impressive early sales and a live demo that showed instant results, the pitch quickly grabbed attention. But with multiple Sharks circling, the bigger question became: how much of their company were they willing to give up?
About 9 Strap Technology
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | 9 Strap Technology |
| Founders | Ryan and Alyson Vaughn |
| Industry | Sports Training / Performance Gear |
| Product | Bat-hand strap for swing control and safety |
| Funding (Pre-Shark Tank) | Self-funded |
| Investment Asked | $360,000 for 9% equity |
| Deal Status | Kevin O’Leary, Raushan Williams, Kendra Scott, Daniel Lubetzky |
| Deal Outcome | $800,000 for 20% equity + $2 royalty until 3X return |
| Valuation | $4 million |
Ryan and Alyson are from San Clemente, California. They have a background in sports. The idea came after seeing a professional player hurt their shoulder while swinging.
They wanted to solve this problem. So Ryan and Alyson made their prototype at their house. They used a sewing machine and Velcro to make it. What they started doing in their kitchen soon became a business that grew quickly.
The 9 Strap is lightweight and helps you hold the bat correctly when swinging. It connects hands to the bat and stops using one hand when you follow through with the swing. The strap is good for control and safety when you are playing.
Originally designed for baseball and softball, the product has expanded into other sports like golf, tennis, pickleball, and even cricket. It retails for $40-$50, with a production cost of $1 to $1.40.
9 Strap Technology Shark Tank Pitch
The pitch was confident and visual. Alyson and Ryan showed side-by-side demonstrations, making it easy for the Sharks to see the difference instantly.
Rashaun Williams, a former baseball player, stepped in to try it himself, adding credibility to the demo. The founders explained how the product reduces the risk of injury for both players and catchers.
When the numbers came in, the energy shifted. In just under a year, they had generated $1.3 million in sales, $432,000 in EBITDA, and over 31,000 units sold, all with a return rate of less than 1%.
That’s when the Sharks leaned forward.
What Makes 9 Strap Technology Unique?
The product stands out by combining performance improvement with injury prevention in a simple design.
- Keeps both hands connected for a more controlled swing
- Reduces injury risk for players and catchers
- Works across multiple sports beyond baseball
Did 9 Strap Technology Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
This negotiation quickly turned into a multi-Shark showdown.
Kevin O’Leary was the first to make a move with an aggressive offer. He wanted to give $360,000 for 15% of the company. He also asked for a $2 royalty per unit sold until he got three times his money back on the investment. Kevin O’Leary later revised it to just 5% equity but kept the royalty, betting on their strong margins.
Rashaun Williams countered with $360,000 for 27%, leaning on his deep connection to baseball and belief in the product’s potential. He soon teamed up with Daniel Lubetzky, offering a combined deal.
Kendra Scott entered with a different angle. She believed strongly in the brand’s potential, especially its appeal to parents. She offered $360,000 for 12% equity with no royalty, positioning herself as a branding and marketing partner.
Lori Greiner decided not to invest in this business. She thought the other Sharks were a fit for 9 Strap.
Daniel Lubetzky and Rashaun Williams offered a joint $360,000 deal for 20% of the business.
As offers stacked up, the founders explored combining Sharks. Kevin warned that more sharks would mean giving up more equity, but the founders pushed for a collaborative deal.
In a dramatic finish, Kevin proposed a four-shark deal for $800,000 for 20% equity, plus a $2 royalty until a 3X return. This combined capital and expertise across the board.
After weighing their options, Alyson and Ryan accepted. 9 Strap Technology walked away with one of the most complex deals of the episode, a four-shark partnership.
9 Strap Technology Shark Tank Update
Following the Shark Tank appearance, the company is expected to scale rapidly with the support of four high-profile investors, expanding into new sports categories and retail channels.
Even before airing, 9 Strap Technology had built strong momentum with over $1.3 million in sales in less than a year.
The brand has continued to expand, offering multiple variations across sports like baseball, golf, and pickleball. With over 50,000 customers and a return rate under 1%, it has established credibility in the sports training space.
The Shark Tank exposure is expected to further help their growth, especially as the product gains traction among athletes, coaches, and parents.
Where Can You Buy It?
You can buy 9 Strap products on the company’s official website. They have many versions and sizes. You can even get bundles.
The price of a 9 Strap product retails between $40 to $50. This depends on which 9 Strap model you want to buy. They also sell bat grips and clothes. Follow their Instagram and Facebook for more updates.
Quick Summary
- 9 Strap Technology backed by real numbers and secured a rare multi-Shark deal.
- Alyson and Ryan secured $800K for 20% with four sharks: Kevin O’Leary, Raushan Williams, Kendra Scott, & Daniel Lubetzky.
- The product improves swing performance while reducing injury risk when playing baseball and softball.
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