Russell Wilson and Ciara buy into wearable-tech firm QALO
What's the deal? Russell Wilson and CiaraDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → have joined wearable-health company QALODealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → as co-owners and investors, the firm announced on October 20, 2026. The retired NFL quarterback and Grammy-winning singer will work with executives on QALO's products, marketing, and growth. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The context: QALO launched in 2013 with silicone wedding rings for people with active lifestyles. It says it has served more than 2.2 million customers and is now pushing into health monitoring.
What's the product? The deal follows QALO's expansion from its SR-2 Smart Ring to add the SL-1 Smart Band. Both devices track sleep, activity, stress, and recovery without a monthly subscription, and users can switch between the ring and wristband on one platform. QALO says its wearable user base has grown more than 400% over the past year, a company-reported figure.
Why them? For Wilson, the move comes roughly four months after he retired from football following 14 seasons. "Taking care and understanding your body is essential to performing your best," he said. Ciara tied the appeal to busy schedules: "I know how easy it is to put your own health and wellness on the back burner when life gets busy."
What's the endgame? QALO adds to the couple's portfolio across fashion, beauty, and entertainment. Ciara founded OAM Skincare, Wilson runs children's apparel brand 3BRANDDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, and together they launched Why Not You Productions. Chief executive officer Jake Curreri called the investment "a strong vote of confidence in what we've built."
The signal: QALO is betting on subscription-free tracking as a differentiator in a crowded wearables market — a contrast to Oura's paid membership model. Investors are backing the category at scale, with a recent $575 million round for Whoop and Oura weighing a public listing it has since postponed. Celebrity co-owners give QALO reach, but without terms the deal's financial weight is hard to gauge.
Read more: aol.com
Image credit: Matthew Henry
