JNP Merchandising partnered with Pepperdine Athletics to create a custom bobblehead celebrating the updated look of their mascot, Willie the Wave. The new design reflected Willie’s transformation with a more athletic physique, modern uniform details, and a refreshed personality that matched the energy of the basketball program.
The challenge was translating a full mascot redesign into a collectible figure that stayed true to brand identity while capturing the character’s new proportions and expression. Every detail had to feel recognizable and fun for fans while remaining production ready at scale.
The final bobblehead was unveiled as a commemorative giveaway and quickly became a standout fan favorite. It helped mark the mascot’s evolution in a memorable way and gave Pepperdine supporters a unique keepsake tied directly to the program’s new era.
