The Buckle Suspends Dividend

The Buckle Inc. announced that at its quarterly meeting of the Board of Directors, held on June 1, the Board temporarily suspended the company’s quarterly dividend payments.

Arena Football League Assets Up For Public Auction

An online auction of the assets of the Arena Football League (AFL), which ceased operations and filed for bankruptcy last November, will take place through June 23. Assets include memorabilia, equipment, and intellectual property from five AFL teams: Albany Empire, Atlantic City Blackjacks, Baltimore Brigade, Philadelphia Soul, Washington Valor, as well as the intellectual property of the Columbus Destroyers. 

Nike’s CEO Speaks Out Against Racism

John Donahoe, CEO of Nike, sent a memo to employees regarding George Floyd’s death where he said, “Nike is opposed to bigotry” and supports the nationwide peaceful protests.

NRF Issues Statement On Incidents At Retail Stores

In response to the incidents involving retailers following the death of George Floyd, NRF’s President and CEO Matthew Shay said in a statement, “Defacing, looting and plundering businesses, whether viewed as a direct outgrowth of fury or an opportunistic act of vandalism and theft, impedes progress and healing.”

VF’s CEO In Employee Memo Compares Racism To Virus

In a letter sent May 30 to all employees entitled, “Racism is another virus to eradicate,” VF chairman, president and CEO Steve Rendle called George Floyd’s death “tragic” and “stomach-churning” — and likened racism to the coronavirus pandemic.

Sports Industry Takes A Stand Against Racial Injustice

Nike, Foot Locker Adidas, Brooks, Nordstrom, New Balance, and Under Armour were among the companies in the active lifestyle industry issuing statements and messages appealing for solidarity against racism amid the protests in the U.S. over the death of George Floyd.

NCAA Survey Shows Student-Athletes Grappling With Mental Health Issues

Since college sports were halted by the COVID-19 pandemic in March, most respondents in an NCAA student-athlete well-being survey reported experiencing high rates of mental distress. The survey, which was open from April 10-May 1 and had responses from more than 37,000 student-athletes, also showed 82 percent of respondents reported feeling positive or very positive about the support they are receiving from their coaches.

Adidas And Allbirds Collaborate To Accelerate Sustainable Footwear Design

Adidas and Allbirds announced a partnership that seeks to “open the doors to each other’s suite of sustainable innovations” in an attempt to create a shoe with the “lowest carbon footprint ever recorded.” This marks the first time in Adidas’ history in which the brand has collaborated with another footwear brand not under its umbrella.

Premier League To Return June 17

The English Premier League, the most-watched league in the world, has agreed to a provisional return on June 17. Due to COVID-19, matches will take place behind closed doors.

Nordstrom’s Q1 Revenues Sink 40 Percent

Nordstrom Inc. reported a loss of $521 million in the first quarter that included impairment charges related to store closures, premium pay and benefits and restructuring charges. The retailer said the quarter reflected actions to strengthen its financial flexibility through inventory and overhead cost reductions and position the business for the long-term through an acceleration of its strategic initiatives.