“In designing the Metcon 10, we really streamlined the build and focused on going back to the foundation of what makes Metcon great, listening to the voices of athletes across all disciplines and intensities to create a shoe that reflects the way they train today.” —Erin Gleason, Product Line Manager, Nike Training
Category: Sports/Fitness

EXEC: GlobalData Sees Adidas Taking Further Share from Nike in 2025
In an update on the global apparel sector, GlobalData forecasts Adidas will “remain one of the biggest winners within the global apparel market in 2025,” taking market share from Nike. Other share gainers within the sportswear category, including apparel and footwear, are expected to be New Balance, Skechers and Shein.

Garmin Ltd. Acquires Dutch Sports Timing Company MyLaps
With operations in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, MyLaps supports elite brands and race management companies worldwide with data-driven tech solutions for running, cycling, motorsports, and equine competitions.

Big 5 Sporting Goods Widens Q2 Loss as Comps Drop 6 Percent
Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp., which in late June agreed to be acquired by a partnership comprised of Worldwide Golf and Capitol Hill Group, more than doubled its loss in the second quarter ended June 29 as same-store sales slid 6.1 percent.

EXEC: Decathlon to Double India Sourcing to $3 Billion by 2030
The French sporting goods company said that by the end of 2030, the retailer will source 15 percent of its goods from India, with the growth driven by “high-potential” categories such as footwear, fitness equipment and technical textiles.

The Picklr Expands Into Australia and New Zealand
The indoor pickleball franchise, is entering Australia and New Zealand with a plan to open 50 clubs across the region over the next several years, through a master franchise agreement with TPM Partners Pty Ltd.

Consumer Confidence Index Rises in July on More Positive Forward View
July’s modest gain in confidence was said to be driven by consumers over 35 years old and shared across all income groups except those earning the least (with household annual income below $15k).

Amer Sports’ Debt Upgraded by Moody’s On Improving Cash Flow
Moody’s Ratings upgraded Amer Sports, Inc.’s debt ratings due to the company’s improvement in leverage and free cash flow, supported by a “considerable debt repayment” in 2024 and strong consumer demand for the company’s brands, which is driving earnings growth.

PGA Tour Superstore Appoints New CEO
Troy Rice is succeeding the retiring long-term CEO Dick Sullivan. Rice joins the company after serving three years as CEO of Total Wine & More and will report directly to Arthur M. Blank, owner and chairman of the Blank Family of Businesses.

Gap Inc. Taps Head of Nike’s Women’s Business to Lead Athleta
Maggie Gauger has been named global brand president and CEO of Athleta, effective August 1. She was at Nike for 23 years with other roles including heading up North American running and the global tennis.

L Catterton Takes Majority Stake in L.A.B. Golf
The partnership will reportedly “support L.A.B. Golf as it accelerates product innovation, enhances its direct-to-consumer experience, grows its presence across the retail channel, and expands internationally.”

EXEC: Nike Shares Jump After JPMorgan Upgrade and Price Target Hike
Shares of Nike climbed $2.97, or 3.9 percent, to $79.24 on Monday, July 28 after JPMorgan upgraded the stock to “overweight” from “neutral” due to progress on reducing inventories, momentum in securing wholesale orders and innovation showing promise for performance product.

Pickleball Kingdom Franchise to Open in Central Kentucky’s The Commons
Lexington native and President of Pickleball X, Sheehan Lake, is opening this facility. “We are thrilled to open Kentucky’s largest indoor pickleball facility and plan on it being the hub for pickleball across the Bluegrass.”

Rack Room Shoes Opens in Greeley, Colorado
The newest location is 5,600 square feet and features footwear for men, women and kids. The store will host a grand opening on August 2. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Rack Room Shoes has over 520 locations nationwide under the Rack Room Shoes and Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse brands.

EXEC: PwC Sees Continued Sluggish M&A Activity in Consumer Sector In Second Half
After a timidly optimistic start to the year, the global M&A market cooled in the first half, conditioned by a highly uncertain economic and geopolitical environment, and is expected to remain challenged in the back half, according to PwC’s mid-year report. Between January and May 2025, M&A global volume in the consumer sector fell 9 percent.