United Sports Brands Names CEO

Phil Gyori was appointed CEO. Most recently, he was the CEO of Pelican Products. His hire follows the company’s recent acquisition by Norwest Equity Partners.

National Golf Foundation Makes Board Appointments

The National Golf Foundation (NGF) added Craig Kessler, PGA of America COO, Geoff Cottrill, Topgolf’s chief brand officer, and Edric Funk, Toro’s VP of golf, grounds, and irrigation, to its Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2024. 

Sacks Parente Golf Adds Industry Veteran to Board

Jane Casanta reportedly brings “a rich background in the golf industry” to Sacks Parente Golf, having served in various marketing and product development roles at the Acushnet Company for 26 years, including as director of marketing for Titleist Gloves and Accessories worldwide.

Therabody Pushes Back Against Hyperice Claims

Hyperice filed a lawsuit in federal court on January 2, 2024 against Therabody, the maker of the Theragun line of percussive massage guns, alleging infringement of the company’s patented percussion massage technology.

EXEC: Amer Sports Files for U.S. IPO

The parent of Wilson, Salomon, Arc-Teryx, and other sports and outdoor brands, filed for a long-expected U.S. initial public offering. In its prospectus, Amer touted the benefits of its “Transformation” program following its 2019 acquisition by an Anta Sports-led investor group that led to a brand-direct model, rapidly owned store expansion and accelerated growth in China.

Report: U.S. Holiday Online Sales Grow 4.9 Percent

Online spending in the U.S. during the 2023 holiday season climbed 4.9 percent to $222.1 billion in November and December, according to Adobe Analytics. Growth was reportedly driven by sizeable discounts across electronics, toys and apparel, as well as increased usage of the flexible ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ payment option.

Peloton and TikTok Partner on Fitness Content

Peloton Interactive signed a partnership agreement with TikTok to create a workout content hub on the company’s short-form video platform, offering a dedicated, co-branded #TikTokFitness hub to house custom Peloton content.