Frank Dassler, grandson of Puma founder Rudolf Dassler, has passed away at the age of 64. He was managing director of the Puma subsidiary in the USA from 1985 to 1987 and group general counsel at Adidas from 2004 to 2018.
Category: Sports/Fitness
UConn To Drop Four Sports
The University of Connecticut will eliminate four sports in the cost-saving move. Affected programs are men’s cross country, women’s rowing, men’s swimming & diving and men’s tennis.
Crossfit Finds New Owner
Crossfit is being sold to Eric Roza, the owner of CrossFit Sanitas in Boulder, CO. The sale follows controversial statements from Founder Greg Glassman after the death of George Floyd.
New York City Marathon Canceled Due To Pandemic
The 2020 TCS New York City Marathon, set to take place on November 1, has been canceled. New York Road Runners (NYRR), the event organizer, in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of the City of New York, have made the decision to cancel the world’s largest marathon due to coronavirus-related health and safety concerns for runners, spectators, volunteers, staff, and the many partners and communities that support the event.
GNC Files For Bankruptcy, Plans To Close Up To 1,200 Stores
GNC Holdings Inc. said it has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection with plans to sell itself and close 800 to 1,200 of its roughly 7,300 locations.
Town Sports International Considering Bankruptcy
Town Sports International, the parent of New York Sports Club and Boston Sports Club, said that due to challenges presented by COVID-19, it is considering strategic alternatives, including negotiating with existing lenders, engaging with potential financing sources to raise capital, and filing for bankruptcy.
Dynamic Brands Acquires Haas-Jordan
Dynamic Brands announced its acquisition of leading golf umbrella company, Haas-Jordan. The acquisition adds another recognizable sport and recreational brand to a portfolio which includes Bag Boy, Burton, Datrek Golf, Devant Sport Towels, IGOTCHA, SEARCH ‘N RESCUE and FLAGPOLE-TO-GO.
Puma Opposes Nike’s “Footware” Trademark Application
Puma has initiated opposition proceedings in connection with Nike’s application to use the word “footware” for use on sneaker-specific software products and services, according to thefashionlaw.com.
New Balance Foundation Donates To COVID-19 Response Efforts
New Balance Foundation announced it has confirmed the second round of funding as part of its pledge earlier this year to donate $2 million in non-profit grants in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Adding to the New Balance Foundation’s initial distribution of $500,000, select organizations from the Foundation’s network of more than 60 grantees recently received a combined total of $1.25 million in New Balance Foundation COVID-19 grants.
Fitness Category Strong In The U.S.
The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA)’s 2020 Single Sport Reports covering fitness activities finds traditionally “niche” fitness activities are growing significantly. These activities include Yoga (6.0 percent), Barre (3.8 percent) and Stationary Cycling – Group (5.3 percent).
NFHS Produces Commercial On Fan Behavior
The NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) produced a 30-second commercial exploring poor fan and parent behavior at high school contests. The commercial was aired before a primetime national audience June 18 on ESPN News.
Fleet Feet Finds E-Commerce Boost Amid Pandemic
Fleet Feet has reopened 170 of its 184 stores in some capacity to strong initial results for many franchisees, according to a profile in Forbes. A decision to build a shared, central e-commerce site for all stores proved to be beneficial as stores were closed.
Artémis To Trim Stake In Puma
Artémis, the holding company of French entrepreneur François Pinault, announced a new €500 million bond offering in Germany convertible into Puma shares in 2025.
IHRSA Continues Push For Fitness Industry Relief From COVD-19 Shutdown
IHRSA is asking Congress for federal relief for the fitness industry so that fitness clubs and gyms across the country may continue to provide vital services (safe, secure, proven places to achieve their health and fitness goals) for their communities.
Shoe Carnival Sees Strong Q2 Trend As Stores Re-Open And Online Surges
Shoe Carnival, Inc. has re-opened all but one of its 390 stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico following closures prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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