Gart Sports Company and The Sports Authority, Inc. announced that the SEC has declared Gart’s registration statement effective on June 25, 2003 relating to the issuance of shares of its common stock in connection with the proposed merger of equals with The Sports Authority.

A joint proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to stockholders of Gart Sports Company and The Sports Authority on or about June 27, 2003.

The two companies will each hold shareholder meetings on August 4, 2003 where a positive vote on the merger is expected…