The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) has made a change to its Board of Directors with the appointment of John Davenport of Winmark Corporation, the parent of Play It Again Sports. He started his term on the Board on July 27, 2025.
Davenport is the manager of buying operations for Winmark and is a 36-year veteran of the resale and sporting goods industries. He joined Winmark in 1989 and has held various buying and operational roles that have contributed to the growth and evolution of Winmark’s resale brands, including Play It Again Sports.
“We are excited to have John share his experience and knowledge of the sporting goods industry on the NSGA Board,” said NSGA President and CEO Matt Carlson. “John understands how our industry can make a difference, because sports impact so many lives, and that will help make him a great addition to the Board.”
Davenport leads the development of product programs across all Winmark brands, which include Play It Again Sports, Plato’s Closet, Once Upon A Child, Style Encore, and Music Go Round. He has established long-term vendor relationships, built category strategies and supported franchisees in sourcing used and new sporting goods.
He “champions Winmark’s commitment to sustainable retail, consumer value and broadening the reach of resale in communities across North America,” said the NSGA in a media release. His leadership has also been “instrumental in positioning Play It Again Sports as the leading franchise in used sporting goods retail, with over 300 stores in the United States and Canada,” continued the NSGA.
Davenport attributes his lifelong passion for sports to playing four years of football as a wide receiver at Minnesota State University, Moorhead, stating that the “experience shaped his philosophy of leadership through teamwork, which he has carried throughout his professional career.”
“I’ve always believed that being involved in sports can shape your life in a positive way,” Davenport said. “Sports teach us how to handle adversity, how to celebrate wins with humility, and how to find joy in a healthy lifestyle. Our Play It Again Sports stores support this in an affordable and sustainable way and that’s why I believe so deeply in Winmark’s mission to provide Resale for Everyone.
“I’m excited to share my knowledge and heartfelt passion for sports and the sporting goods industry with the NSGA Board. I’m looking forward to supporting NSGA’s efforts to positively influence our industry and promote broader access to sports and recreation for all.”
“We are looking forward to working with John on the Board, and, at the same time, appreciate the time and effort Troy Freeman invested to help the NSGA and the sporting goods industry,” Carlson said. “Troy was a positive and valuable contributor to the NSGA Board, and we wish him the very best.”
Image courtesy NSGA/Play It Again Sports
