Play It Again Sports Parent to Join S&P SmallCap 600
Winmark Corp., the parent of Play It Again Sports, will join the S&P SmallCap 600. The firm is replacing Guess, Inc., which is being acquired by Authentic Brands Group, LLC.
Report: Early Survey Results from Promo Products Sector May Reflect Broader Industry Expectations for 2026
The responses, as presented in this word cloud graphic, were probably not so different than how many in the active lifestyle market would respond, although “uncertain” and “tariffs” would certainly warrant space near the top as well.
Nordstrom Rack to Relocate Downtown Seattle Store
The 39,000-square-foot store will be relocated to a historic building owned by a local partnership led by Mike Hess, located at Sixth Avenue and Pine Street in downtown Seattle. The store will open in spring 202y.
Report: Nike to Skip Super Bowl Ad This Year
Nike, Inc. will not be airing an ad during Super Bowl 60, the company confirmed to Adweek. The move comes after the company ran its first Super Bowl commercial in 27 years last year.
Nike, U.S. Soccer Federation Collaborate on Research Lab At New Training Center
U.S. Soccer and Nike announced plans to open a Nike Sport Research Lab at the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center (NTC) being built in Georgia’s Fayette County and scheduled to open within the next few months.
Champro and NFHS Ink Baseball/Softball Equipment Partnership
As part of the partnership, Champro Sports will serve as the exclusive NFHS partner in key baseball and softball equipment categories, including bases, field screens and on-field equipment.
EXEC: JD Sports Sees North America Comp Positive for Holiday While UK and Europe Fade
The parent of the DTLR, Finish Line, Hibbett, and Shoe Palace banners in the U.S., and the Blacks outdoor banner, among others, in the UK, Europe and Asia, reported comp sales for the nine-week holiday period were down 1.8 percent year-over-year. North America comps were up 1.5 percent.
Reju to Open First U.S. Materials Recycling Facility in Rochester, New York
French materials recycling company Reju, led by former Under Armour CEO Patrik Frisk, plans to open its first U.S-based industrial facility in Rochester, NY, aiming to regenerate 300 million articles annually. The plant is expected to be operational at the site by the end of 2029 and support 70 jobs.
Padel Haus Secures Equity Investment from Australia’s AO Ventures
AO Ventures, the investment arm of the Australian Open and Tennis Australia, has made a “significant investment” in Padel Haus, the U.S.-based padel club upstart. Padel Haus operates six clubs nationwide and has reported plans for continued growth to align with the sports popularity.
Pukka Parent Imperial Names Chief Commercial Officer
Imperial, the headwear maker under the Imperial, Pukka, Winston Collection, and the Peter Millar Licensing Company names, hired Matt Ritchie as chief commercial officer in a newly created role. Most recently, Ritchie served as SVP of sales at Interior Logic Group.
Nike Shuffles Regional Leadership
Nike, Inc. reported that Carl Grebert, VP/GM of EMEA, is retiring and will be succeeded by César Garcia, VP/ GM of EMEA. Angela Dong, VP/GM, Greater China, is stepping down to pursue other opportunities and will be replaced by Cathy Sparks, currently VP/GM of APLA.
EXEC: Lululemon Pulls Online Sales of New “Get Low” Leggings Range After Customer Complaints
Lululemon Athletica reportedly paused online sales of its recently launched “Get Low” leggings collection on Tuesday, January 20, after receiving customer complaints. Customers also wrote on Reddit, the social media platform, that the leggings are “see-through” when bending or squatting.
Under Armour Partners with LIV’s 4Aces Golf Club for Golf Apparel Range
Led by two-time major champion Dustin Johnson and Masters champion Patrick Reed, alongside Thomas Pieters and Thomas Detry, 4Aces GC will debut with Under Armour gear during LIV Golf’s opening season, February 4, at Riyadh Golf Club.
Five Iron Golf to Open Flagship in Downtown Austin
Five Iron Golf signed a lease for a flagship location in downtown Austin, TX, marking the brand’s official entry into the city. Located at 501 Congress Avenue, the upcoming venue will span 13,500 square feet.
Private Equity Firm Partners with Consumer Tech Exec to Launch Sports Technology Platform
The Chicago-based private equity firm GTCR has partnered with Gary Swidler, a consumer technology executive, to form Ascent Sports Group, a new technology platform “designed to improve experiences for athletes, families, coaches, teams, leagues, and venue owners across youth and amateur sports.”
