EXEC: Nike Faces Downgrade from HSBC
HSBC lowered its rating on Nike Inc. to “Hold” from “Buy” while slashing its price target to $48 from $90, becoming the latest investment firm to downgrade the stock following a recent disappointing forecast. HSBC analyst Akshay Gupta said, “Nike’s turnaround thesis has gone from ‘not if, but when’ to a ‘show me’ story with no short-term catalysts.”
EXEC: Academy’s Chief Merchant Talks ‘Better, Best’ Push, Commitment to Newness
Matt McCabe, EVP and chief merchandising officer at Academy Sports + Outdoors, spoke with SGB Executive about the chain’s evolving merchandise strategy, including pushes to feature more premium product, prioritize newness, and reduce out-of-stocks and markdowns. He also shared fresh insights into the Academy shopper.
GoPro Tests Defense and Aerospace Market Opportunities
GoPro, Inc. announced that it will pursue new market opportunities for its technology within the defense and aerospace sector. It has engaged Oliver Wyman, a management consulting firm, to explore the space.
Wilson Golf Launches Brand Awareness Campaign in Times Square
Wilson Golf launched its Play Original brand campaign last week at 20 Times Square, on the corner of 47th and 7th in Manhattan, where pedestrian traffic averages roughly 360,000 per day. The campaign will run through April on a wraparound LED facade, one of the largest continuous exterior displays worldwide.
Univ of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index Drops to All-Time Low on War Worries
Consumer sentiment has dropped to an all-time low this month (April) as fears mount over rising energy prices and the broader impact of the war in Iran, according to the latest University of Michigan survey.
Dave and Lisa Zimmer Open Another Fleet Feet Store in Illinois
The store represents the running retailer franchisor’s 287th in the U.S. and the 10th operated by Fleet Feet Chicago, owned by franchisees Dave and Lisa Zimmer.
Newton Golf Company Receives Non-Compliance Notice from Nasdaq as Stockholder Equity Shrinks
Nasdaq notified the company that it is not in compliance with the continued listing requirements to maintain a minimum of $2.5 million in stockholders’ equity. Newton Golf has until May 21, 2026, to submit a plan to regain compliance.
NAIA Renews Soccer Ball Partnership with Select Sport
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) renewed its sponsorship agreement with Select Sport, a Danish sports equipment manufacturer, as the NAIA’s Official Soccer Ball. The extension will run through December 2030.
Nike in Talks to Replace Adidas as UEFA Soccer Ball Sponsor
UC3, the joint venture between the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and European Football Clubs (EFC), reported that it has agreed to enter exclusive negotiations with Nike to become the official match ball provider for all UEFA men’s club competitions from 2027 to 2031. The sponsorship includes UEFA men’s Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.
UFC Gym to Open Seven Locations in Spain
UFC Gym will enter the Spanish market with seven locations, including the rebranding of six existing CR7 Fitness Gyms, along with a seventh location planned. The company will operate two gym formats in Spain.
Reebok Returns to Hockey Hardgoods via Wholesale Sports Inc. Partnership
Reebok is returning to the hockey equipment category through a new partnership with Wholesale Sports, Inc. (WSI). A line of Reebok Hockey hard goods is set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Jetset Pilates to Open Franchise Studio in Cypress, Texas
Jetset Pilates, the Reformer Pilates franchise chain, is expanding to the Cypress area of Texas with a new studio opening in Bridgeland at 20115 Bridgeland Creek Pkwy. The studio is owned and operated by Chance Montgomery and his wife, Holly Montgomery, who will serve as co-owner and director of Community Marketin
Head Squared = Power + Comfort in a Racquet
The racquet frame offers a dual-tube design that separates power from comfort. The outer tube, using Torayca T800S carbon fiber, optimizes stability and power. The foam-filled comfort tube, running from grip to main string bed, absorbs vibration and reduces arm strain.
EXEC: Academy Sports Scores Stock Price Target Upgrades Following Analyst Day
A number of analysts raised their price targets on Academy Sports + Outdoors Inc. following the company’s release of a five-year growth plan at an Analyst Day event, with many more convinced the chain will inflect back to growth this year.
EoS Fitness Completes 14 Acquisitions and $10 Million in Reinvestment in Q1
The High Value / Low Price gym operator, with over 225 locations open or on the way nationwide, said it opened 2026 with strong momentum as the brand continued to scale across core markets.
