USTA Hires Chief Growth Officer
Mike McGoohan, former president and chief growth officer of Solo Stove, was appointed to the newly created role of chief growth officer for the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Reporting into McGoohan are Play & Competition, USTA Coaching, Marketing, Digital Strategy, Strategy & Innovation, and Industry & Sales departments.
NRF: Import Cargo Levels Drop Again After Tariff Delay Ends; Rebound Expected in July
Ports have not yet reported numbers for June, but Global Port Tracker projects the month to climb 5.9 percent from May but down 3.7 percent year-over-year. July cargo volume is expected to increase 2.1 percent year-over-year, but then fall 10.4 percent in August and 19.9 percent in September as previously paused tariffs take effect.
NFHS Rule Committee Rolls Out New High School Football Arm Covering Standard
The NFHS Football Rules Committee announced the requirement for this new standard in February 2025 and is designed to be a “fairness standard,” not a “safety standard,” aimed at maintaining fair competition in high school football.
Decathlon Acquires French Cycling Team
The French sporting goods chain has agreed to become the sole owner of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale UCI World Tour, the French cycling team with UCI WorldTeam status, at the close of 2025.
EXEC: Le Coq Sportif Sold in Bankruptcy Proceedings
A group led by Franco-Swiss entrepreneur Dan Mamane, have committed to investing an initial €70 million (US$82.1 million) into the company to revive its growth. Alexandre Fauvet, a former executive vice president at Lacoste and previously the chief executive of skiwear brand Fusalp, will serve as Le Coq Sportif’s new CEO.
EXEC: Former Brooks CEO Jim Weber Highlights Key Leadership Traits
At a keynote session held during Switchback Spring, which took place from June 16-18 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, Jim Weber, former CEO of Brooks Running, listed focus, curiosity and trust as his “winning” trifecta formula for leadership success.
Varsity Brands’ Debt Ratings Upgraded
Moody’s Ratings upgraded Varsity Brands, Inc.’s debt ratings due to improving EBITDA margin, stronger free cash flow generation, and declining leverage, supported by momentum in both its BSN and Varsity Spirit businesses.
NRF Sees Economic Growth Holding Steady but Market Uncertainty is Still Pervasive
With President Trump moving the goalposts once again by continuing the pause in increased tariffs until early August, and perhaps later, importers, manufacturers, exporters, retailers, brands, and consumers all seem to be walking around with a big question mark above their heads.
TenCate Americas Hires VP of Manufacturing
The manufacturer and installer of synthetic turf for sports and outdoor living applications, based in Chattanooga, TN hired Colin Drafts as vice president of manufacturing.
Wolverine World Wide Adds Two Board Members
Wolverine World Wide, Inc. appointed Cheryl Abel-Hodges, current CEO of Tommy John, and Jack Boyle, the former head buyer for Fanatics, to its Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2025.
Imbox Protection Acquired by PE Firm
Altor Fund VI, a Swedish private equity firm, has acquired a majority stake in Imbox Protection A/S, a Danish company specializing in footwear protection technology, while entering into a partnership with the company’s former founder and owners, Réné Marker and the Grundtvig family.
Rack Room Appoints Chief Merchant and Chief Digital Officer
The company promoted Brian Burnett to senior vice president, chief merchandise officer and Molly Hartney to chief digital officer, a newly created role. Burnett has been with Rack Room Shoes for nearly nine years, having previously served as general merchandise manager. Hartney joined the company as chief marketing officer in 2021.
Report: June Mall Traffic Declined Across All Formats
Placer.ai noted that June 2025 shopping center traffic fell slightly following two straight months of year-over-year visit growth – although indoor malls continued to show the strongest performance, with just a 0.7 percent drop in year-over-year June visits.
Snyder Golf USA Taps Denny Mazur as Chief Revenue Officer
Mazur is said to bring over a decade of sales, marketing and operational leadership from top-tier golf brands, including Srixon, Cleveland Golf and OnCore Golf.
Skechers Drops Next Gen SKX_2 Boot
Harry Kane, striker for the German professional football club Bayern Munich, wore the white and turquoise shoe last week at the FIFA Club World Cup quarter finals in the U.S. The new Skechers SKX_2 boot and the complete Skechers Football collection are available through Skechers and specialty football retailers worldwide.
