TSA Partners with Hilco on Golf Brand Licensing Deal

The announcement was jointly made Monday by Jeffrey B. Hecktman, chairman and CEO of The Hilco Organization, Jamie Salter, CEO of Hilco Consumer Capital (“HCC”), David Peress, Managing Director of Crystal Capital Fund Management, LLC, Doug Morton, chairman and CEO of Sports Authority, and David Campisi, president of Sports Authority. 

The first-of-its-kind exclusive licensing/retailing licensing agreement calls for HTAG and Sports Authority to partner in product design and development as well as merchandising and marketing of all four brands.  The agreement's scope encompasses hard goods, including golf clubs, balls, bags and carts as well as gloves, footwear, apparel, training aids and both golf-related and non-golf-related accessories and merchandise, such as luggage. 

“We are thrilled to have such a prestigious retailer as Sports Authority as our partner,” said Jeffrey Hecktman.  He added, “I would also like to congratulate Jamie Salter and his Hilco Consumer Capital team for having structured and completed this major deal so quickly.”

“We intend to invest heavily and intelligently in the Tommy Armour group of brands as a major step in further growing the golf segment of our business,” said Doug Morton. “Our goal is to offer consumers the best value proposition in golf equipment, apparel and accessories.  Tommy Armour and RAM are highly-recognizable, well-respected brands that will greatly enhance our ability to serve the needs of our current customers, attract new customers and create strong loyalties within both groups.”

“This is a win-win for Hilco, Sports Authority and the Tommy Armour and RAM brands,” said Jamie Salter.  “We have a major retailer partner that understands their consumers very well and knows how to sell them golf equipment, apparel and other lifestyle products.  Our initial role is to help Sports Authority develop the product line, particularly the hardgoods, and provide strategic brand-building direction.  In that regard, we are fortunate to have brought on John Collins as CEO/CMO to lead the Hilco TAG family of brands.  John has over 25 years experience with companies such as Nike, Bauer, Tommy Armour and RAM Golf, Volant Ski, Lamar and Sims Snowboards, Canon Inc., Kubik and many other sports brands.  We have also retained the services of Mark Adams as our lead product designer/engineer.”

“Sports Authority and HTAG have mapped out a comprehensive hardgoods product line strategy that positions RAM at an entry level price point to provide quality equipment to beginning golfers,” said David Campisi.  “We will then position Tommy Armour at a mid-level price point to provide the more accomplished golfer with a broad range of advanced technology options in irons, metalwoods and hybrids.  You can expect softgoods and accessories to follow the same positioning strategy,” added Mr. Campisi.