Franklin Sports Inks Five-Year Partnership Deal With Pickleball Canada
Franklin Sports signed a five-year partnership agreement with Pickleball Canada, the National Sport Organization of the country’s fastest-growing sport.
Kelly Slater Wave Company Licenses Wave Technology To Surf Abu Dhabi
Kelly Slater Wave Company licensed its wave technology to Surf Abu Dhabi, a wave facility in Abu Dhabi owned and operated by Modon Properties, Abu Dhabi. KSWC said it aims to bring “the stoke of surfing to a new frontier.”
Under Armour Confirms Corporate Layoffs In Cost-Control Efforts
Under Armour, Inc. has confirmed reports that it laid off 50 corporate employees as part of its cost-control efforts.
Academy Sports Names New Chief Merchant
Academy Sports + Outdoors Inc. promoted Matt McCabe to executive vice president and chief merchandising officer effective June 25, succeeding Steve Lawrence, who transitioned to CEO. McCabe will report directly to Lawrence.
IHRSA Announces New Hires And Promotions
IHRSA, the trade organization for the fitness industry, hired Pamela Kufahl as senior director of communications, Rubble Kazi as membership coordinator and Saacha Vitalle as global membership representative. IHRSA promoted Sami Smith to senior manager of digital communications.
Survey Shows Americans Increasingly Seek Outdoor Adventures
Winnebago Industries’ third annual spotlight survey shows Americans are increasingly looking to the outdoors and road trips to improve mental well-being and to combat the rising costs of flights, lodging and car rentals.
Vista Outdoor Foundation Names Board President
The Vista Outdoor Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Vista Outdoor Inc., announced that its Board of Directors had unanimously elected Diane Bristol as Board President. Bristol is the vice president of Culture & Community for Simms Fishing Products, a Vista Outdoor brand.
Hunter Boots Falls Into Administration
Hunter Boots, which sold its intellectual property rights to Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) in early June, has gone into administration, the equivalent of bankruptcy in the U.K.
Outtech Sales Services Adds EVP Of Business Development
Outtech Sales Services, LLC (OSS), owned by Legacy1846 Outdoor Group, hired industry veteran Mike Walston as EVP of business development, focusing on new sales channel opportunities.
Under Armour Extends Partnership With University Of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics extended its partnership agreement with BSN Sports to keep Under Armour the University’s official athletic footwear, apparel and accessory brand through the 2028/29 academic year.
Running Industry Diversity Coalition Study Finds Continued Under-Representation In Leadership Roles
A series of research studies by the Running Industry Diversity Coalition and Bentley University assessed racial inequities in the running industry and provided recommendations and key questions for progress.
Apex Ammunition Joins Sports, Inc. As Vendor
Apex Ammunition reportedly joined Sports, Inc. as a vendor, giving the buying group’s 500-plus dealer members access to Apex’s shotshell offerings for Waterfowl, Turkey, Upland, and Predator hunting.
Four Points RV Resorts Adds Indiana Jellystone Park Franchise to Growing Portfolio
Four Points RV Resorts, LLC has completed the acquisition of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Bloomington. Four Points, launched in 2020 by Sean Vidrine and Matt Van Der Molen, now owns and operates four Jellystone Park franchises, as well as two independent RV Resorts.
Vivobarefoot Opens First North America Brick & Mortar Store
Vivobarefoot opened a new retail store in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The 800-square-foot location is the brand’s first brick-and-mortar store in North America, selling its range of barefoot shoes displayed on natural materials.
Running USA Elects New Board Members
Running USA elected seven new members to its board for three-year terms beginning on July 1, 2023 and ending on June 30, 2026.
