SGB Update Sports & Fitness

Nike, Inc. Appoints New Converse CEO

Aaron Cain, a 21-year company veteran, was named the new CEO of Converse. He replaces Jared Carver, who is stepping down after serving as CEO for two years.

The Picklr Names Chief Operating Officer

Abby Olson previously served as VP of Field Operations and VP of Training at Crumbl, where she helped scale the company from fewer than 10 locations to over 1,100 across two countries.

Deloitte Sees Flat Back-To-School Spending

Deloitte’s 18th Annual Back-to-School Survey finds that spending for K-12 students will remain flat at $30.9 billion this year. Parents surveyed expect to spend $570 per student in grades K-12, down just $16 year-over-year. Overall, parents will spend on essentials, trading down on brands and retailers, and spreading out purchases over time.
 

Pentland Returns Ellesse to U.S. in New Licensing Deal

The exclusive, long-term licensing partnership will see The Iconic Brand Corporation design, develop, produce, and market Ellesse apparel and accessories in the U.S. in collaboration with Ellesse’s London team. The first collection will launch in Spring 2026.

Osprey and Hydro Flask Parent’s Home & Outdoor Segment Sales Retreat in Fiscal Q1

Helen of Troy, Ltd. reported sales in its Home & Outdoor segment, which includes Hydro Flask, Osprey and Oxo, declined 10.3 percent in the fiscal first quarter ended May 31 due in part to weaker demand for insulated beverageware and the cancellation of orders due to tariffs. Sales are expected to decline in the range of 16.5 percent to 11.5 percent in the fiscal second quarter.

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.

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. 

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.