SGB Update Sports & Fitness

Life Time’s Debt Ratings Upgraded
S&P Global Ratings upgraded the debt ratings of Life Time Inc. due to the operator of upscale health clubs’ planned refinancing and improving metrics.

The Athlete’s Foot Opens New Store Concept In Atlanta
The Athlete’s Foot (TAF) opened a “neighborhood” concept store on April 28 at Atlantic Station in midtown Atlanta, GA. Timed with the opening, the company hosted community events to elevate the “consumer experience while continuing to drive hyper-localized product assortment and community engagement efforts.”
Delta Apparel Elects New Member To Board Of Directors
Delta Apparel, Inc. has elected Dr. Bill C. Hardgrave to its Board of Directors.
Intersport France Set To Acquire Go Sport Out Of Receivership
The Grenoble Commercial Court in France has ruled that Intersport France will acquire French retailer Go Sport in partnership with Qatari firm Al-Mana. The Court’s unanimous opinion supported an Intersport/Al-Mana bid valued at €35 million.

Investors Sue Adidas Over Yeezy Partnership With Ye
Adidas is facing a class-action lawsuit filed by investors who claim the company knew about the risks of its partnership with Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, years before it terminated its relationship with the rapper over his antisemitic comments.
Nike Signs Lifetime Contract With Kevin Durant
It was reported that Phoenix Suns star forward Kevin Durant signed a lifetime contract with Nike, the third basketball player to sign the same deal behind Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

Skechers Q1 Tops Guidance On DTC Momentum
Skechers U.S.A., Inc. reported earnings rose 32.3 percent in the first quarter ended March 31 on a 10.0 percent sales gain. Strong double-digit DTC growth globally due to improved inventory availability offset wholesale declines in the Americas region. Guidance was raised as quarterly earnings and sales easily surpassed expectations.

The Rossignol Group Posts 28 Percent Growth For 2022/23 Financial Year
The Rossignol Group, parent of the Rossignol, Dynastar, Lange, Look, and Kerma brands, reported that revenue increased 28 percent to €401 million for the 12-month financial year period ended March 31, 2023, compared to €313 million in revenue for the prior year.

REI To Open Store On Tribal Land In Arizona
REI Co-op will open a store in Prescott, AZ in Fall 2023, leased from the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe and located on tribal land at Frontier Village Center.

Skechers Acquires Its Scandinavian Distributor
Skechers has signed an agreement to acquire its existing Scandinavian distributor, Sports Connection Holding ApS.

Academy Names New CEO And New President As Hicks Moves To Executive Chairman Role
Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. announced that, as a result of a planned succession process, the following changes to its executive leadership team will be effective on June 1, 2023.
Fanatics Hires New Investor Relations Head From Facebook Parent
Fanatics hired Deborah Crawford as SVP, head of investor relations, reporting to Fanatics CFO Glenn H. Schiffman.
Fabletics Expands Resale Program
Fabletics and its sister brand Yitty, expanded its resale program with ThredUp giving consumers a vehicle to resell gently worn clothing for a Fabletics shopping credit.
Velous Footwear Inks Sales Rep Deals Across Four Regions
Velous Footwear reportedly signed with four sales organizations in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and Southeast Asia to expand its sales channels and increase worldwide product availability.

U.S. Consumer Confidence Dips To Lowest Level Since July
According to the Conference Board, U.S. consumer confidence dropped in April to the lowest since July on more pessimistic views about the economic outlook, even as current conditions improved.