SGB Update Sports & Fitness

Retail’s Big Show Expanding To Asia Pacific In 2024

Retail’s Big Show is expanding to the Asia Pacific in 2024 with its annual conference and exhibition. Organizers expect it will draw thousands of retailers and business partners from across the region.

USA Pickleball CEO Steps Down

USA Pickleball, the national governing body for the sport, reported that Stu Upson will step down as chief executive officer and leave the organization following a transition period.

GT Golf Holdings Acquired By PR Firm

Kinzie Capital Partners LP , a Chicago-based private equity firm, has acquired GT Golf Holdings, Inc., the golf accessories provider based in Vista, CA. The transaction was completed in partnership with the company’s management.

Olympia Sports’ IP And Customer Info To Be Auctioned

The intellectual property and related assets of Olympia Sports, which filed for bankruptcy last September to liquidate its remaining 35 stores, are on the selling block, including the trademarks for Olympia Sports, Clever Training and Surf Outfitter.

Nike Partners With University Of California

Nike has agreed to replace Under Armour as its official provider of apparel, footwear and other gear for the University of California, Berkeley. Nike partnered with BSN Sports on a three-year agreement with the University, effective July 1, 2023.

Adidas Loses Trademark Lawsuit Over 3-Stripe Design

Adidas lost a trademark infringement lawsuit Thursday that the company brought against Thom Browne, the American fashion designer, after claiming the fashion brand used its “three stripes” logo design without permission.

Therabody Names CEO

Therabody hired Monty Sharma as president and chief executive officer. Co-founder and CEO Benjamin Nazarian becomes Therabody’s executive chairman, effective immediately.

Fitbench Adds VP Of Sales

Fitbench tapped the expertise of 25-plus-year industry veteran Brian Weaver as vice president of sales.

Rawlings To Retain Miken Sports Plant In Caledonia

Rawlings reportedly made its Miken Sports plant in Caledonia, MN the North American headquarters for its slow-pitch business; this follows the company’s announcement in July 2021 that said it would close the plant within two years.

And1 Founder Helping Launch Pro Dodgeball League

The Professional Dodgeball League (PDBL) was founded in 2022 by entrepreneur Adam Majewski with investor and advisor Tom Austin of AND1. The League features the best 96 dodgeball players in the U.S. who will compete on national television.

Specialized Lays Off 8 Percent Of Its Workforce

Specialized Bicycle Components announced it was laying off 8 percent of its employees, including company-owned retail stores in the U.S. and overseas, as part of a “transformation.”

Life Time To Open Fitness Club In Prospect Heights

Life Time reached an agreement with the Brodsky Organization and Greenland USA to open a new athletic club at the recently opened Brooklyn Crossing development in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.

Compass Diversified Divests Electronics Company Holding

Compass Diversified (CODI), which owns Velocity Outdoor, BOA, Marucci, Primaloft, 5.11 and others in the active lifestyle space, entered into a definitive agreement to sell its majority-owned subsidiary, Compass AC Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Advanced Circuits, Inc., to APCT, Inc., a manufacturer of printed circuit boards and the portfolio company of Industrial Growth Partners.