SGB Update Sports & Fitness

Nike Sued By Odell Beckham, Jr.

NFL wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. is suing Nike for refusing to pay him royalties and violating their contract, according to the Portland Business Journal.

Fila Sees Higher Sales But Lower Profits For 2022

Fila Holdings Corp.’s earnings were down in the third quarter on lower margins. Sales grew modestly as declines for the Fila brand, including a sharp drop in the U.S., were offset by healthy gains for Acushnet, the parent of Titleist and Footjoy. Fila raised its sales outlook for the year but lowered its earnings guidance.

Dick’s Sporting Goods Hires Private Label Chief

Dick’s Sporting Goods hired Chad Kessler as EVP of vertical brands, its private label business. He will lead strategy, management and execution for the retailer’s vertical brands, including soft lines Calia, DSG and Alpine as well as the company’s hardline businesses.

F45 Training Posts Steep Q3 Loss On Charges

F45 Training Holdings, Inc. posted a steep loss in the third quarter ended September 30 on restructuring and litigation charges. Same-store sales increased 16 percent globally and 11 percent in the United States. The fitness studio also formed a committee to explore a sales offer.

Fleet Feet Roanoke Owners Retire After 20 Years, Successor Named

The retirement of Blaine and Robin Lewis, Fleet Feet Roanoke franchise owners since 2003, was announced by Fleet Feet corporate. General Manager Matt Thompson will purchase the store with an anticipated ownership transaction finalized in December.

Nike To Open Web3 Marketplace

Nike, Inc. will open an online store and trading platform called SWOOSH for virtual sneakers. Nike will release virtual products on the Web3-enabled platform where users can learn, collect and co-create virtual products.

Adidas’ Senior Unsecured Notes Offering Rated A2 By Moody’s

Moody’s Investors Service assigned an A2 rating to Adidas AG’s proposed €1.0 billion senior unsecured notes, split into two tranches maturing in 2025 and 2029. Proceeds from the notes will be used for general corporate purposes, including the refinancing of the company’s €500 million convertible bond due in September 2023.

AstroTurf Names Vice President, Business Development

AstroTurf promoted Rob Mitchell to vice president, business development. Mitchell previously worked as AstroTurf’s director of rugby and as a regional sales manager in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Indiana.

Lululemon Adds Board Member

Lululemon Athletica, Inc. said Isabel Ge Mahe had joined its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Ge Mahe is vice president and managing director of Greater China for Apple.

Nike’s Chief DEI Officer Exits

Nike’s chief diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) officer, Jarvis Sam, has exited Nike after only five months in the post, according to a report from Business Insider.

Pro Athletes Join In Ownership Of Honey Stinger

Honey Stinger reported that ten professional athletes had joined in ownership of the company and its principal investor, Factory LLC, as part of a $15 million raise facilitated by Chaos Ventures.