SGB Update Sports & Fitness

Brand Velocity Group Launches Sports Industry Vertical

Brand Velocity Group (BVG), the investment firm, launched its sports-focused vertical, Brand Velocity Group Sports (BVGS). Joseph Cohen, chairman and CEO, West Ridge Associates, a sports and media consulting firm, will serve as chairman of BVGS.

Adidas Ends Partnership With Kanye West

Adidas said on Tuesday that it is ending its partnership with Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, after the rapper made antisemitic remarks. Adidas said the move would have a short-term negative impact of up to ($246 million (€250 million) on net income in 2022 due to high seasonality in the fourth quarter.

Gold’s Gym Owner Rainer Schaller, Family Feared Dead

Rainer Schaller, owner of RSG Group, which includes McFit, John Reed and Gold’s Gym fitness studios, and his family were among the six people aboard a private plane that crashed off the coast of Costa Rica, RSG Group said in a statement Monday.

Puttshack Plots Expansion

Puttshack plans to open locations in Boston and Miami this fall and another in St. Louis this winter.

Highway Two Adds New Hires

Highway Two (H2), the North American importer and distributor of cycling brands Continental, Selle Royal, Fizik, crankbrothers, Brooks England, ABUS, Knog, and 100%, announced hires in finance, operations, sales, and marketing.

Former Nike COO Joins Jigx’s Board

Jigx, the mobile application development SaaS based in Seattle, WA, announced that Eric Sprunk, former Nike COO, has been appointed to its Board of Directors. Sprunk is also an investor in the brand.

Lacoste Names Deputy CEO

Lacoste promoted Catherine Spindler to deputy chief executive officer. Spindle joined Lacoste as chief brand officer in 2019.

Adidas Issues Profit Warning, Blames Ongoing China Weakness

Adidas announced preliminary results for the third quarter and reduced its full-year 2022 guidance. The company’s new outlook takes into account a further deterioration of traffic trends in Greater China as well as a significant inventory build-up as a result of lower consumer demand in major Western markets since the beginning of September, which is expected to lead to higher promotional activity during the remainder of 2022.

Five Iron To Open In Atlanta

Five Iron Golf has signed a lease at 675 W Peachtree Street, located in Midtown, Atlanta, marking its first Southeast location.

New Testing Shows High Levels Of BPA In Sports Bras And Athletic Shirts

On Wednesday, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) sent legal notices to eight brands of sports bras and six brands of athletic shirts after testing showed the clothing could expose individuals to up to 22 times the safe limit of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), according to California law.