SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Mark Walter to Acquire Majority Stake in the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers
Chairman and CEO of TWG Global, Walter reached an agreement with the Buss Family Trust to acquire a majority stake in the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers. The sale is expected to close in the third or fourth quarter of 2025.
Primark Continues U.S. Growth with Memphis, TN Store Opening
The Memphis location, opening July 24, is the first of two planned store openings in Tennessee for Primark, with a second store set to open in the Cool Springs Galleria in Franklin, TN. The opening marks the retailer’s 31st U.S. store, now spanning 13 states.
Foresight Sports Enters Partnership with Puttview Enhancing Gameplay Experience
From detailed ball flight tracking to green simulations, the integration of both companies “ensures every shot from tee to green feels like traditional on-course golf.
Survey: Back-To-School Spending Expected to Hold Up
According to PwC’s 2025 Back-to-School Survey of nearly 1,200 parents, over one in three parents anticipate spending more than the amount they spent last year. For surveyed respondents who plan to cut back on shopping for back-to-school items this year, technology and clothing were cited as top categories for reducing spend.
Nike, Inc. Nominates Former Lego CEO for Board Seat
Jørgen Vig Knudstorp, former president and chief executive officer of the Lego Group from 2004 to 2016 and current deputy chair of the Lego Foundation, is expected to replace Cathleen Benko, a former Deloitte executive who is retiring from the board.
U.S. Consumer Confidence Worsens in June
U.S. consumer confidence unexpectedly declined in June, underscoring anxiety about the potential impacts on the economy and job market from higher U.S. import duties. The Conference Board’s gauge of confidence decreased 5.4 points to 93.
Pro Athlete Community, Inc. Secures $7.6 Million Series A Funding
The Series A funding, which was led by GSV Ventures, will fuel the launch of new virtual education programs, expanded mentorship, greater industry access, and enhanced career support—all centered on the unique needs of professional athletes.
CCM Hockey Receives Investment from Minority Stakeholders
Global hockey brand CCM has been at the forefront of hockey since 1899. Seven7, LLC, the Stamford, CN-based investment firm, has co-invested with Nordic private equity firm Altor in the previously announced acquisition of CCM.
Win Reality Acquires Blast Motion to Build Next-Gen Athlete Development Network
The merger will combine Win Reality’s VR training and video-based AI swing analysis with Blast Motion’s patented motion sensor and biomechanics platform to help athletes improve more quickly by unifying game-speed reps, swing feedback and real-time performance insights.
Amazon Expands Same-Store Day Delivery to More Rural Markets
The rural push comes as Amazon’s delivery speed hit record levels in 2023 and 2024, and the number of items Amazon delivered the same or the next day in the U.S. increased over 30 percent so far this year compared to the same period last year.
Life Time Closes on $150 Million Sale-Leaseback Transaction
The company has closed on its sale-leaseback transaction of three properties for approximately $150 million in gross proceeds. Terms were reportedly similar to previous transactions.
Report: Dick’s SG Seeking Orland Park Financial Support for New House of Sports Project
The sporting goods retailer is looking to convert a 200,000-square-foot former Sears anchor space at the Orland Square shopping center, in a Chicago suburb, which has been empty since 2018.
Life Time Inks Lease Agreement for Urban Country Club at 10 Bryant in NYC
The planned four-floor 52,000-square-foot Life Time athletic club will be housed within the 30-story tower located directly across from Bryant Park and the New York Public Library.
Eastside Golf Expands Into Australia and New Zealand with New Distribution Deal
The brand’s regional debut includes a soft launch of its Core collection. TheFall 2025 collection will be its first full seasonal prebook in the market, supported by a curated group of golf, streetwear and lifestyle retailers.
JD Sports Opens First Canadian Flagship
The Robson Street store is JD’s first exterior street-front location in Canada and features the largest LED display in JD’s Canadian footprint, a DJ booth, and shop-in-shops for Nike, New Balance and Adidas brands.
