SGB Update Sports & Fitness

Report: Golf Participation Sets Record for Diversity in 2024
Among the 28.1 million Americans who played golf on a course in 2024, the most since 2008, 28 percent were female and 25 percent were Black, Asian or Hispanic, both representing the highest proportions ever recorded, according to the NGF.

Pvolve Appoints Head of Medical Affairs
OB/GYN and Longevity Expert, Dr. Jessica Shepherd, joins Pvolve to E\enhance its results-driven method and bridge the gender research gap in women’s health.

The Toronto Tempo, Canada’s First WNBA Team, Names First General Manager
Monica Wright Rogers, a WNBA champion and collegiate All-American, will lead basketball operations for the Tempo, including, most immediately, the hiring of a head coach and building out the roster for the team’s inaugural season.

Fish Monkey Hunt Monkey Welcomes Operations Manager
Keith Anderson was formerly the director of Operations and Information Technology at Yo-Zuri since 2017. He is responsible for tech-related issues for Fish Monkey and Hunt Monkey brands.

Crunch Franchise to Open Crunch Fitness in New Orleans
Brian Hibbard, the CEO of Fitness Ventures, LLC, owns and operates Crunch Fitness locations nationwide. Crunch Algiers, slated to open in Winter 2025, will be its 67th U.S. location and second in Louisiana.

ABC Fitness Appoints Chief Strategy Officer
The global fitness provider, announced that Mohammed (Mo) Iqbal has joined the company in the newly created role as chief strategy. As the founder and CEO of SweatWorks, a digital agency specializing in fitness technology, he has been “at the forefront of AI, interoperability and data-driven personalization.”

Fin Feather Fur Outfitters Acquires MVD Sports and Specialties
MVD, founded in 1974 by Mike and Kathy Van Dine, will continue to operate under its nameplate and retain its employees. Mike Van Dine will remain involved in the business.

Lids Appoints New Chief Financial Officer
Greg Cox was promoted to CFO effective immediately. He has worked for the company for eight years. In his new role, he will lead strategic growth initiatives and operational simplification across the global retailer’s business functions.

Walmart Gets Strong Q4 Lift from U.S. and Global E-Commerce Gains
Globally, e-commerce grew 16 percent with penetration up across all segments. Walmart U.S. comp sales up 4.6 percent with positive growth in general merchandise.

MyFitnessPal Appoints Chief Marketing Officer
Marnie Boyer joins the company from Grubhub, where she served as VP of Growth Marketing. Since 2022, she has led initiatives that boosted customer acquisition, including a partnership with Amazon.

Play it Again Sports Parent Sees Revenues and Profits Dip in 2024
Winmark Corporation reported that revenues for the year ended December 28, 2024, were $81.3 million, down from $83.2 million in 2023, impacting its decision in May 2021 to run off its leasing portfolio.

TSG Consumer Partners Appoints New Head of London Office
TSG’s past and present investments in the active lifestyle space include Backcountry, Corepower Yoga, Nuun, Revolve, Canyon Bicycles, and Planet Fitness. TSG has investment offices in San Francisco, New York and London.

Soccer Post Management Acquires Majority Stake in Retailer
The group acquired a majority stake in Soccer Post from TZP Group with the financial backing of York Capital Management’s private equity group and soccer specific strategic investors.

Recall: Johnson Health Tech Matrix Training Cycles
This voluntary recall is in cooperation with the CPSC. The training cycle’s adjustable seat could unexpectedly lower when in use, posing a fall hazard to the rider.

Recall: Trek Electra Navigator Go! and Ace Spade Go! Ebikes
Specific bolts attaching the rear fender to the bikes do not contain a threadlocker and could loosen during shipping or while riding, causing the fenders to rotate under the rear wheel, causing consumers to lose control and falling.