SGB Update Sports & Fitness
USTA Pledges $50 Million To Support U.S. Tennis
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) is set to commit more than $50 million in spending to support its sport’s ecosystem, over a multi-year, multi-phase plan response to the expected financial impact generated by the coronavirus pandemic.
Riddell Partners With Catapult
Riddell announced a partnership with sports science and analytics company Catapult to further integrate emerging athlete data in football. Riddell InSite, the brand’s smart helmet technology, will now integrate its impact data into Catapult’s XOS video system.
Fanatics’ Founder Launches ALL IN Challenge
Fanatics Founder and Executive Chairman Michael Rubin, shown above, launched the ALL IN Challenge, which aims to be the largest digital fundraising movement ever with a goal of raising tens of millions of dollars or more to feed those in need during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.
Escalade’s Q1 Sales Climb 16.2 Percent
Escalade Inc., a maker of a wide range of sporting goods, reported operating income improved significantly on improved gross margins and a 16.2 percent revenue gain.
Academy Sports Furloughs Staff
Academy Sports + Outdoors announced that it is temporarily furloughing a substantial number of its corporate office and distribution center personnel effective April 18 in response to the impact of COVID-19. This action follows the furlough of a portion of Academy’s store personnel last week.
LEAD1 Association Tightens Its Belt During COVID-19 Pandemic
The LEAD1 Association, which represents the athletics directors of the 130-member schools of the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), announced a series of initiatives to best prepare for the unknown financial challenges that the FBS now faces due to COVID-19.
College Sports Won’t Resume Until Students Return
On a conference call with the College Football Playoff Management Committee, Vice President Mike Pence was told that college football wouldn’t come back until students are allowed on campus.
Dr. Anthony Fauci Sees Sports Returning Initially Without Fans
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, on Snapchat’s show “Good Luck America” said that he sees sporting events returning without fans is within the realm of possibility in 2020.
Brand Finance Report Sees Significant COVID-19 Impact On Apparel Sector
Nike retained its title as the world’s most valuable apparel brand, brand value up 7 percent, according to the Brand Finance Global 500 2020. However, the report found the apparel sector will be among the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nifty Games Raises More Than $12 Million
Nifty Games Inc., a developer and publisher focused on head-to-head sports games for mobile devices, has secured more than $12 million in Series A financing, with $15 million raised to date.
Under Armour Names Lisa Collier As Chief Product Officer
Under Armour Inc. announced the appointment of Lisa Collier as chief product officer. Collier joins Under Armour after leading NYDJ (Not Your Daughter’s Jeans) as President and CEO from 2016/19. Prior to joining NYDJ, she held numerous positions over her 13-year career with Levi’s Strauss & Co.
Varsity Brands’ Debt Ratings Outlook Lowered
Moody’s Investors Service said it reduced its debt rating outlook on Varsity Brands, the parent of Varsity Spirit, Herff Jones and BSN Sports, to negative from stable. The rating agency said the change reflects the company’s high financial leverage amid school closures across the U.S. in response to the coronavirus and the uncertainty around the duration of the outbreak and pace of re-openings once the pandemic subsides.
Nike Names Ann Hebert VP, GM Of North America Geography
Nike Inc. announced senior leadership changes to continue accelerating growth in its flagship market. Effective June 1, Nike veteran Ann Hebert, vice president of global sales, will become vice president, general manager of North America Geography, succeeding long-time executive Tom Peddie who is retiring from Nike.
Dick’s Seeing ‘Significant’ Traffic Decline Due To COVID-19
In an update on the impact of COVID-19, Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. said it has seen a “significant reduction in customer traffic and demand” since March 10 resulting from the continued spread of COVID-19, although online growth has accelerated. The retailer also said with moves to bolster its cash position and expand its borrowing capacity, it will “be able to continue operations for several months, even with stores remaining closed.”
Play It Again Sports Parent Sees Modest Q1 Earnings Gain
Winmark Corp. reported earnings of $7.33 million, or $1.87 per share, in the first quarter ended March 28 against $7.28 million, or $1.73, a year ago, representing a gain of 0.7 percent. According to Winmark’s recently-filed 10K, Play It Again Sports’ 2019 system-wide sales were $227 million across its 280 locations.
