SGB Update Sports & Fitness

Former NBA All-Star Michael Redd Joins ADvantage Sports Tech Fund
Former NBA all-star Michael Redd has joined the ADvantage Sports Tech Fund as a venture partner.

FabFitFun Names First Chief Marketing Officer
FabFitFun announced that veteran marketing strategist Louisa Wee has joined the company as the first chief marketing officer, beginning this month. In this newly created role, Wee will oversee the strategy and execution for the company’s global marketing initiatives, as well as brand, content and creative programming.

Tough Mudder Consents To Bankruptcy Proceedings
The majority shareholder of Tough Mudder, Will Dean, and the endurance event’s board of directors have consented to bankruptcy proceedings for the company as well as a sale to Spartan Race.

Puma Signs First American Professional Soccer Team
New Mexico United announced a new partnership with Puma, becoming the first American professional soccer team to partner with Puma.

Fanatics Partners With Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins and Fanatics announced a 10-year omnichannel retail partnership. The deal represents the fourth MLB club to partner with Fanatics.

Fleet Feet To Open Two Locations In Texas
Fleet Feet announced its plans for expansion in Texas in 2020 with the opening of two new locations. The first location will open in San Antonio in March and will become the third San Antonio store for the brand. The second location will open in Plano in April and will mark the first Fleet Feet location in the Dallas area.
Under Armour To Introduce Joel Embiid Signature Shoe
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star center Joel Embiid announced he will launch his first signature shoe with Under Armour later this fall.

Gap Inc. No Longer Pursuing Separation Of Old Navy
Gap Inc. announced that the company no longer intends to separate Old Navy into a standalone public company. The company also announced that Neil Fiske, president and CEO of Gap brand, will leave the company.

Fanatics Signs 10-Year Partnership With Notre Dame
Fanatics has formed a 10-year alliance with the University of Notre Dame to become the university’s primary apparel, headwear, and hard goods partner starting in January 2021. The Notre Dame athletics’ apparel partnership with Under Armour will remain unchanged.

Industry Groups Welcome USMCA Trade Deal Signing
OIA, NRF, AAFA and FDRA were among the trade associations that welcomed Thursday’s Senate passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Agreement.

Balanced Body Launches Integrated Movement Specialist Certification
Balanced Body, the specialist in Pilates equipment and education, announced the launch of its Integrated Movement Specialist (IMS) Certificate program for movement professionals, including instructors, trainers and coaches.

Troy Barbell & Fitness Appoints VP Of Sales And Marketing
Troy Barbell and Fitness, the maker of free weight and fitness accessories, appointed Robert Quast as its new VP of sales and marketing.

Michael Avenatti, Facing Nike Trial, Arrested In California
Michael Avenatti, the celebrity lawyer accused of extorting Nike for up to $25 million, was arrested Tuesday evening while appearing before the State Bar Court in Los Angeles. A Los Angeles judged ruled Wednesday that he will remain in jail after prosecutors alleged he continued to commit financial crimes while out on bail.

Canadian Tire Appoints CFO And New Leader Of Banking Unit
Canadian Tire Corporation Limited announced two senior executive appointments: Gregory Craig as executive vice-president and chief financial officer (CFO), CTC; and Mahes Wickramasinghe as president, Canadian Tire Financial Services (CTFS) and president and CEO, Canadian Tire Bank.
Industry Groups Welcome Phase One Trade Deal Signing
A number of retail and industry groups – including OIA, NRF, FDRA, AAFA and RILA – welcomed the signing of the phase one trade deal between the United States and China. Many renewed calls for the administration to promptly conclude a phase two deal to lift all punitive tariffs.