SGB Update Sports & Fitness

SFIA Names VP of External Affairs & Industry Relations
Bonnie McLaughlin will join the Sports & Fitness Industry Association and to its executive team on March 10, 2025. The SFIA also promoted Lisa Futterman to senior manager of Marketing and Communications reporting to McLaughlin.

Pickleball, Inc. Sees New Investment from Hyperspace Ventures
This new deal represents the largest single investment by Hyperspace Ventures and made alongside Good Alpha Industries, Sinclair Broadcast Group, and other investors, joining Tom Dundon and Dundon Capital Partners.

True Spec Golf Expands Footprint in New York City
The club fitting service has partnered with Chelsea Piers, New York City’s sports and entertainment complex. The venue, inside Chelsea Piers Golf Club driving range, joins True Spec NYC North, NYC Grand Central and NYC Downtown locations.

Target Signals Concerns over Tariffs and Consumer in Cautious 2025 Outlook
Target said fourth quarter results were led by strong performance in Sporting Goods, Apparel, Entertainment, Beauty and Toys.
On Holding Swings to Q4 Profit in Q4; DTC Reaches 48.8 Percent of Net Sales
On’s fourth quarter net sales increased 35.7 percent (+40.6 percent constant-currency) to CHF 606.6 million. The strong performance was said to be supported by On’s ability to convert on the rapid rise in brand awareness across the globe.

Consello Appoints Head of Sports Advisory Business
The global advisory and investing platform, that includes Tom Brady and Serena Williams as a partner, announced the appointment of Nick Mullen as head of its Sports Advisory Business. Prior to joining Consello, Mullen founded Dynamiq Ventures.

Serena Williams Joins Ownership Group of Toronto Tempo
Williams will contribute to bringing the Tempo “to life visually” as part of her ownership role. She will also play an active role in “future jersey designs and help forge team merchandise collaborations.”

Celsius Holdings Appoints President and COO; Fieldly Retains Chair and CEO Role
Eric Hanson reportedly brings to Celsius deep experience leading sales, commercial planning and partnership management, and he most recently served as SVP of strategic partnerships at PepsiCo.

Life Time Debuts 14th Athletic Country Club in Evanston, IL
The company said the 60,000 square-foot destination, which is situated near the shores of Lake Michigan, extends Life Time’s signature healthy way of life programs and services to the downtown Evanston area.

Fit Fusion, LLC Opens Two Crunch Fitness Locations in Grand Rapids, MI
Crunch Kentwood and Crunch Walker, both 40,000-square-foot fitness facilities located in the Grand Rapids, MI area, officially opened their doors late last month.

USGA Names President-Elect and Two Executive Committee Members
The United States Golf Association (USGA) announced the appointment of Kevin Hammer as president-elect. Hammer replaces Fred Perpall, who is serving the last year of his three-year term.

Recall: Canyon Bicycles Speedmax CF Triathlon Bicycles
This recall involves all Canyon Speedmax CF Triathlon Bicycle models R073 and R41 with V21 aerostems. The aerostem fork steerer tube could crack or break, posing a fall and injury hazard.

Crunch Fitness to Open Austin Peay Location this Summer
The 50,000-square-foot fitness facility, operated by Crunch Fitness franchisee Fitness Ventures LLC, will open its doors this summer.

Crunch Fitness Inks Master Franchisee Deal for India Market
The company said the Indian development will be led by Nikhil Kakkar, former COO of Gold’s Gym India, and business partner Dr. Umesh Kansal, M.D., CEO of several well-established companies in the fitness industry.

Skechers U.S.A. Opens Concept Store in Milan
Located on a boulevard that receives Milan’s second-highest footfall at 6,900 shoppers per hour, the 294-square-meter store at Corso Buenos Aires 42/9 is described by the company as a re-imagination of mid-century design.