SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Former NYC Marathon Exec Mary Wittenberg Joins EF Education First
EF Education First (EF), the world leader in international education, announced that experienced sport and fitness executive Mary Wittenberg has joined EF as president of EF Pro Cycling. Wittenberg will help position the team for future success and promote EF’s mission of opening the world through education by encouraging people to step outside of their comfort zones and explore the world.
Spartan Race/24 Hour Fitness Float Heading To Rose Parade
24 Hour Fitness will be introducing a Spartan Race-themed float for Pasadena’s 130th Rose Parade.
Amazon Sees Record Holiday Sales
Amazon announced a “record-breaking holiday season” with athleisure cited as a “top trend” and Nike, Adidas, Carhartt and Champion landing on its top-sellers list.
Mastercard: U.S. Retail Sales Grew 5.1 Percent This Holiday Season
According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, which provides insights into overall retail spending trends across all payment types, including cash and check, holiday sales increased 5.1 percent to more than $850 billion this year – the strongest growth in the last six years. Online shopping also saw large gains of 19.1 percent compared to 2017. The apparel category saw its strongest growth since 2010.
Cycling App Zwift Raises $120 Million In Funding
Zwift, a multiplayer online training and racing platform for cyclists and runners, announced $120 million in funding, reflecting its commitment both to growing its new running discipline and also to expanding into esports.
Mindbody To Be Acquired By San Francisco-Based PE Firm For $1.9 billion
Mindbody the software company that provides technology platforms for fitness and wellness studios, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Vista Equity Partners.
Adidas Extends Deal With Juventus
Juventus Football Club S.p.A., the Italian professional football club colloquially known as Juve, and Adidas Italy S.p.A. have modified the official partner agreement and extended the term of the agreement until 30 June 2027.
Top of the World Signs New Licensing Partnership With UConn
Top of the World, a leading collegiate apparel and headwear licensee, has inked a deal with the University of Connecticut to become the school’s exclusive apparel and headwear licensee in all mass channels of distribution.
PepWear Partners With Music For All
PepWear and Music for All have agreed to a new 10-year merchandise and sponsorship agreement.
Varsity Spirit Gives Back With More Than $6.5 Million in National Fundraising Efforts
Varsity Spirit, the leader in cheerleading and dance, said its fundraising for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospita now totals more than $6.5 million since 2011.
Adidas Sets 2019 Rivals Camp Series
Rivals, Next College Student Athlete (NCSA), and Adidas announced the third-annual Rivals Camp Series, featuring the Rivals adizero Combines. All combines are free and open to current high school football players.
Nike Inc. Names G. Scott Uzzell President And CEO of Converse
Nike Inc. announced that effective January 22, 2019, G. Scott Uzzell will become president and CEO of Converse, Inc. Uzzell comes to Converse from The Coca-Cola Company where he most recently served as president, Venturing & Emerging Brands Group (VEB).
Onix Pickleball Signs 2018 Pickleball National Champions
Onix Pickleball, the leader in the sport of pickleball, announced the signing of 2018 Pickleball National Champions, Lucy Kovalova and Matt Wright as members of Team Onix.
Moody’s Affirms Under Armour’s Debt Rating, Outlook Remains Negative
Moody’s Investors Service affirmed Under Armour, Inc.’s Baa3 senior unsecured rating. The rating outlook remains negative. Stated Moody’s apparel analyst, Mike Zuccaro,”The affirmation reflects our expectation for sequential improvement in operating performance and credit metrics over the next 12-18 months as the company advances through the last year of its multi-year transformation plan.”
Nike Smashes Expectations In Q2
Nike Inc. reported earnings rose 10.4 percent in the second quarter ended November 30 on a 9.6 percent revenue gain. Earnings and revenues both topped Wall Street’s targets as margins improved and strong sales were seen in North America and China.
