SGB Update Sports & Fitness

Newell Brands Exploring Sale of Rawlings
Newell Brands announced plans to shed assets, including possibly the Rawlings brand, and close factories as it concentrates on nine core consumer divisions.
SFIA Start-Up Challenge Finalists Collectively Raise Over $50 Million In Funding
The first 10 finalists have collectively raised over $52 million in funding to date, with Hookit and ShotTracker leading the pack as the 2016 and 2017 winners, respectively. Applications for 2018 are being accepted now.
Despite NFL’s Woes, Football Remains America’s Most Dominant Sport
Despite concerns over player safety, player protests, and declining ratings, PRRI’s annual survey of sports and society finds that football remains Americans’ favorite sport to watch. The survey also examines Americans’ attitudes towards athletics issues from youth sports to professional leagues, including participation of transgender athletes in high school sports.
Nautilus Appoints SVP of Innovation
Nautilus Inc. named Chris Quatrochi senior vice president, innovation. He will be responsible for all facets of the product development and innovation process for the Bowflex, Nautilus, Schwinn, Modern Movement, Octane Fitness and Universal brands.
Vineyard Vines to Make Jim Nantz Golf Collection
Vineyard Vines, a brand best known for its whimsical neckties and smiling pink whale logo, announced a new collaboration with sports commentator, Jim Nantz. The new line will focus on golf apparel and accessories for men, women and kids.
Adidas’ CEO Predicts Another Year of Robust Growth in the U.S.
In an interview with Bloomberg television, Adidas Chief Executive Officer Kasper Rorsted predicted a “very strong year in the U.S. in 2018.”
Former Under Armour Execs Launch Denim Line
Two former Under Armour executives, Henry Stafford and Steve Battista, have launched a new denim line, according to the Baltimore Sun.

Nike Partners to Launch Sport for Good New York City
Laureus USA and Nike announced the launch of Sport for Good New York City (S4G NYC), a long-term commitment to improving the lives of underserved youth in the five boroughs of New York City through the power of sport.
DSG Global To Bring Blockchain To The Golf Industry
DSG Global Inc. announced that it has taken initial steps to move in the direction of exploring potential use cases that it has identified for blockchain and its related technologies to be applied to the golf industry.
Ballogy Introduces Analytics App for Youth and Amateur Athletes
Ballogy Inc., the software company changing the way youth and amateur athletes prepare for their sports, announced the official launch of Ballogy – the first standardized testing and analytics software platform for sports that lack an industry standard for collecting and tracking key performance indicators.
USPA Global Licensing Appoints CEO
USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL), the official licensing arm and national broadcaster of the United States Polo Association (USPA), announced the promotion of J. Michael Prince to CEO and the election of W. David Cummings as chairman of the board effective immediately.
Ernie Els Joins XXIO as Global Ambassador
Srixon/Cleveland Golf/XXIO, sports brands of Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI), announced the addition of Ernie Els as global ambassador for XXIO.
SFIA Promotes Kerman to Manager of Business Operations
Alex Kerman, who joined SFIA in 2015, will now be responsible for overseeing the SFIA research portfolio, sales and analytics, as well as ensuring member benefit and satisfaction.
NSGA Welcomes Michigan State Coach Tom Izzo to Management Conference
Tom Izzo, Michigan State University (MSU) head men’s basketball coach, will kick off the 2018 NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit on Monday, May 21.
FuelBelt Welcomes Marketing Specialist
FuelBelt, a leader in hydration belts and accessories, hired Kenzie Hunnings as marketing specialist to support the brand in the run specialty market.