SGB Update Sports & Fitness

Fanatics Inks Retail and Merchandise Partnership with Laver Cup
Fanatics will create and manufacture merchandise for the Laver Cup, working closely with event organizers, which will be sold during the seventh edition of the Laver Cup played in Berlin, Germany, from September 20-22.

Robert E. Griffin, Former CEO and Chair of Escalade, Inc. Passes Away
During Griffin’s steady and visionary leadership, the company grew its sporting goods business from sales of $800,000 in 1962 to sales of $155,000,000 in 2015,

Boston Pickle Club to Officially Open in Boston’s Hyde Park
The facility opened at the end of February and will hold an official opening on April 27, sponsored by Skechers and Joola

Fan Outfitters to Continue National Retail Expansion in 2024
A new Lids Sports Group business, Fan Outfiitters’ stores aim to support the sports fan with local team products

Kempersports Appoints Golf Industry Veteran as VP of Operations
Ryan Phelps brings two decades of experience working in golf management. He began his career in the golf industry as a PGA pro and general manager on Long Island and Cape Cod.

The Good Feet Store Appoints Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Mehta is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over a decade of experience, having received her training at Columbia University and the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California.

Planet Fitness Appoints New CEO as Company Plays Defense Over Locker Room Access
The company appointed Colleen Keating as CEO, effective June 10, 2024. At that time, Craig Benson will resign as interim CEO but will continue to serve as a member of the company’s Board of Directors.

The Athlete’s Foot Opening Two New Stores in Baton Rouge
The retailer is opening two new locations in Baton Rouge, LA. The stores will have grand open celebrations on April 19 and April 20.

Five Iron Golf Expands into Port Chester, NY
Led by seasoned professionals John Cornelius, Jake Dowden, Jeff Kelly, and George Jamgochian, the 7,655-square-foot facility, features ten TrackMan simulators, housed within the Tarry Lighthouse development, situated between Greenwich, CT and Rye, NY.

Bankruptcy Court Approves BowFlex Purchase Agreement
Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, Johnson Health Tech agreed to acquire substantially all of the company’s assets for $37.5 million in cash, less certain adjustments.

Detroit Pistons to Bolster Executive Team
The club plans to reorganize and bolster its basketball front office, which includes filling the role of a new head of basketball operations, reporting directly to Tom Gores.

NRF Appears to Promote Two Monthly Sales Trend Reports with Differing Data
March’s core retail sales as defined by the NRF, based on the census data but excluding auto dealers, gas stations, and restaurants, were up 1.1 percent seasonally adjusted from February and up 3.2 percent unadjusted year-over-year.

Utah Black Diamonds to Open $25M Pickleball Center in SLC
The facility will be home to Utah’s Major League Pickleball team and serve as a high-end pickleball club for players of all levels.

Myzone Appoints New Group CEO as Stalker Moves to Advisory Role
Jay Worthy has been appointed Group CEO to steer the company through its next period of innovation and international growth. Outgoing Group CEO David Stalker step into an advisory role where he will continue to support global expansion and networking projects.

Unrivaled Sports Acquires Diamond Nation Sports Complex In New Jersey
The expansion follows Josh Harris, David Blitzer, and The Chernin Group’s recent launch of the company, which oversees seven baseball and softball facilities through Ripken Baseball, Cooperstown All-Star Village and Sports Force Parks.