MARKETING
+++ After two decades of partnership, the University of Maryland has renewed its partnership with Under Armour, extending its agreement for an additional 12 years through 2036
+++ Puma has announced Rosé, a member of the South Korean musical girl group Blackpink, as a new global brand ambassador
+++ British eyewear brand SunGod is the new official sunglasses supplier to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) +++
PEOPLE
+++ The US Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) announced that President and CEO Tom Cove, who has led the organization since 2005 and previously served as SFIA’s Vice President of Government Relations for more than 13 years, will retire effective Oct. 4, 2024
+++ The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, announced today that FIS President Johan Eliasch has been nominated for the position of IOC Member +++
RETAIL
+++ Hoka has opened an 830-sqm flagship store in Midtown Manhattan, New York, on Fifth Ave. and 47th St.
+++ Decathlon has launched its first global duty-free pop-up at Singapore’s Changi Airport, open until Sept. 1 at the Terminal 3 departure or transit hall and featuring a curated range of sports and travel goods
+++ Hobie Eyewear has launched on the ENDVR platform, a pioneering digital platform designed to elevate the retail experience by connecting brands and retailers with frontline sales associates, to strengthen Hobie Eyewear’s relationships with independent retailers, driving growth and enhancing the in-store retail experience through advanced digital solutions
+++ French sports eyewear manufacturer Julbo opened a new showroom in Munich’s MOC order center with an area of 74 sqm
+++ Decathlon is opening its 6th store in Austria (the first in Upper Austria) with 30,000 sqm in PlusCity in Pasching near Linz +++
CSR & SUSTAINABILITY
+++ Swimwear and accessories brand Speedo has announced a $1 million gift to USA Swimming, part of the brand’s initiative to diversify swimming through its campaign for change, Speedo’s Swim United program
+++ Nike has doubled its paid parental leave benefit for all US-based staff from eight to 16 weeks +++
M&A
+++ UK-based Liberty Global Ltd, a provider of converged broadband, video and mobile communications services, is acquiring shares in the Formula E electric car racing series from Warner Bros Discovery, bringing its total shareholding in Formula E to 65%, meaning Liberty will have a majority stake in the fastest growing motorsport in the world
+++ Thai retailer Central Group agreed to acquire the assets it has not already secured in the German KaDeWe Group, a chain of landmark department stores in Germany, part of Rene Benko’s insolvent Signa Holding +++
TRADE SHOWS
+++ Registration is officially open for Saltex 2024, which will be held at NEC, Birmingham, on Oct. 30-31, 2024 +++
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