• 

  JD Sports launches AI commerce in US

  2026-01-13T16:30:00+00:00By SGI Europe Editorial Team

  JD Sports is enabling direct purchases through ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini in the US, positioning itself as an early mover in AI-powered commerce.

• 

  Google launches agentic AI shopping protocol

  2026-01-12T17:14:00+00:00By SGI Europe Editorial Team

   Tech giant unveils open standard for AI-driven commerce with backing from major retailers including Target, Walmart, Shopify and Etsy.

• 

  Decathlon Canada makes best-selling shoe unreturnable

  2026-01-12T16:17:00+00:00By Valentina Giannella

  The retailer is turning its most popular trainer into a non-refundable purchase this month, betting that added commitment will push shoppers to actually lace up and run.

More about Retail

• 

  Playtomic scores crowdfunding coup

  2026-01-15T18:35:00+00:00By SGI Europe Editorial Team

  Racquet-sport app Playtomic has raised €5.1 million from 4,600 investors in what appears to be a record crowdfunding round for a sports app.

• 

  ASICS opens Onitsuka Tiger factory in Japan

  2026-01-15T16:33:00+00:00By SGI Europe Editorial Team

  Japanese sporting goods maker doubles down on its fastest-growing brand with new facility combining production, tourism and technical showcase.

• 

  Mammut owner explores €500m sale

  2026-01-14T17:05:00+00:00By SGI Europe Editorial Team

  Jacobs Capital seeks €500m+ for 162-year-old Swiss mountain sports brand as outdoor market consolidation accelerates with increased M&A activity.

More Corporate News

• 

  Lululemon lifts fiscal 2025 outlook on holiday strength

  2026-01-13T12:23:00+00:00By SGI Europe Editorial Team

  Lululemon Athletica expects fiscal fourth quarter 2025 results at the high end of guidance following strong holiday sales, even as CEO Calvin McDonald prepares to step down Jan. 31.

• 

  Strava files for IPO as fitness app capitalizes on growth

  2026-01-12T16:19:00+00:00By SGI Europe Editorial Team

  San Francisco-based fitness platform Strava has confidentially filed for an IPO that could value the 150-million-user company at over $2.2bn.

• 

  Activist investors reshaped sporting goods in 2025

  2026-01-07T08:24:00+00:00By Valentina Giannella

  Record activism in 2025 forced leadership changes at Lululemon, Nike, YETI and Under Armour as sophisticated funds exploited post-pandemic valuation gaps.

More Financial News

• 

  Soccer star Morgan backs women’s golf league

  2026-01-15T19:32:00+00:00By SGI Europe Editorial Team

  Former US women’s soccer star’s venture firm joins all-female investment collective for WTGL, set to debut in winter 2026–27.

• 

  PUMA names Anne Putz communications chief

  2026-01-13T17:33:00+00:00By SGI Europe Editorial Team

  PUMA has appointed Anne Putz as senior director of corporate communications, bringing 25 years of experience to lead the company’s communications strategy.

• 

  Alo names ex-Dior exec international CEO

  2026-01-13T16:30:00+00:00By SGI Europe Editorial Team

  Activewear brand Alo Yoga has appointed Benedetta Petruzzo, former Dior managing director, as CEO of international operations to drive expansion.

More People & Leadership News

• 

  Playtomic scores crowdfunding coup

  2026-01-15T18:35:00+00:00By SGI Europe Editorial Team

  Racquet-sport app Playtomic has raised €5.1 million from 4,600 investors in what appears to be a record crowdfunding round for a sports app.

• 

  FIFA and Lenovo unveil AI tech for World Cup

  2026-01-14T17:05:00+00:00By SGI Europe Editorial Team

  AI-driven innovations are set to improve officiating technologies, match analysis and fan engagement for the upcoming tournament.

• 

  JD Sports launches AI commerce in US

  2026-01-13T16:30:00+00:00By SGI Europe Editorial Team

  JD Sports is enabling direct purchases through ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini in the US, positioning itself as an early mover in AI-powered commerce.

More Tech & AI

• 

  Sorona maker sells unit to fund spandex shift

  2026-01-15T16:18:00+00:00

  CovationBio divests manufacturing stake to Primient, redirecting capital toward corn-based spandex alternative for athletic apparel markets.

• 

  eBay expands circular fashion grants to more startups

  2026-01-14T17:05:00+00:00By SGI Europe Editorial Team

  eBay is accepting applications until March 8 for $50,000 grants plus mentorship. Eight businesses will be selected, with one eligible for $300,000.

• 

  BOSS debuts recycled yarn at Australian Open

  2026-01-13T16:37:00+00:00By SGI Europe Editorial Team

  BOSS debuts NovaPoly recycled yarn at the 2026 Australian Open. Worn by Taylor Fritz & Matteo Berrettini, the biodegradable textile is now available.

More about sustainability & CSR

• 

  Nike Mind and the neuroscience of sport

  2026-01-15T21:35:00+00:00By SGI Europe Editorial Team

  Nike’s Mind technology targets mental performance. After a century optimizing bodies, is the sporting goods industry finally ready to train brains?

• 

  Balenciaga partners with NBA for Fall 2026

  2026-01-15T16:35:00+00:00

  Balenciaga unveils NBA collaboration under Pierpaolo Piccioli, signaling refined sportswear direction for luxury house’s post-Demna era.

• 

  Fanatics launches entertainment studio

  2026-01-14T17:07:00+00:00By SGI Europe Editorial Team

   Sports platform Fanatics launches entertainment studio with OBB Media, targeting nine-figure revenue in first year through Olympics, ESPN and Tom Brady content.

More about marketing