The Chinese sportswear giant will make Dallas Mavericks guard, Kyrie Irving the face of Anta basketball and chief creative officer in a five-year deal, helping to recruit basketball players and independent brands and designers for collaborations with a new, signature product line.

The 2023 Back-to-School season will see a 9% decrease in sales to $31.2 billion versus $34.4 billion in the prior year, according to the Deloitte Back-to-School Survey, while average spend per child is expected to dip 10% to $597 from $661.

Net income at the Japanese retailer was down 24% to ¥1,031 million ($7.8 mm) from ¥1,349 million on a 3% net sales gain to ¥45,238 million ($341.7 mm) over ¥44,049 million for the nine months ended May 31.

The company released updated guidance for FY 2023 ending July 31, expecting full-year record sales of NZ$1.1 billion ($680.3 mm), the first time hitting the 10-figure mark.

The Canadian brand, Kit and Ace Technical Apparel, which was launched in 2014 by Lululemon founder Chip Wilson’s wife and son, has a new owner in brand management company Unity Brands.

Smith’s Sporting Group has acquired Tanners Team Sports, as it looks to expand its presence in the team recreational activities space.

Gabby Hirata, an experienced fashion exec and former CEO of Diane von Furstenberg, had been appointed global brand president of the women’s athleisure brand.

The female-focused fly fishing apparel brand has ended its equity partnership with Ranger Outdoors, and ownership of Mayfly Sales, LLC has been transferred back to founder Kim Ranalla.

The Green Bay, WI-based fishing tackle maker has acquired Al’s Goldfish Lure Company from owners Jeff and Mandy DeBuigne for undisclosed terms.

The Patent Trial and Appeal Board has agreed with the Lulunatics and will review two additional Nike patents related to an adaptive watch and a way of tracking an athlete’s performance, in the latest skirmish between the two rivals.

An initial assessment report by The Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) alleges that Nike Canada’s suppliers include Chinese companies that either use, or benefit from the use of Uyghur forced labor.