Progress continues on resetting North American wholesale and Heydude in the back half of 2026, CFO Patraic Reagan reported at the Piper Sandler investor conference, as new styles power brand heat in the footwear fashion shift away from athletic.

The Outdoor Alliance’s annual D.C. fly-in is underway this week, arriving days before the close of comments on a rollback of the 2001 “Roadless Rule” for national forests, aiming to stop that rescission, reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund, and curb further attempts to sell public lands.

The luxury sneaker brand’s adjusted EBITDA improved 9% in the first half to €122.9 million ($142.9 mm) on 15% higher sales of €380.4 million ($442.3 mm), driven by direct-to-consumer, which climbed 22% year-over-year to €309.6 million.

The U.K.-based Finish Line and Hibbett parent elevated chief commercial officer John Mersho to president and CEO of JD North America, succeeding John Hall, who retired after a four-decade career.

The Tom Brady-backed training footwear and apparel brand hired 15-year Big Foot veteran Frank Bracken to lead its next stage of growth, just weeks after closing a funding round at a $1 billion valuation.

Handgun imports increased 23% in June to 265,979 units, according to ITC data compiled by the NSSF, with pistol imports up 30% to 249,854 units, while revolvers declined 31% to 16,125 units.

The retail outlook for the legacy sneaker category remains murky for both Dick’s and Foot Locker, with some stale styles driving industry-wide promotions and others posting sell-through that’s outpacing supply chain capabilities.

Journeys will stick to its full-price selling strategy through the back half of the year, GCO said at Goldman Sachs’ investor conference, avoiding the athletic footwear promotional frenzy it expects from competitors.

The Chinese sportswear giant received unconditional approval from that country’s State Administration for Market Regulation for its deal to buy a 29% stake in The Big Cat, funded from existing cash.

ABG Intermediate Holdings received a BB- issue level rating from S&P Global on its proposed $4.2 billion term loan B due 2033, while Moody’s rated the new debt Ba3.

The CO-based outdoor apparel and accessories company received an unspecified equity investment from Denver-based Gart Capital Partners, the Garts’ family office.

Olin’s ammunition segment was awarded a $788.4 million contract to procure 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and .50 caliber ammunition through Sep. 10, 2031.

Fanatics and TikTok were hit with an antitrust suit filed in CA district court by MVP Breaks, accusing the defendants of conspiring to monopolize the sports memorabilia market and eliminate competition.

Branded athletic footwear sales rose just 3% last year to $104,971 million, up from $101,787 million in 2024, marking the fifth straight year of post-pandemic deceleration, driven by a small contraction in the U.S. market.

The Jackson, WY-based technical apparel brand, which said it now generates more than $100 million in annual revenue, is expanding into international markets.

The Big Cat’s chief commercial officer and 20-year company veteran Matthias Baeumer is stepping down for personal reasons, but will remain as a consultant and continue to represent Puma on Borussia Dortmund’s supervisory board.

The COLM-owned brand elevated current 20-year Columbia vet, Peter Rauch, to president of Mountain Hardwear, succeeding Troy Sicotte, who will transition to a new role as global VP, sales for the brand.

The Bluestone Equity Partners-backed pickleball equipment company expanded Doug Thielen’s role, adding president to his current position as CMO.