Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, The Sports Authority, Inc. (“Sports Authority”) operates over 450 stores in 45 American states under The Sports Authority brand. It also has a brisk e-commerce business at sportsauthority.com operated by GSI Commerce, Inc. For almost a century, Sports Authority has a rich history as an industry leader in quality, brand-name sporting goods. Founded in Lakes Mall in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida by a syndicate of venture capital groups and several key founding executives.
The first Sports Authority store opened in 1987 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In 1990 Kmart acquired the company. In 1995, The Sports Authority expanded to 136 stores in 26 states, as a spin-off from parent Kmart.
Sports Authority sells several brands of sporting goods as well as its private labels, including Alpine Design seasonal clothing and outdoor goods, Sims seasonal clothing, and snowboards, Aspire women’s sportswear, SA Gear men’s sportswear and fitness equipment, Tommy Armour and Ram golf equipment, Parkside outdoor games and trampolines, and Bodyfit by Sports Authority fitness accessories.