Who is buying Big 5?

Big 5 Sporting Goods was acquired and went private in late 2025 by a partnership of Worldwide Golf Group and Capitol Hill Group, with the merger finalizing in early October 2025, making Big 5 a wholly-owned subsidiary and removing its stock from the Nasdaq. The deal, valued at around $112.7 million, saw stockholders receive $1.45 cash per share, marking an end to its public trading and beginning a new private chapter for the retailer.

Who is acquiring Big 5 Sporting Goods?

As a result, Big 5 will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Worldwide Sports Group Holdings. This development marks a significant step forward in the merger process. The decision follows the terms set out in the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated June 29, 2025.

Who are the new owners of the Big 5?

Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation Completes Merger With Worldwide Golf and Capitol Hill Group. Big 5 will remain an independent company within the Capitol Hill Group portfolio.

Is Big 5 in financial trouble?

Yes, Big 5 Sporting Goods has faced significant financial troubles, marked by declining sales, widening losses, and store closures, leading to its recent acquisition and delisting from Nasdaq as it went private in late 2025, with analysts indicating high risks of financial distress. 

How much did Big 5 sell for?

Big 5 Sporting Goods is being purchased by private equity firm Capitol Hill Group and Worldwide Golf in a $112.7 million deal that will take it private, part of a flurry of mergers and acquisitions involving retailers.

The Big 5 Buying Emotions

How much does the CEO of the Big 5 make a year?

The CEO of Big 5 Sporting Goods, Steven G. Miller, earned approximately $901,675 in total compensation in 2024, with a base salary and other components making up the total, reflecting significant figures for this publicly traded retailer compared to earlier years, though far less than CEOs of massive tech or S&P 500 giants.
 

What happened to Mitch Modell?

Mitch Modell is no longer the CEO. The company said it would close 24 stores in February of 2020, and just two weeks after that announced it was closing for good. Debtors later alleged the company paid millions to the Modell family while insolvent, and settled a lawsuit for $22.7 million last year.

Is Big 5 closing down?

Big 5 Sporting Goods has been steadily shrinking

Big 5 has been gradually reducing its store footprint in recent years — in fiscal 2024 it closed more than it opened, reflecting slower sales and inflationary pressure, according to the company's SEC filings.

What will replace malls in the future?

Malls are evolving into mixed-use "20-minute communities" with housing, offices, and entertainment, or becoming experiential centers with unique dining, wellness, and interactive retail, moving away from just traditional stores to become vibrant live-work-play destinations, often featuring outdoor spaces and integrating online and offline experiences. Key replacements include apartments, health/fitness centers, entertainment venues, and government services, leveraging the prime locations of old malls.
 

Is Big 5 doing well?

Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation has reported net sales of $181.6 million in the 2024 fourth quarter, compared to net sales of $196.3 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. Same-store sales decreased 6.1 percent for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023.

How many stores does Big 5 have?

Big 5 Sporting Goods operates around 410-414 stores, primarily in the Western U.S., with the latest figures from late 2025 indicating 414 locations after some closures, as they were acquired and are becoming a private company. They focus on a wide range of sporting goods in stores averaging 12,000 square feet, especially in California, with other states including AZ, CO, ID, NV, NM, OR, TX, UT, WA, and WY.
 

Who founded the Big 5?

Big 5 Founded in 1955

Big 5 was founded in September 1955 by Maurie I. Liff, Harry A. Liff and Robert W. Miller, father of current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Steven G.

Why did Big 5 stop selling Nike?

As reported in late March, Nike said it would close six additional wholesale accounts, including Big Five, to focus on its direct-to-consumer efforts and limit wholesale distribution to select accounts that it believes best supports its positioning in the marketplace.

Is Spalding still family owned?

In August 1996, Spalding was acquired by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts. Spalding became a division of the Russell Corporation in 2003—exclusive of its golf operations (which included the Top-Flite, Ben Hogan and Strata brands), which were eventually bought by the Callaway Golf Company later the same year.

What is the largest sporting goods retailer in Canada?

SportChek. Sharing Canadians' passion for sport and the outdoors, SportChek is proud to be the country's largest sports retailer. Our belief in the importance of living healthy, active lives is backed by dedicated sales representatives with a deep understanding and commitment to sport.

Did Big 5 get bought out?

On October 2, 2025, the transaction had been completed and Big 5 became a private company and merged with Worldwide Sports Holdings LLC. Big 5's common stock, which had traded under the ticker symbol BGFV, was delisted from the Nasdaq.

Is sportinglife a Canadian company?

Sporting Life is a leading Canadian fashion and sports retailer. We offer the best in outdoor apparel and fashion, footwear, equipment and accessories for men, women and kids.

Who is Richard Stack?

Richard Stack is a full-time professor of Public Communication. He began researching the interaction of courts and media after his work in the Public Defenders Office revealed the criminal justice system's frequent mistakes. His first books pioneered litigation communication.

What stores will be closing in 2026?

In 2026, several major retailers and restaurants are closing stores as part of strategic shifts, including Macy's, aiming for 150 closures total by year-end, along with significant downsizing from Kroger, Walgreens, Wendy's, and Carter's, focusing on profitability by shuttering underperforming locations, while chains like Noodles & Company and Saks Off 5th are also reducing footprints in response to market changes.
 

Why is Foot Locker closing?

⁠ Despite purchasing Foot Locker for $2.4 billion just six months ago, Dick's says it now plans to close underperforming locations and offload unproductive inventory. Executive Chairman Ed Stack put it bluntly, saying the company is “taking decisive actions to clean out the garage.”⁠

What's going on with Big 5 Sporting Goods?

Big 5 Sporting Goods has more than 400 locations across 11 western states, according to the company's website. In October, the company merged with Worldwide Golf and Capitol Hill Group, according to Yahoo News. Big 5 survived the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of the partnership, the report said.

What is the #1 sporting goods store in the US?

While "most popular" can vary, DICK'S Sporting Goods, Bass Pro Shops, and Academy Sports + Outdoors are major players, with DICK'S often leading general sporting goods, Bass Pro dominating outdoor/fishing, and Academy strong in the South, alongside online giants like Amazon and specialty stores like Scheels and Champs Sports for specific needs.
 

Did Mitchell Modell lose weight?

“As CEO, one of the things you always wonder about is what your associates (employees) are really thinking and what their days are like. It was a great education,” he said. Mitchell Modell, CEO of Modell's dropped 58 pounds after his appearence on CBS' “Undercover Boss.”