DICK'S Sporting Goods completes acquisition of Foot Locker.

DICK'S Sporting Goods has completed its acquisition of Foot Locker, making it a global leader in the sports retail industry. The combined company will operate over 3,200 stores and e-commerce businesses across 20 countries. DICK'S will now serve a broader range of consumers through differentiated concepts.

DICK'S Sporting Goods has successfully completed its acquisition of Foot Locker, solidifying its position as a global leader in the sports retail industry. The combined company will operate over 3,200 stores and e-commerce businesses across 20 countries, significantly expanding its reach and customer base.

The $2.8 billion acquisition will create the largest athletic footwear retailer in the U.S., combining Foot Locker's 3,000+ global stores with DICK'S robust supply chain and brand equity [1]. This strategic move is expected to generate $100–125 million in annual synergies, primarily through consolidated sourcing and shared digital infrastructure [1].

The acquisition also strengthens DICK'S partnerships with major athletic brands like Nike and Adidas, ensuring access to high-demand products in a market where inventory availability remains a key differentiator [4]. This enhanced product portfolio will allow DICK'S to serve a broader range of consumers through differentiated concepts.

In 2024, DICK'S reported a 5.2% year-over-year increase in comparable sales and a 15% rise in earnings per diluted share to $14.05, outpacing industry expectations [1]. The company's strategic focus on physical and digital expansion, including the opening of 16 House of Sport locations and 18 DICK'S Field House stores in 2025, has proven effective in driving average ticket growth and transaction volumes [1].

DICK'S digital strategy is equally compelling. The GameChanger app, a platform for youth sports scheduling and engagement, now boasts 7.4 million active users and drives nearly 50% annual revenue growth [1]. By integrating this app with its retail offerings, DICK'S is cultivating a loyal customer base early in life stages, aligning with broader industry trends emphasizing youth engagement [2].

The acquisition of Foot Locker is part of DICK'S broader strategy to navigate industry challenges, such as physical inactivity rates and supply chain risks. The company is proactively addressing these challenges through partnerships with schools and community organizations to promote youth sports participation and by diversifying its sourcing and adopting automation technologies to mitigate disruptions [1].

For investors, DICK'S combination of disciplined capital allocation—evidenced by a $3 billion share repurchase program and a 10% dividend increase [1]—and a clear vision for growth makes the company a compelling case study in operational resilience.

References:
[1] Delivers Largest Sales Quarter in Company History, [https://investors.dicks.com/news/news-details/2025/DICKS-Sporting-Goods-Reports-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-2024-Results-Delivers-Largest-Sales-Quarter-in-Company-History/default.aspx]
[2] Sporting Goods Industry Trends 2025, [https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/sporting-goods-industry-trends]
[3] DICK’S Sporting Goods Reports Second Quarter Results, [https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dicks-sporting-goods-reports-second-quarter-results-raises-2025-outlook-a-302540517.html]
[4] Global Sports Apparel Market Size And Forecast (2025 To ..., [https://www.uniformmarket.com/statistics/global-sports-apparel-market-size]