Academy Sports Launches New Stores with Enhanced Benefits for Shoppers
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Aug 29 2025
0mins
Should l Buy ASO?
Source: Benzinga
Expansion Plans of Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc.
- New Store Openings: Academy Sports and Outdoors has recently opened new locations in Boardman, Ohio; Beaufort, South Carolina; and Virginia Beach, Virginia. An additional eight stores are planned to open in fall 2025, bringing the total to 11 new sites in the third quarter alone.
- Job Creation: The expansion is expected to create over 650 jobs, highlighting the company's commitment to local employment as it strengthens its presence across 10 states.
Future Growth Strategy
- Targeted Locations: The next phase of openings will include stores in Rome, Georgia; Cullman, Alabama; Mishawaka, Indiana; Lakeland, Florida; Columbia, Tennessee; Albany, Georgia; Palestine, Texas; and Batesville, Mississippi. The company aims to establish 20 to 25 new locations within the fiscal year.
- Community Engagement: Academy Sports is focusing on community partnerships, hosting events like back-to-school shopping sprees in collaboration with local organizations to support youth in the areas of new store openings.
Customer Incentives and Offerings
- Competitive Pricing: The retailer promises to beat competing advertised prices by 5%, and customers using the Academy Credit Card can enjoy an additional 5% off, along with a $15 discount for new cardholders on their first purchase.
- Rewards Program: The myAcademy rewards program offers a 10% welcome discount, lower free-shipping thresholds, personalized offers, faster checkout, and an annual birthday reward, enhancing customer loyalty and engagement.
Stock Performance and Market Outlook
- Stock Trends: ASO shares have seen a decline of over 5.11% in the past year, with the latest trading price at $52.72, reflecting a decrease of 1.75% on the last check. Investors can access the stock through the Texas Capital Texas Small Cap Equity Index ETF (TXSS).
- Market Metrics: According to Benzinga Rankings, ASO's stock shows a momentum score of 53.01, a growth score of 97.49, and a value score of 66.23, indicating varied performance across different metrics.
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Analyst Views on ASO
Wall Street analysts forecast ASO stock price to fall
12 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
8 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 57.690
Low
50.00
Averages
57.00
High
65.00
Current: 57.690
Low
50.00
Averages
57.00
High
65.00
About ASO
Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. is a full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer in the United States. The Company's product assortment is focused on key categories of outdoor, apparel, sports and recreation, and footwear through both national brands and a portfolio of over 19 private label brands. It has preferred access to national brands, such as Nike, Under Armour, adidas, Winchester, Columbia Sportswear, Brooks, Skechers, Yeti and Carhartt. Its private label brand portfolio consists of Academy Sports + Outdoors, Magellan Outdoors, BCG, O'rageous, Game Winner, Outdoor Gourmet, Freely and R.O.W. Its primary product types include coolers and drinkware, camping accessories and camping equipment; fitness equipment, fitness accessories and nutrition supplies; outdoor apparel, seasonal apparel, denim, work apparel, graphic t-shirts and accessories; casual shoes, slippers, seasonal footwear, socks; boys and girls footwear, among others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Academy Sports to Participate in Retail Conference
- Conference Participation: Academy Sports + Outdoors will participate in the J.P. Morgan Retail Roundup Conference in New York from April 8 to 9, 2026, with CEO Steve Lawrence and CFO Carl Ford engaging in a live webcast fireside chat, expected to draw investor and industry attention.
- Live Webcast Details: The fireside chat is scheduled for April 8 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with a link provided on the company's investor relations website, and the live and replay webcast will be available for approximately 30 days, enhancing the company's engagement with investors.
- Company Background: Founded in 1938, Academy Sports has grown to over 300 stores across 21 states in the U.S., committed to fulfilling its mission of “Fun for All” through a localized merchandising strategy and value proposition that resonates with a broad range of consumers.
- Product Assortment: Academy's product offerings focus on outdoor, apparel, sports & recreation, and footwear, leveraging both leading national brands and a portfolio of private label brands to enhance market competitiveness and attract a diverse consumer base.
See More
Academy Sports to Host Analyst Day Event
- Analyst Day Event: Academy Sports + Outdoors is set to host an Analyst Day on April 7, 2026, where CEO Steve Lawrence and other executives will discuss the company's long-term strategy and growth initiatives, likely attracting significant attention from investors and analysts, thereby enhancing market transparency.
- Live Webcast Details: The event will commence at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, with management's presentation available via live webcast on the company's website, ensuring broad investor participation, while presentation materials will be posted prior to the event to enhance timeliness and accessibility of information.
- Company Background: Founded in 1938, Academy Sports + Outdoors has expanded to over 300 stores across 21 states in the U.S., focusing on a localized merchandising strategy and value proposition that connects with a diverse consumer base, further solidifying its leadership in the sporting goods and outdoor recreation retail market.
- Product Portfolio Strength: Academy's product assortment spans outdoor, apparel, sports & recreation, and footwear, leveraging both leading national brands and a portfolio of private labels to provide a
See More
Academy Sports + Outdoors to Host Analyst Day Event
- Analyst Day Event: Academy Sports + Outdoors is set to host an Analyst Day on April 7, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. ET, where CEO Steve Lawrence and other executives will discuss the company's long-term strategy and growth initiatives, aiming to enhance investor confidence and attract more attention.
- Live Webcast Arrangement: The event will be accessible via a live webcast on the company's website, allowing investors to find the link under the 'News and Events' dropdown menu, ensuring transparency and enabling real-time information access for stakeholders.
- Company Background: Founded in 1938, Academy has expanded to over 300 stores across 21 states in the U.S., focusing on a localized merchandising strategy and value proposition that caters to a broad range of consumers, thereby solidifying its leadership in the sporting goods and outdoor recreation retail market.
- Product Portfolio Strength: Academy's product assortment spans outdoor, apparel, sports & recreation, and footwear, featuring both leading national brands and a portfolio of private labels, showcasing strong market competitiveness and aiming to provide a 'Fun for All' shopping experience.
See More
Nike's Recovery Faces Critical Challenges Ahead of Earnings
- Disappointing Earnings Outlook: Nike is set to release its fiscal 2026 Q3 earnings report, with analysts expressing caution regarding performance in China, anticipating continued sales declines that could lead to further stock price drops and impact investor confidence.
- Inventory Management Improvements: Since taking over in October 2024, CEO Elliott Hill has cleared classic inventory and launched new product lines; however, the stock is still down approximately 35% from its 52-week high, reflecting market skepticism about recovery efforts.
- North American Market Growth: Nike's sales in North America rose 9% year-over-year to $5.6 billion, making it the company's largest market, but analysts note that growth is primarily driven by wholesale sales, necessitating attention to retail performance.
- Investor Confidence Wavers: While 61% of analysts maintain a buy rating on Nike, concerns arise as direct-to-consumer revenues fell 9%, leading investors to adopt a cautious stance on future growth amid increasing global economic uncertainties.
See More
Pro Padel League Raises $15 Million in Funding Round
- Funding Expansion: The Pro Padel League has raised $15 million in its latest funding round, led by Charlotte Hornets co-chairman Rick Schnall, highlighting the growing investment enthusiasm for this emerging sport.
- Infrastructure Development: The new funds will be allocated to expanding the league's front office, building infrastructure, and creating a comprehensive event calendar to support player development, thereby enhancing the league's overall operational efficiency and market appeal.
- Valuation Surge: Over the past year, the valuations of Pro Padel League franchises have exceeded $10 million, a significant increase from the $200,000 entry fee in 2023, reflecting market recognition and future growth potential for the sport.
- Rapid Participant Growth: By 2030, the U.S. is projected to have 20,000 padel courts and 15 million active players, a substantial increase from just a few hundred courts today, indicating the sport's accelerating popularity in the U.S. and promising future prospects.
See More
Academy Sports Partners with Mastercard for Co-Branded Credit Card
- Credit Card Partnership: Academy Sports has launched a co-branded credit card with Mastercard and Bread Financial, aimed at stimulating purchases through rewards and exclusive offers, which is expected to enhance customer loyalty and sales.
- Rewards Structure: Cardholders earn $25 back for every $500 spent at Academy, while also receiving cash back on purchases made at non-Academy stores, significantly increasing the attractiveness of the card for consumers.
- Interest Rate Range: The credit card, managed by Synchrony Bank, features interest rates ranging from 17% to 33% based on the cardholder's credit score, which may deter some consumers from utilizing the credit option due to high borrowing costs.
- Market Response: Despite the new credit card launch, Academy Sports' recent earnings report indicated a non-GAAP EPS of $1.97 for Q4 2026, missing expectations by $0.08, and revenue also fell short of market forecasts, raising concerns about the company's future growth prospects.
See More
Academy Sports to Participate in Retail Conference
- Conference Participation: Academy Sports + Outdoors will participate in the J.P. Morgan Retail Roundup Conference in New York from April 8 to 9, 2026, with CEO Steve Lawrence and CFO Carl Ford engaging in a live webcast fireside chat, expected to draw investor and industry attention.
- Live Webcast Details: The fireside chat is scheduled for April 8 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with a link provided on the company's investor relations website, and the live and replay webcast will be available for approximately 30 days, enhancing the company's engagement with investors.
- Company Background: Founded in 1938, Academy Sports has grown to over 300 stores across 21 states in the U.S., committed to fulfilling its mission of “Fun for All” through a localized merchandising strategy and value proposition that resonates with a broad range of consumers.
- Product Assortment: Academy's product offerings focus on outdoor, apparel, sports & recreation, and footwear, leveraging both leading national brands and a portfolio of private label brands to enhance market competitiveness and attract a diverse consumer base.
See More
Academy Sports to Host Analyst Day Event
- Analyst Day Event: Academy Sports + Outdoors is set to host an Analyst Day on April 7, 2026, where CEO Steve Lawrence and other executives will discuss the company's long-term strategy and growth initiatives, likely attracting significant attention from investors and analysts, thereby enhancing market transparency.
- Live Webcast Details: The event will commence at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, with management's presentation available via live webcast on the company's website, ensuring broad investor participation, while presentation materials will be posted prior to the event to enhance timeliness and accessibility of information.
- Company Background: Founded in 1938, Academy Sports + Outdoors has expanded to over 300 stores across 21 states in the U.S., focusing on a localized merchandising strategy and value proposition that connects with a diverse consumer base, further solidifying its leadership in the sporting goods and outdoor recreation retail market.
- Product Portfolio Strength: Academy's product assortment spans outdoor, apparel, sports & recreation, and footwear, leveraging both leading national brands and a portfolio of private labels to provide a
See More
Academy Sports + Outdoors to Host Analyst Day Event
- Analyst Day Event: Academy Sports + Outdoors is set to host an Analyst Day on April 7, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. ET, where CEO Steve Lawrence and other executives will discuss the company's long-term strategy and growth initiatives, aiming to enhance investor confidence and attract more attention.
- Live Webcast Arrangement: The event will be accessible via a live webcast on the company's website, allowing investors to find the link under the 'News and Events' dropdown menu, ensuring transparency and enabling real-time information access for stakeholders.
- Company Background: Founded in 1938, Academy has expanded to over 300 stores across 21 states in the U.S., focusing on a localized merchandising strategy and value proposition that caters to a broad range of consumers, thereby solidifying its leadership in the sporting goods and outdoor recreation retail market.
- Product Portfolio Strength: Academy's product assortment spans outdoor, apparel, sports & recreation, and footwear, featuring both leading national brands and a portfolio of private labels, showcasing strong market competitiveness and aiming to provide a 'Fun for All' shopping experience.
See More
Nike's Recovery Faces Critical Challenges Ahead of Earnings
- Disappointing Earnings Outlook: Nike is set to release its fiscal 2026 Q3 earnings report, with analysts expressing caution regarding performance in China, anticipating continued sales declines that could lead to further stock price drops and impact investor confidence.
- Inventory Management Improvements: Since taking over in October 2024, CEO Elliott Hill has cleared classic inventory and launched new product lines; however, the stock is still down approximately 35% from its 52-week high, reflecting market skepticism about recovery efforts.
- North American Market Growth: Nike's sales in North America rose 9% year-over-year to $5.6 billion, making it the company's largest market, but analysts note that growth is primarily driven by wholesale sales, necessitating attention to retail performance.
- Investor Confidence Wavers: While 61% of analysts maintain a buy rating on Nike, concerns arise as direct-to-consumer revenues fell 9%, leading investors to adopt a cautious stance on future growth amid increasing global economic uncertainties.
See More
Pro Padel League Raises $15 Million in Funding Round
- Funding Expansion: The Pro Padel League has raised $15 million in its latest funding round, led by Charlotte Hornets co-chairman Rick Schnall, highlighting the growing investment enthusiasm for this emerging sport.
- Infrastructure Development: The new funds will be allocated to expanding the league's front office, building infrastructure, and creating a comprehensive event calendar to support player development, thereby enhancing the league's overall operational efficiency and market appeal.
- Valuation Surge: Over the past year, the valuations of Pro Padel League franchises have exceeded $10 million, a significant increase from the $200,000 entry fee in 2023, reflecting market recognition and future growth potential for the sport.
- Rapid Participant Growth: By 2030, the U.S. is projected to have 20,000 padel courts and 15 million active players, a substantial increase from just a few hundred courts today, indicating the sport's accelerating popularity in the U.S. and promising future prospects.
See More
Academy Sports Partners with Mastercard for Co-Branded Credit Card
- Credit Card Partnership: Academy Sports has launched a co-branded credit card with Mastercard and Bread Financial, aimed at stimulating purchases through rewards and exclusive offers, which is expected to enhance customer loyalty and sales.
- Rewards Structure: Cardholders earn $25 back for every $500 spent at Academy, while also receiving cash back on purchases made at non-Academy stores, significantly increasing the attractiveness of the card for consumers.
- Interest Rate Range: The credit card, managed by Synchrony Bank, features interest rates ranging from 17% to 33% based on the cardholder's credit score, which may deter some consumers from utilizing the credit option due to high borrowing costs.
- Market Response: Despite the new credit card launch, Academy Sports' recent earnings report indicated a non-GAAP EPS of $1.97 for Q4 2026, missing expectations by $0.08, and revenue also fell short of market forecasts, raising concerns about the company's future growth prospects.
See More
