The sports retail industry’s transition to online selling has claimed another victim with the bankruptcy filing of Midwest chain MC Sports.

The retailer, known legally as Michigan Sporting Goods Distributors, said it plans to immediately begin liquidation sales at all of its 68 stores.

The company left open the possibility that it could remain open in some form through a “going-concern sale,” which would require an outside entity to strike a deal to prop up the brand.

The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based company, founded in 1946, employs more than 1,300 workers. The chain reported a net loss of $5.4 million on sales of $174.6 million in its most recent fiscal year, according to a court filing.

MC Sports CEO Bruce Ullery, who owns 86% of the company, said in a court filing that “the rapid migration of sales from traditional brick-and-mortar retailers to online resellers,” competing distributors, specialty retailers and “changing consumer preferences” contributed to the company’s demise.

He said he had determined that a restructuring was not feasible, particularly after a reinvestment and remodeling project failed to generate adequate results.

MC Sports joins the growing list of sports retailers crushed by the Internet’s rise as a source of specialized sporting goods:

•Sports Authority. The big-box store chain liquidated last year.

•Golfsmith. The golf equipment chain filed for bankruptcy protection.

•Eastern Outfitters. The company thath owns discount chain Bob’s Stores and outdoor retailer Eastern Mountain Sports, filed for bankruptcy reorganization.

•Sport Chalet. The retailer that once had more than 50 stores closed after a big going-out-of-business sale.

MC Sports has more than $14 million in trade debt, according to its court filings. It owes about $3.8 million to Nike and $2.4 million to Under Armour.

The company also has almost $475,000 in debt for media and marketing services, court filings show.

MC Sports has locations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Contributing: Dillon Davis of the Battle Creek Enquirer

Follow USA TODAY reporter Nathan Bomey on Twitter @NathanBomey.