Dick’s, Academy Sports eye Sports Authority – CNBC

New York City-based Modell’s Sporting Goods is also interested in ports Authority, which has 464 stores across the country, the people said. But family-owned Modell’s, whose stronghold is on the U.S. East Coast, has not yet decided whether it will participate in the auction, the people added.

Dick’s, Academy Sports and Modell’s are jockeying for position as the sporting goods industry sees increased competition from new entrants such as Wal-Mart Stores, Amazon.com, and branded athletic apparel companies such as Lululemon Athletica.

Sports Authority declined to comment. Spokespeople for Academy Sports, Dick’s and Modell’s did not respond to requests for comment.

Englewood, Colorado-based Sports Authority on Thursday gained approval from a judge to extend the deadline for bids into late May. The bulk of Sports Authority’s assets, from its stores to its intellectual property and website, are on the block.

Sports Authority, in court papers, said it intensified efforts to find a buyer for the entire business as a going concern immediately after it missed a crucial interest payment in January.