Dick’s Sporting Goods to Acquire Foot Locker for $2.4 Billion

A vibrant shopping scene inside a Dick's Sporting Goods store.

News Summary

Dick’s Sporting Goods has announced its acquisition of Foot Locker in a significant deal valued at $2.4 billion. This acquisition will allow Foot Locker to continue operating as a standalone business, preserving its brand structure. Foot Locker recently relocated its headquarters to St. Petersburg and operates 2,400 stores internationally. The merger is expected to enhance operational efficiencies for Dick’s while broadening its market presence and customer base, with the deal closing anticipated in late 2025, pending shareholder approval.

St. Petersburg, Florida – Dick’s Sporting Goods announced plans to acquire Foot Locker in a deal valued at $2.4 billion, a move that promises to reshape the landscape of the sporting goods retail industry. The acquisition will keep Foot Locker operating as a standalone business, ensuring the continuation of its brand structure that includes Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, WSS, and Atmos.

Foot Locker, which recently moved its global headquarters to St. Petersburg, operates around 2,400 retail stores in 20 countries. Last year, the company reported net sales of $8 billion, underlining its strong market presence. As part of the acquisition deal, Foot Locker shareholders will have the option to receive either $24 in cash or 0.1168 shares of Dick’s Sporting Goods common stock for each share of Foot Locker common stock they own.

Foot Locker’s stock has experienced significant volatility, dropping 41% this year, which may have contributed to the decision for this acquisition. The move is seen as integral to Foot Locker’s turnaround plan announced in 2023, which aimed at fortifying its relationships with major brands. The company is currently focusing on enhancing collaborations with Nike, especially in the realms of basketball, sneaker culture, and youth-oriented merchandise.

The acquisition not only enhances Dick’s operational efficiencies but is also expected to broaden its presence in both malls and international markets. The merger is projected to strengthen Dick’s competitive position within the market while expanding its customer base, leveraging Foot Locker’s extensive retail footprint.

Prior to this acquisition, Foot Locker signed a lease for 111,000 square feet at 570 Carillon Parkway in St. Petersburg for its new headquarters. This relocation is anticipated to create approximately 150 jobs and contribute about $18 million to the local economy through payrolls, as noted by local city officials. The mayor of St. Petersburg highlighted the significance of Foot Locker’s move as an investment in the region’s culture and workforce, enhancing the local economy.

Ed Stack, executive chairman of Dick’s Sporting Goods, articulated the acquisition as a positive development, reflecting admiration for Foot Locker’s cultural significance and brand reputation in the sporting goods industry. Dick’s Sporting Goods and Foot Locker are both recognized as Fortune 500 companies, indicating their substantial influence and footprint in the retail sector.

The closing of the acquisition deal is anticipated to occur in the second half of 2025, contingent on approval from Foot Locker’s shareholders. As the two companies prepare to combine their strengths, industry analysts are observing potential implications for market dynamics in sporting goods retail.

In conclusion, the acquisition of Foot Locker by Dick’s Sporting Goods marks a pivotal shift in the sporting retail landscape, promising to benefit both entities as they navigate the evolving market demands. The strategic move aims to leverage each company’s strengths, consolidate their market positions, and cater to an increasingly diverse consumer base.