Global Sports to Develop and Operate LPGA.com's E-Commerce Pro Shop
GLOBAL SPORTS, INC. (NASDAQ: GSPT), a leading outsource solution provider for e-commerce, and the LADIES PROFESSIONAL GOLF ASSOCIATION (LPGA), the world’s oldest, longest-running women’s professional sports association, announced today an e-commerce agreement for Global Sports to develop and operate the new e-commerce Pro Shop for LPGA.com, the LPGA’s official Web site. The LPGA.com site is produced and managed by Ignite Sports, a leading interactive solutions provider to sports organizations. The new store is expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2001.
The new e-commerce Pro Shop will cater especially, although not exclusively, to the needs of female golfers. It will feature an extensive selection of LPGA-licensed products, golf apparel, footwear, equipment, accessories and training aids. Global Sports will handle all facets of the e-commerce store, including technology, customer service and fulfillment. In addition, Global Sports will work in conjunction with the LPGA to select the desired merchandising mix.
Ty M. Votaw, commissioner of the LPGA, commented, “We are delighted to partner with Global Sports to provide LPGA.com visitors with a compelling e-commerce experience that showcases a broad assortment of golf products and delivers a superior customer experience while helping to build and extend the LPGA brand.”
Michael G. Rubin, Chairman and CEO of Global Sports, said, “We are excited to be selected by a prestigious organization, such as the LPGA, to provide its fans with the best online shopping experience possible. We are confident that the LPGA’s loyal following will translate into an excellent e-commerce business.”
About Global Sports
Global Sports is a leading outsource solution provider for e-commerce. The company develops and operates e-commerce businesses for retailers, media companies, and professional sports organizations. The Global Sports’ platform includes Web site design and development, e-commerce technology, customer service, fulfillment, merchandising, content development and management, and online and database marketing.
About Ladies Professional Golf Association
Featuring the world’s best women golfers, the LPGA Tour in 2001 features 41 events, with more than 260 hours of television coverage, and total prize money of more than $43.5 million. Since 1981, the LPGA and its tournaments have raised more than $117.5 million for charity. The LPGA, the longest-running women’s professional sports association in the world, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2000. Founded by 13 women in 1950, the organization has grown from its roots as a playing tour into a non-profit organization involved in every facet of golf. The LPGA Teaching and Club Professional (T&CP) Division boasts a membership of more than 1,150 women golf professionals who serve as teachers, golf professionals, club managers and coaches. Through the LPGA T&CP Division, the LPGA is working to increase the involvement of women and youth in golf, as well as contribute to the growth of the sport overall. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla.
In January 2001, the LPGA has expanded LPGA.com, its official Web site, to provide fan interaction; more in-depth player, tournament and statistical information; enhanced real-time scoring; easier site navigation; and an updated, contemporary look. Since the re-launch, LPGA.com has experienced a 70% growth in its visitor sessions and more than 50% growth in page impressions when compared to the same time period in 2000 (January through August 2001). The new and enhanced features and planned expansion of the site combine to make LPGA.com the premier destination for women’s golf.
About Ignite Sports
Ignite Sports is a leading interactive sports solutions provider that serves sports team and leagues, media companies, and sports marketers. The company’s client roster includes ten NFL properties such as the New York Giants, Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, AFL, the LPGA, as well as teams in other professional leagues. Ignite Sports is based in Chicago, Illinois, and can be found on the web at www.ignitesports.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements made in this release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “will”, “guidance”, and similar expressions typically are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the then-current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about the business of Global Sports and the industry and markets in which the company operates. Those statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements. Factors which may affect Global Sports’ business, financial condition and operating results include the effects of changes in the economy, consumer spending, the stock market and the sporting goods industry generally, changes affecting the Internet and e-commerce, the ability of the company to maintain relationships with strategic partners and suppliers, the ability of the company to timely and successfully develop, maintain and protect its technology and product and service offerings and execute operationally, the ability of the company to attract and retain qualified personnel and the ability of the company to successfully integrate its acquisitions of other businesses. More information about potential factors that could affect Global Sports can be found in its most recent Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and other reports and statements filed by Global Sports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Global Sports expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update those forward-looking statements, except as otherwise specifically stated by Global Sports.
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Contact:
Global Sports Contact:
Patricia Henderson
(610) 491-7013
hendersonp@globalsports.com
LPGA Contact:
Leslie King
(386) 274-6270
lesliek@lpga.com
