Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Athleta Sales Fuel Gap’s Robust Quarter

Athleta/Design: Alex Brooks

Gap, the parent company of Athleta, reported second-quarter earnings Thursday, recording $4.2 billion in net sales — its best second-quarter sales in over a decade.

Athleta’s net sales jumped 35% from 2019 to $341 million.

  • During the quarter, Athleta launched a well-being platform called AthletaWell. The announcement fell on the same day Athleta athlete Simone Biles withdrew from the individual all-around gymnastics competition at the Tokyo Olympics to focus on her mental health. 
  • As part of the launch, Athleta announced a partnership with Obe Fitness to offer free workout content for members each week. The company recently contributed to Obe’s $15 million Series A funding round.
  • In July, Athleta athlete Allyson Felix became the most decorated U.S. Olympic track athlete ever by winning her 10th and 11th Olympic medals. Both Biles and Felix left Nike for Athleta.

Over 50% of Athleta’s sales are from loyalty members, who spend twice as much money as the average customer.

Athleta hopes to reach $2 billion in annual net sales by 2023 after opening 20-30 stores in 2021. Gap is set to launch Athleta online in Canada next week and raised its projected sales growth to 30% from the low-to-mid 20% range.

Athleisure accounted for 33% of apparel sales last year, according to NPD Group, and is projected to become a $517.5 billion industry by 2025.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Semi Final - England v Argentina - Fans gather in Atlanta - Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. - July 15, 2026 England fans gather in a bar after the match REUTERS/Megan Varner

Nielsen Set to Make Co-Viewing Official Just As Fall Sports Arrive

Enhanced co-viewing will become part of Nielsen’s official measurements.
Breaking

Ogwumike to Play in Project B Despite WNBA Retirement

She will still play for Project B, the new global basketball league.
Oct 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; SMU player Kyla Deck answers questions from the media at The Hilton Charlotte Uptown.

SMU Women’s Basketball Player Sues NCAA Over Transfer Restrictions

It could set a precedent for more challenges to NCAA transfer restrictions.
Feb 4, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; NFL Network host Colleen Wolfe on radio row at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Exclusive

NFL Media Re-Arms As Andrew Siciliano, Colleen Wolfe Return

Michael Yam, Trevor Sikkema, and Brett Kollmann are also joining NFL Media.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

8/19/26 – Lakers Family Feud, NFL Eyes Overseas Team, Knicks Embarrass Nets

0:00

Featured Today

Trendy Golf Hat Divide Is More Than a Fashion Fight

As golf has gotten trendier, so has the sport’s style.
Joey Spallina of the Maryland Whipsnakes
August 6, 2026

How Eye Black Became ‘War Paint’ on the Field

“You’re going into battle, doing something you only do on game days.”
August 6, 2026

Tom Brady Explains His Aggressive Push Into Trading Cards

Brady talked to FOS about his eponymous card company.
FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings - Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India - April 23, 2026 Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav in action
August 5, 2026

India Is Stealing Cricket’s Throne From England and Australia

India’s insatiable appetite for cricket has shifted the traditional locus of power.
WPBL
July 30, 2026

Who’s Playing Women’s Professional Baseball?

Sixty players from 11 countries are descending on Illinois for six weeks.

Golf Brands Are Cashing In on America250-Themed Equipment

Callaway and TaylorMade rolled out collections with significant markups.
Lululemon
May 27, 2026

Lululemon Shares Pop After Agreeing to End Dispute With Founder

Chip Wilson in December called for a board shake-up.
Nike store
June 26, 2026

Nike’s Rumored China E-Commerce Gamble Could Be a Misstep

Nike will reportedly stop letting other companies sell its products online in China.
Sponsored

Saints Great Turns to Ownership

Marques Colston discusses his Champions Fund launch and finding success after football.
May 13, 2026

Sold-Out PGA Championship Tickets Drop Below Face Value Prices

The cheapest competition round ticket is $168 on Thursday.
Apr 20, 2026; Boston, MA, USA; Sharon Lokedi (101) wins the women's division at the 130th running of the Boston Marathon.
May 12, 2026

Under Armour Pushes Sports Reset Amid Weak Earnings

Revenue was down 1% in the quarter.
April 29, 2026

Adidas’s First Quarter Free of Yeezy Inventory Beats Expectations

Adidas shares surge on strong quarter.
Adidas
April 27, 2026

Adidas Record Marathon Shoe Sold Out, Then Hit $3K on Resale Market

Resale listings for the high-profile shoe start at nearly $1,700 a pair.