Dick’s to power ESPN's online shop

Dick’s Sporting Goods and ESPN have entered into a multi-year agreement which will allow Dick’s to be the exclusive e-commerce provider of licensed merchandise and sporting goods on ESPN.com and related digital properties.



Dick’s and ESPN are no strangers. The sporting goods retailer sponsors ESPN's Champ Week coverage for college basketball, and collaborates on content such as Hell Week — an original documentary produced by Dick’s Sporting Goods Films in association with ESPN, which aired on ESPN2 and ESPNU earlier this year.



As a result of the new agreement, fans will now be able to shop an expanded range of licensed products available at the rebranded ESPN Fan Shop powered by Dick’s Sporting Goods. Contextually integrated shopping opportunities will be featured across ESPN platforms in the near future — including ESPN.com, ESPN The Magazine, ESPN Radio and mobile properties such as ScoreCenter, GameCast and WatchESPN — allowing fans to easily purchase officially licensed products from their favorite MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA, EPL, MLS teams while following their favorite athlete or team. In addition to licensed apparel, the site will carry an expanded assortment of ESPN merchandise, including the award-winning 30 for 30 documentary series.



"This groundbreaking collaboration with ESPN blends sports content and commerce, solidifying DICK's as the premier destination for licensed product," said Lauren Hobart, SVP and CMO. “Dick’s is excited about this dynamic multi-channel approach, which includes traditional and non-traditional marketing and e-commerce, to better serve the needs of athletes and fans everywhere."



"ESPN and Dick’s Sporting Goods share similar goals, most notably, serving sports fans and athletes,” added ESPN's Sean Bratches, EVP of sales and marketing. “This new online store builds on a long history between the two companies and will allow both to better serve this audience with a unique shopping experience."