About

The Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame was created in 1955 by the NSGA Board of Directors to honor the pioneers, innovators and leaders who built the sporting goods industry and to help recognize and encourage excellence within the industry. Inductees are recognized at the NSGA Annual Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit. 

Hall of Fame Inductees

2022 Hall of Fame Inductees: Bill Hunt, Bill Sorenson and Michael Gotfredson Sr. 

2021 Hall of Fame Inductee: Eric Bezanson

1956-2021 Past Inductees of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame

Candidate Criteria 

Candidates must be an industry manufacturer, sporting goods retailer or team dealer or an industry influencer. The criteria for Manufacturers to be elected to the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame include the development and successful production of products that significantly improve sports performance and the introduction of important safety factors for sporting goods products. All innovations must be substantiated. 

Retailers/Dealers must demonstrate innovation and leadership as well as participation in industry-wide activities. Monetary success is not a determining factor. 

Industry Influencers must have made a significant contribution to a program, organization or service directly impacting the sporting goods industry or have promoted the public’s awareness and appreciation of the importance of sports participation.

Qualifications 

Manufacturer Criteria 
Retailer/Dealer Criteria
Industry Influencer Criteria

Members of every segment of the industry have the opportunity to submit the names of manufacturers, sporting goods retailers/dealers, and industry influencers they deem worthy of election to the Hall of Fame for extraordinary contributions to the growth and progress of the industry. Nominations are reviewed by the Hall of Fame Committee, which is comprised of manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers/dealers, agents and industry influencers.

Induction ceremonies are held at the NSGA Annual Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit. 

Questions? Contact Julie Pitts, Hall of Fame Secretary, 3041 Woodcreek Drive, Suite 210, Downers Grove, IL 60515 or hof@nsga.org.