sports authority gift cards still good: The Final Word
Sports Authority, once one of America’s dominant sporting goods chains, filed for bankruptcy and closed all locations in 2016. No company purchased their outstanding gift card liabilities, and no partnership or merger with competing retailers (like Dick’s Sporting Goods or Academy Sports) resulted in honor of legacy cards. In plain terms: sports authority gift cards are no longer valid.
Despite ongoing rumors and hopeful online posts, there is currently no physical or online retailer in the U.S. accepting sports authority gift cards still good—and no current plan to do so in the future. If you find or receive a Sports Authority card, treat it as memorabilia, not spending power.
When Sports Retailer Gift Cards Are Safe to Buy and Use
Major chains with valid, reliable gift cards include:
Dick’s Sporting Goods: Valid cards are available online and instore. No expiration, easy to register, and accepted at all locations and the website. Academy Sports + Outdoors: Valid in stores and online, with no hidden fees or expiration. REI: Outdoor gear, equipment, and classes—accepted companywide, digital and physical cards. Cabela’s/Bass Pro Shops: After their merger, cards from either brand can now be redeemed at both, in stores and online. Local and regional retailers: Many have egift and plastic cards, but verify policies—especially for singleregion chains.
Always check return and balance policies before buying from a smaller chain.
Avoiding Invalid or Expired Gift Cards
Skip retailers facing bankruptcy rumors or those that have closed dozens of stores rapidly. Beware “discount cards” on resale sites—sellers may simply be offloading dead stock, especially for brands like Sports Authority. Register your gift card online if possible for balance protection and easier recovery in cases of loss or theft. Use soon after purchase: The longer a card languishes, the more potential for a brand switch, store closure, or fine print changes.
Online and OpenLoop Gift Cards
Amazon, Visa, and Mastercard gift cards: While not retailerspecific, these are widely accepted for online sports gear and clothing purchases—ideal for recipients with changing address or brand preferences. Manufacturer gift cards: Nike, Adidas, or Under Armour offer brandspecific cards direct from their websites, valid for both ecommerce and ownbrand stores.
State Law and Consumer Protection
Federal regulations (CARD Act, 2009) require cards issued after August 2010 to remain valid for five years, but only for retailers still in business. State law may offer limited cover for outstanding balances, but in bankruptcy, cards are treated as unsecured debt. The odds of seeing “sports authority gift cards still good” shift to yes? Zero.
What To Do With Useless or Expired Cards
Repurpose as luggage tags, bookmarks, or teaching tools about financial literacy and retail risk. Doublecheck on secondary platforms, but don’t fall for scammy “exchange” websites promising redemption at other chains. Contact your card issuer promptly if you suspect fraudulent advertising or have been sold an invalid card.
Pro Tips for Smart Gifting
Stick to national chains or egift cards for reliable coverage. Always keep purchase receipts; they’re vital if you must dispute charges or replace lost cards. Check for expiration dates, and encourage your recipient to use the card within a year of gifting for maximum safety.
What About Store Mergers and Acquisitions?
When two chains merge (Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, for instance), cards may become interchangeable. Always check each retailer’s official policies—do not assume, especially based on outdated retailer gossip. For Sports Authority, no such accommodation occurred.
Recap: Which Cards Are Valid, Which Are Not?
Valid: Dick’s Sporting Goods, Academy, REI, Cabela’s/Bass Pro, openloop cards, active regional chains. Not valid: Sports Authority, Modell’s (bankrupt), and any retailer no longer operating. Onlineonly shops: Always check the About/FAQ section for current gift card policy and beware any thirdparty aggregators promising redemption of expired cards.
Bottom Line
Are sports authority gift cards still good? The answer remains “no,” and isn’t likely to change. When buying sports equipment retailer gift cards, stick to active, large retailers and check balance and terms as soon as possible. Register and spend promptly for the best results. In modern retail, discipline means value—don’t let old cards or shifting brands erase your (or your recipient’s) next great sports purchase.