John Davenport of Winmark Corporation/Play It Again Sports Joins NSGA Board of Directors 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT: 

Marty Maciaszek, Director of Communications and Team Dealer Division 
mmaciaszek@nsga.org 
(847) 296-6742, ext. 1260 

DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS (August 6, 2025) – The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) made a change to its Board of Directors with the appointment of John Davenport of Winmark Corporation/Play It Again Sports. He started his term on the Board on July 27. 

Davenport is the Manager of Buying Operations for Winmark and is a 36-year veteran of the resale and sporting goods industries. He joined Winmark in 1989 and has held a variety of buying and operational roles that have contributed to the growth and evolution of Winmark’s resale brands, including Play It Again Sports. 

“We are excited to have John share his experience and knowledge of the sporting goods industry on the NSGA Board,” said Matt Carlson, NSGA President & CEO. “John understands how our industry can make a difference, because sports impacts so many lives, and that will help make him a great addition to the Board.” 

Davenport leads the development of product programs across all Winmark brands – Play It Again Sports, Plato’s Closet, Once Upon A Child, Style Encore and Music Go Round. He has established long-term vendor relationships, built category strategies and supported franchisees in sourcing high-quality used and new sporting goods.  

He is also a champion of Winmark’s commitment to sustainable retail, consumer value and broadening the reach of resale in communities across North America. His leadership has been instrumental in positioning Play It Again Sports as the leading franchise in used sporting goods retail, with more than 300 stores in the United States and Canada. 

Sports have been a lifelong passion for Davenport as he played four years of football as a wide receiver at Minnesota State University Moorhead. He said that experience shaped his philosophy of leadership through teamwork that he has carried throughout his professional career. 

“I’ve always believed that being involved in sports can shape your life in a positive way,” John Davenport said. “Sports teach us how to handle adversity, how to celebrate wins with humility and how to find joy in a healthy lifestyle. Our Play It Again Sports stores support that in an affordable and sustainable way and that’s why I believe so deeply in Winmark’s mission to provide Resale for Everyone®. 

“I’m excited to share my knowledge and heartfelt passion for sports and the sporting goods industry with the NSGA Board. I’m looking forward to supporting NSGA’s efforts to positively influence our industry and promote broader access to sports and recreation for all.” 

“We are looking forward to working with John on the Board, and at the same time, appreciate the time and effort Troy Freeman invested to help NSGA and the sporting goods industry,” Carlson said. “Troy was a positive and valuable contributor to the NSGA Board and we wish him the very best.” 

About the National Sporting Goods Association 
Since 1929, the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) has been the leading voice and go-to resource for the sporting goods industry. NSGA helps the industry grow its businesses through research, advocacy and networking. For more information about membership or NSGA’s products and services, please visit nsga.org.  

About Winmark 
Winmark – the Resale Company®, is a nationally recognized franchisor focused on sustainability and small business formation. We champion and guide entrepreneurs interested in operating one of our award winning resale franchises: Plato’s Closet®, Once Upon A Child®, Play It Again Sports®, Style Encore® and Music Go Round®. At June 28, 2025, there were 1,371 franchises in operation and over 2,800 available territories. An additional 77 franchises have been awarded but are not open.