Sports Direct, a prominent sports retailer, was previously known by two different corporate names: Sports Soccer Limited and subsequently Sports World International Limited.
The company, which was founded in 1982 by Mike Ashley, has evolved significantly since its establishment. The trade name "Sports Direct" became widely recognized, but the corporate entity behind it operated under different names during specific periods of its history.
Historical Corporate Names of Sports Direct
To illustrate the progression of the company's official names, the following table details the periods during which these names were active:
| Period | Former Corporate Name |
|---|---|
| 1997–2003 | Sports Soccer Limited |
| 2003–2008 | Sports World International Limited |
Today, the business operates hundreds of stores, with 715 locations reported in 2022, underscoring its significant presence in the retail market.
