As Black Friday 2025 approaches, Academy Sports + Outdoors is gearing up to offer another round of deals on sports gear, outdoor equipment, or activewear. Here’s everything you need to know about what to expect this year, from sale dates and discounts to in-store versus online shopping strategies.
When Does Academy Sports’ Black Friday Sale Start?
Based on past years, Academy Sports’ Black Friday 2025 sale is expected to start on Thursday, November 20, 2025. That’s about a week ahead of Black Friday itself, giving you plenty of time to snag deals before the holiday weekend rush.
The sale is expected to run through Saturday, November 29, 2025, or until in-stock supplies run out. Afterwards, Academy’s Cyber Monday sale will likely begin on Sunday, November 30, 2025, and offer an entirely new wave of online-exclusive deals.
While the sale runs for over a week, keep in mind that Academy’s physical locations are expected to be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, 2025. Most stores expected to open their doors at 5:00 AM on Black Friday morning and stay open until 11:00 PM.
What Kind of Deals Can You Expect?
Academy Sports + Outdoors typically offers some of its best deals of the year during Black Friday, and 2025 should follow suit. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to find on sale:
1. Apparel and Footwear
Athletic wear and footwear are always a big focus during Academy’s Black Friday event. Discounts of 30% to 50% are common on brands like Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, and Columbia. Whether you’re shopping for workout clothes, hiking boots, or everyday sneakers, this sale is an excellent opportunity to upgrade your wardrobe.
Cold-weather gear is also likely to be featured, making it a great time to stock up on jackets, gloves, and thermals. These deals are especially useful if you’re preparing for winter outdoor activities or need holiday gifts for the adventurers in your life.
2. Outdoor Gear
If you’re a fan of camping, hunting, or fishing, Academy Sports’ Black Friday Sale is the perfect time to shop for equipment. Expect discounts on tents, sleeping bags, coolers, and other outdoor essentials. Brands like YETI, Coleman, and Magellan Outdoors are frequently included in the sale, with savings typically ranging from 20% to 40% off.
Fishing gear, such as rods, reels, and tackle boxes, is also worth checking out. Hunters can often find deals on camouflage clothing, game cameras, and even firearm accessories, although availability may vary by location.
3. Fitness Equipment
For those looking to upgrade their home gym or jumpstart their fitness journey, Academy’s Black Friday sale is an excellent opportunity to save on fitness equipment. Treadmills, stationary bikes, dumbbells, and yoga gear are all likely to be featured. Discounts often range from 25% to 50% off, depending on the brand and type of equipment.
4. Sports Gear
From basketballs and soccer balls to baseball gloves and golf clubs, Academy’s Black Friday event usually includes deals on sports equipment for athletes of all ages. Team apparel and accessories for major sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB are also popular during this sale. If you’ve got young athletes in the family or are looking for a great gift idea, this is the time to buy.
5. Bikes and Scooters
Academy often offers deals on bicycles for kids and adults during Black Friday. You’ll find discounts on mountain bikes, road bikes, and electric scooters, along with helmets and other accessories. These items are popular holiday gifts, so shop early to secure the best options.
6. Backyard and Patio Essentials
Grills, patio furniture, and other outdoor living items are frequently part of Academy’s Black Friday sale. Brands like Weber and Traeger are usually included, with discounts often reaching up to 30% off. Whether you’re hosting backyard barbecues or need a fire pit for cool-weather gatherings, you’ll find some great deals here.
Tips for Getting the Best Deals
To make the most of Academy Sports’ Black Friday sale, consider the following tips:
- Preview the Ad Early: Academy typically releases its Black Friday ad a week or two before the sale begins. Take the time to review it in advance and make a list of the items you want to buy.
- Shop Early: Popular items like fitness equipment, outdoor gear, and name-brand apparel can sell out quickly. Shopping early in the sale will give you the best chance of snagging your top picks.
- Check for Online-Only Deals: Some items may be exclusive to Academy’s website, so don’t forget to check online if you can’t find what you’re looking for in-store.
- Sign Up for Emails: Subscribing to Academy’s email list can help you stay informed about sale updates, exclusive promotions, and early access to deals.
- Look for Free Shipping: Academy often offers free shipping on online orders during Black Friday, especially if you meet a minimum purchase threshold. Be sure to check for this perk when placing your order.
Last Year’s Black Friday Ad
Ad History/Archive
Is Academy Sports’ Black Friday sale this year as good as last year’s? Take a look a the ad history below to compare the offers.
- 2024: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20.
- 2023: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 and 32.
- 2022: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34.
- 2021: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28.
- 2020: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28.
- 2019: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17.
- 2018: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21.
Questions & Comments
What will you be picking up this thanksgiving weekend at Academy Sports + Outdoors? A new basketball hoop? Maybe a ping-pong table? Leave your comments below.