Pictured Above: Picture taken five years ago of the Champion Teamwear facility in Manhattan, Kansas.

In a press release shared via SGB Media, Champion Teamwear confirmed that it plans to permanently close its facility in Manhattan, Kansas, a decision that will affect 72 jobs. The layoff notice was filed with the Kansas Department of Commerce by SPO Management LLC, the owner of Champion Teamwear, at the end of July 2025.

The facility was formerly the headquarters of GTM Sportswear, which HanesBrands acquired in 2016. GTM Sportswear then became the headquarters for HanesBrands’ Champion Teamwear business.

Last year (June 2024), HanesBrands announced that it entered into a definitive agreement to sell the intellectual property and certain operating assets of the company’s global Champion business to Authentic Brands Group for a transaction value of $1.2 billion, with the potential to reach up to $1.5 billion through an additional contingent cash consideration of up to $300 million based on achievement of performance thresholds. The SGB Media press article notes that the company then reached an agreement for Ames Watson to manage Champion’s collegiate apparel business, including Gear for Sports, Knights Apparel, and Champion Teamwear.

The company reports that it plans to start the layoffs no earlier than Oct. 3, 2025.

Miranda Hardenburger, Champion Teamwear general manager,  said in the press release that was obtained by KSNT.com that the “difficult decision” is being made to relocate operations away from Manhattan to the Lenexa area and other company facilities.