WE SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT US!

Since 1956

JOIN THE HISTORY. BE A PART OF THE FUTURE.

OUR HISTORY

Nation’s Best Sports (NBS) is a nationwide sporting goods buying group that was established in 1956 when Claude Manning and three friends—Joe Lipsey, E.J. “Buck” Buchanan and Paul Self, all of whom owned war-surplus stores—decided to pool their purchases and create the first sporting goods buying group, the Southwest Buying Syndicate. 

Today, NBS offers independent retailers a diverse portfolio of buying opportunities in all categories of outdoor sports and general sporting goods. NBS hosts different buying Markets that differ from industry trade shows because they are actual order writing and buying markets only open to Member retail store owners, their buyers and approved vendors.

OUR HISTORY

Founded in 1956 as the Southwest Buying Syndicate by Claude Manning and three fellow war-surplus store owners, Nation’s Best Sports (NBS) has grown into North America's premier sporting goods buying group.


Today, NBS supports independent retailers with a wide range of buying opportunities in the outdoor sports and general sporting goods categories. Our exclusive buying Markets go beyond traditional trade shows, providing a unique setting for our Members to connect with top-tier Vendors in the sporting goods industry to place direct orders tailored to their needs. 

440 +

Retail Members

1,350 +

Vendor Partners

50 +

States in the United States, Canada, & Puerto Rico

Become a Member

NBS Members benefit from the power of group buying, while still operating as independent businesses. We provide access to competitive products from the nation’s best brands of sporting equipment and clothing.

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Become a Vendor

NBS Vendors have an opportunity to network directly with pre-screened and approved retailers at our purchasing markets. Our category-specific markets allow potential customers to come to you in one central location.

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Upcoming Markets

Summer Specialty Market

June 30 - July 1, 2023


Fall Semi-Annual Market

August 21 - 24, 2023


Fall Specialty Market

October 22 - 23, 2023

LEARN MORE

Become a Member

NBS Members benefit from the power of group buying, while still operating as independent businesses. We provide access to competitive products from some of the nation’s best brands.

LEARN MORE

Become a Vendor

NBS Vendors have the opportunity to network directly with pre-screened and approved retailers at our category-specific buying markets where members come to you in one central location.

LEARN MORE

Upcoming Markets

2025 Fall Semi-Annual Market

August 18-21, 2025

2025 Fall Athletic Specialty Market

October 15-17, 2025

2025 Hunting & Outdoor Apparel & Footwear Market

December 8-10, 2025

LEARN MORE

Read the latest NBS Magazine Issue

The NBS Magazine showcases the everlasting impact that our Members, and their valued partners, have in the sporting goods industry. Our vision is to emphasize the power of independent retail, community impact, partnership, and the NBS legacy. NBS has been built by those who support our mission, and this publication will spotlight individuals and organizations that have been vital to our growth and success.

Read The First Edition Here

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