DICK’S Sporting Goods is stepping into the ring of sports documentary filmmaking with the launch of a new film production company. DICK’S was established in 1948, and has remained a

go-to shopping destination for sports equipment across multiple disciplines.

DICK’S has helped produce media ventures before, notably with the 2014 feature documentary We Could Be King, but the company has never made the kind of commitment to consistent storytelling that the establishment of a media venture represents.

Collider has reported that DICK’S Sporting Goods is establishing Cookie Jar & A Dream Studios, a new production venture with the goal of exploring larger human themes through the lens of sports. The studio’s first film, Big Dreams: The Little League World Series 2024, premieres August 12 on ESPN.

What This Means For DICK’S & Sports Filmmaking

The idea of a sports retailer starting its own film studio may seem minorly absurd, but DICK’S has a surprising track record of success in the field. We Could Be King won an Emmy Award, which is a rare and outstanding feat for a company like DICK’S. Cookie Jar & A Dream is sure to aim just as high.

In fact, Cookie Jar & A Dream’s first project, Big Dreams: The Little League World Series 2024, was co-produced by legendary director Ron Howard and his partner Brian Grazer through Imagine Documentaries. MLB Studios also co-produced the film, further cementing its impressive pedigree.

In fact, Cookie Jar & A Dream has already won itself an Emmy with The Turnaround, a 25-minute documentary about a Phillies fan who orchestrated a standing ovation credited with restoring the confidence of shortstop Trea Turner and turning the team’s whole season around.

Our Take On DICK’S’ New Studio Venture

The best sports documentaries often document the rises and falls of beloved players and teams, but it seems as though Cookie Jar & A Dream will take a somewhat different approach to storytelling.

Considering that two of the studio’s initial projects are Big Dreams: The Little League World Series 2024 and The Turnaround, it looks like Cookie Jar & A Dream will focus more on the incredible stories of sports consumers rather than professional athletes.

This approach doesn’t only carve out a unique niche for the studio in terms of content; it also fits perfectly with the brand of DICK’S Sporting Goods, echoing that business’ role as a purveyor of sports equipment. Especially with partners as high-profile as Imagine Documentaries and MLB Studios, these films may be some of the most relatable sports docs yet.