A class-action lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah accuses major retailers and manufacturers in the archery industry of engaging in a price-fixing conspiracy that allegedly inflated prices for consumers. The defendants include Bass Pro Shops, its affiliate Cabela’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, the Archery Trade Association (ATA), and several manufacturers and distributors. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/retailer-bass-pro-cabelas-hit-with-price-fixing-class-action-2025-06-02/?utm_source=openai))
The lawsuit, initiated by Pennsylvania resident Joseph Santarlas, alleges that these entities collaborated to implement and enforce minimum advertised pricing (MAP) policies, effectively suppressing price competition among retailers. This practice is claimed to have violated U.S. antitrust laws, leading to artificially high prices for archery products such as bows, arrows, arrowheads, and targets since 2014. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/retailer-bass-pro-cabelas-hit-with-price-fixing-class-action-2025-06-02/?utm_source=openai))
The ATA, representing over 2,500 organizations, is alleged to have played a central role in coordinating the enforcement of MAP policies. The lawsuit contends that the association and its members viewed price competition as a significant threat to the industry and collectively agreed to maintain price floors to preserve profit margins. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/retailer-bass-pro-cabelas-hit-with-price-fixing-class-action-2025-06-02/?utm_source=openai))
The complaint estimates that hundreds of thousands of consumers who purchased archery equipment since 2014 may have been affected by these practices. The plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages and a court order to halt the alleged anti-competitive behavior. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/retailer-bass-pro-cabelas-hit-with-price-fixing-class-action-2025-06-02/?utm_source=openai))
As of now, Bass Pro Shops, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and the ATA have not publicly commented on the lawsuit. The case is titled “Joseph Santarlas v. Bowtech et al.” ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/retailer-bass-pro-cabelas-hit-with-price-fixing-class-action-2025-06-02/?utm_source=openai))
This legal action underscores the ongoing scrutiny of pricing practices within the archery industry and raises questions about the balance between maintaining industry standards and fostering competitive pricing for consumers.