Sports Authority liquidating all stores nationwide, including 32 in greater Bay Area

A Sports Authority store was photographed on March 2, 2016 in Miami, Fl., as the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. A Sports Authority store was photographed on March 2, 2016 in Miami, Fl., as the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images Image 1 of / 50 Caption Close Sports Authority liquidating all stores nationwide, including 32 in greater Bay Area 1 / 50 Back to Gallery

After an attempt to dig itself out of bankruptcy through a reorganization, Sports Authority is giving up in the final inning.

The Colorado-based retailer announced plans today to liquidate all 450 of its stores nationwide, including 32 in the greater Bay Area.

The retailer employs thousands and was once America's biggest sporting-goods chain but has faced financial struggles in recent years. Saddled with $1.1 billion in debt, the company filed for bankruptcy protection in March. Executives announced a plan to look for a buyer, reorganize and close some 140 stores in 27 states, but attempts to save the brand failed.

"It has become apparent that the debtors will not reorganize under a plan but instead will pursue a sale," a lawyer for the brand said at a hearing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, Del., the Wall Street Journal reported.

Sports Authority will auction off the bulk of its operations and assets on May 16, and it's uncertain whether any of the stores will continue to operate after the sale.