Sports Authority could be closing stores in Kane County after filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

But as of 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 3, 2016, the operative words in that sentence are “could be.”

Sports Authority in Geneva. CREDIT: Google Maps

According to multiple media sources, Sports Authority announced this week that it would close most if not all of its 450 stores. Sports Authority has two stores in Kane County, one in Aurora at 301 S. Illinois Route 59 and one in Geneva at 1777 S. Randall Road, according to its website.

Some reports say that Sports Authority is hoping to sell some or all of its stores, others say the company is still “mulling” the idea. A Monday report by ABC says all 450 stores will be closed. A Chicagonow.com story by MBA Mom reported that one store in this area had a “now hiring” sign in the window and employees said the media reports are all wrong.

The company filed bankruptcy in March, citing pressures from other big-box competitors and consumers’ increasing engagement in shopping online.

Sports Authority is “pursuing a sale of some or all of the business,” the company said in a statement.

As of Tuesday, May 3, 2016, the company had no made announcement on its website or Facebook page.

The company had 14,500 full- and part-time employees at the time of its bankruptcy filing.