EXHIBIT 5.1

                          [COOLEY GODWARD LETTERHEAD]



January 19, 2001

Global Sports, Inc.
1075 First Avenue
King of Prussia, PA 19406

Ladies and Gentlemen:

You have requested our opinion with respect to certain matters in connection
with the filing by Global Sports, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
of a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement") with the
Securities and Exchange Commission covering the offering of up to 157,747 shares
(the "Shares") of the Company's common stock, $0.01 par value, that may become
issuable by the Company as a result of its assumption of options issued under
the Fogdog, Inc. 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan").

In connection with this opinion, we have examined the Registration Statement,
the Plan, the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, as amended, and
such other documents, records, certificates, memoranda and other instruments as
we deem necessary as a basis for this opinion. We have assumed the genuineness
and authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity
to originals of all documents submitted to us as copies thereof, and the due
execution and delivery of all documents where due execution and delivery are a
prerequisite to the effectiveness thereof.

On the basis of the foregoing, and in reliance thereon, we are of the opinion
that the Shares, when sold and issued in accordance with the Plan and the
Registration Statement, will be validly issued, fully paid, and nonassessable
(except as to any shares that may be issued pursuant to deferred payment
arrangements, which will be fully paid and nonassessable when such deferred
payments are made in full).

We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement.

Very truly yours,

COOLEY GODWARD LLP

By:  /s/ David A. Lipkin
     ----------------------
         David A. Lipkin, Esq.

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