WASHINGTON — Sports Authority filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Wednesday and plans to close or sell about a third of its stores — including several in Maryland and Virginia.

According to a marketing document obtained by The Wall Street Journal, seven local stores are on the chopping block.

Below is a map of stores in Maryland and Virginia. Locations marked with a red star may close, and locations with a green marker are expected to remain open.

Sports Authority, which is privately held and based in Englewood, Colorado, said it intends to close or sell about 140 stores and two distribution centers, in Denver and Chicago.

The actual stores that will be closed will be determined during the Chapter 11 process, a company spokeswoman tells WTOP.

The company has 463 stores in 41 states and Puerto Rico. The store closings are expected to take up to three months.

Sports Authority stores will remain open and run on normal schedules during the Chapter 11 process. The company’s website will continue to function, and the chain plans to honor warranties on items purchased at its stores or online.

In a letter to customers posted on the company’s website, CEO Michael Foss said Sports Authority’s long-term plan includes upgrading stores and improving its website.

Below is a list of the seven local stores that are set to close or be sold:

• 10300 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, Md.
• 3326 Crain Highway, Waldorf, Md.
• 1461 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, Va.
• 2106 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, Va.
• 5900 E. Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Va.
• 21070 Southbank Street, Sterling, Va.
• 2720 N. Mall Drive. Virginia Beach, Va.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.