Global Sports and Leisure Equipment Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In October 2023, Under Armour partnered with retailers to expand its reach in emerging markets, boosting its position in the sports equipment sector​

• In August 2023, Decathlon launched an online platform offering sports and leisure equipment with a focus on affordable, high-quality products for global consumers.

The global sports and leisure equipment market is segmented by type, distribution channel, and end user, catering to a diverse range of recreational and professional sporting needs.By type, the market includes ball sports equipment, fitness sports equipment, adventure sports equipment, golf equipment, and others. Ball sports equipment, covering football, basketball, baseball, and other team sports, holds a significant share due to the widespread popularity of these sports globally. Fitness sports equipment, including treadmills, weightlifting gear, resistance bands, and yoga accessories, is growing rapidly as more people adopt fitness-conscious lifestyles. Adventure sports equipment, such as climbing gear, camping equipment, and water sports accessories, is seeing increased demand with the rising popularity of outdoor recreational activities. Golf equipment, including clubs, balls, bags, and apparel, remains a steady segment, particularly in regions where golf is a well-established sport. The "others" category includes equipment for niche sports and emerging recreational activities, contributing to the market’s overall diversity.

By distribution channel, the market is segmented into supermarkets/hypermarkets, specialty stores, online retail stores, and others. Supermarkets and hypermarkets provide convenience and accessibility for consumers looking to purchase basic sports and fitness equipment. Specialty stores dominate the market by offering expert guidance, customization, and a premium selection of professional-grade sports gear. Online retail stores are witnessing significant growth, driven by digital transformation, competitive pricing, and doorstep delivery. E-commerce platforms and direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands are enhancing the online shopping experience with virtual fittings, detailed product descriptions, and customer reviews. The "others" category includes direct sales by manufacturers, club memberships, and sports organizations procuring equipment through exclusive channels.

By end user, the market is categorized into consumers, schools & universities, and health & fitness clubs. Consumers account for the largest market share, with increasing participation in fitness activities, home workouts, and recreational sports driving sales. Schools & universities form a vital segment, as educational institutions invest in sports infrastructure, training equipment, and athletic programs. Health & fitness clubs contribute significantly to the market by continuously upgrading fitness and training gear, including high-tech workout machines, free weights, and rehabilitation equipment, to meet the growing demand for professional-grade facilities.

Global Sports and Leisure Equipment Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Sports and Leisure Equipment Market has been segmented by Type, Distribution Channel, End-User, and Geography.

Global Sports and Leisure Equipment Market, Segmentation by Type

The Global Sports and Leisure Equipment Market has been segmented by Type into Ball Sports Equipment, Fitness Sports Equipment, Adventure Sports Equipment, Golf Equipment and Others.

One prominent segment within this market is ball sports equipment, encompassing items such as basketballs, footballs, and tennis rackets. With the popularity of these sports remaining high across regions, demand for associated equipment continues to thrive.

Another significant category is fitness sports equipment, which includes gym machines, weights, and accessories tailored for personal fitness and exercise regimes. As health and wellness trends gain traction globally, the demand for fitness equipment is witnessing a steady rise, driven by individuals seeking to maintain active lifestyles.

Adventure sports equipment represents yet another compelling segment within the market, comprising gear and apparatus for activities like hiking, camping, and water sports. As more people embrace outdoor pursuits for leisure and recreation, the demand for rugged and durable equipment suited to these endeavors continues to grow.

Golf equipment remains a distinct category, catering to enthusiasts of the sport worldwide. Despite its niche appeal, the global golf equipment market enjoys steady demand from both recreational players and professionals, with innovations in club designs and materials driving continued interest.

Beyond these major segments, the market encompasses a range of other equipment catering to various sports and leisure activities. From cycling gear to winter sports equipment, the industry continually evolves to meet the diverse needs and preferences of consumers, underscoring its dynamic and expansive nature.

Global Sports and Leisure Equipment Market, Segmentation by Distribution Channel

The Global Sports and Leisure Equipment Market has been segmented by Distribution Channel into Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Speciality Stores, Online Retail Stores and Others.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets stand as pillars in this market, offering convenience and a wide array of choices under one roof. Shoppers often find these outlets to be their go-to destinations for sports and leisure gear, benefitting from the convenience of one-stop shopping and sometimes even competitive pricing due to bulk purchases.

Specialty stores carve out their niche by offering expert knowledge and a curated selection of products tailored to specific sports or leisure activities. These outlets often provide a more personalized shopping experience, attracting enthusiasts seeking specialized equipment or seeking advice from knowledgeable staff.

Online retail stores have witnessed exponential growth, providing consumers with unparalleled convenience and accessibility. With just a few clicks, customers can browse through an extensive range of products, compare prices, and read reviews, all from the comfort of their homes. This channel has particularly thrived in recent years, offering a seamless shopping experience and often featuring competitive pricing and exclusive deals.

Other distribution channels play a role in the market's dynamics, such as department stores, discount stores, and independent retailers. Each channel caters to a specific segment of consumers, contributing to the overall vibrancy and diversity of the global sports and leisure equipment market.

Global Sports and Leisure Equipment Market, Segmentation by End-User

The Global Sports and Leisure Equipment Market has been segmented by End-User into Consumers, Schools & Universities, and Health & Fitness Clubs.

The consumer segment represents a significant portion of the market, driven by increasing health consciousness, rising disposable incomes, and growing participation in sports and recreational activities. Consumers purchase a wide range of sports and leisure equipment, including fitness gear, outdoor sports equipment, and recreational products such as bicycles, camping gear, and home workout machines. The rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales channels has made sports equipment more accessible, further boosting this segment.

The schools & universities segment plays a crucial role in fostering sports participation among students and young athletes. Educational institutions invest in bulk purchases of sports equipment for training, physical education programs, and competitive sports events. Government initiatives and private funding for school sports infrastructure further drive demand in this segment, ensuring a steady supply of equipment for various sports, including basketball, football, athletics, and swimming.

The health & fitness clubs segment contributes to market growth through the increasing number of gyms, fitness centers, and wellness clubs worldwide. These establishments require a continuous supply of high-quality fitness equipment, including weight training machines, cardio equipment, yoga accessories, and rehabilitation tools. The rise of boutique fitness studios and specialized training programs has also fueled demand for premium, technologically advanced equipment. Additionally, corporate wellness programs and rehabilitation centers are increasingly investing in fitness gear, expanding the market further.

Global Sports and Leisure Equipment Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Sports and Leisure Equipment Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Sports and Leisure Equipment Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

The global sports and leisure equipment market is a dynamic sector that encompasses a wide range of products catering to various recreational activities. With an increasing focus on health and wellness, coupled with rising disposable incomes, the demand for sports and leisure equipment has been steadily growing worldwide.

North America, comprising the United States and Canada primarily, stands as a prominent market for sports and leisure equipment. The region's affinity for sports, coupled with a culture that encourages active lifestyles, drives substantial demand for equipment across various categories such as fitness, outdoor adventure, and team sports.

Europe, with its rich sporting heritage and a penchant for outdoor activities, represents another significant market segment. Countries like Germany, France, and the UK are particularly prominent in this regard, with a robust market for equipment related to football, hiking, skiing, and cycling, among others.

The Asia Pacific region, encompassing countries like China, Japan, and Australia, is witnessing rapid growth in the sports and leisure equipment market. Factors such as urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and a growing awareness of health and fitness are driving the demand for sports equipment in this region. Moreover, the emergence of new sports markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, presents lucrative opportunities for market players.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Sports and Leisure Equipment Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers:

• Growing Health Awareness
• Rising Disposable Income
• Innovations in Materials and Technology
• Rise of E-Commerce

• Global Sporting Events: Global sporting events, such as the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, and various championships, continue to capture the attention of millions worldwide, driving significant economic activity and fostering cultural exchanges. These events serve as platforms for athletes to showcase their skills on an international stage while also attracting spectators, sponsors, and media coverage. The impact of these events extends beyond the sporting arena, influencing tourism, infrastructure development, and the global economy. Host countries often invest in upgrading facilities and infrastructure, leading to long-term benefits such as improved transportation networks and enhanced tourism infrastructure. Moreover, the media coverage and marketing associated with these events provide opportunities for brands to reach a global audience, driving sales of sports-related merchandise and equipment.

  The global sports and leisure equipment market is buoyed by the popularity of various sports and outdoor activities worldwide. This market encompasses a wide range of products, including equipment for team sports, individual activities like running and cycling, as well as leisure items such as camping gear and fitness equipment. Factors such as increasing health awareness, rising disposable incomes, and the growing popularity of fitness trends contribute to the market's growth. Additionally, technological advancements, such as wearable fitness trackers and smart sporting equipment, are further driving market expansion by offering enhanced performance monitoring and user experience. Furthermore, the proliferation of e-commerce platforms has made sports equipment more accessible to consumers worldwide, facilitating easy purchase and delivery of products, thereby boosting market growth and competition among manufacturers and retailers.

Restraints:

• High Cost of Quality Equipment
• Seasonal Demand
• Counterfeit Products
• Regulatory Compliance

• Limited Infrastructure in Developing Regions: In developing regions, the sports and leisure equipment market faces unique challenges due to limited infrastructure and economic constraints. While there's often a growing interest in sports and recreational activities among the populace, the lack of proper facilities and infrastructure hinders the widespread adoption of sports equipment. Accessibility and affordability are major concerns, as many individuals in these regions may not have easy access to stores selling sports equipment, and those that do often find the prices prohibitively high. Additionally, the inadequate maintenance of existing facilities further discourages participation in sports and leisure activities, impacting the demand for related equipment.

  Despite these challenges, the global sports and leisure equipment market continues to expand, driven largely by innovation and technological advancements. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on producing cost-effective and durable equipment tailored to the needs of developing regions. Moreover, initiatives aimed at promoting sports participation and improving infrastructure, backed by governmental and non-governmental organizations, are gradually making headway. Collaborations between international sports brands and local stakeholders are also facilitating the distribution of equipment and the establishment of recreational facilities. As these efforts gain momentum, the sports and leisure equipment market in developing regions holds immense potential for growth and development in the coming years.

Opportunities:

• Emerging Markets
• Rising Popularity of Adventure Sports
• Customization and Personalization
• Focus on Sustainability

• Digital Integration: The global sports and leisure equipment market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by a combination of factors such as increasing disposable incomes, rising health consciousness, and the growing popularity of sports and recreational activities worldwide. Digital integration has played a pivotal role in reshaping this market landscape, with technology being seamlessly integrated into sports and leisure equipment to enhance user experience, provide real-time feedback, and improve performance. From smart wearables that track fitness metrics to connected equipment that enables virtual training sessions, digital integration has revolutionized how consumers engage with sports and leisure activities, creating new opportunities for both manufacturers and retailers to innovate and cater to evolving consumer preferences.

  Digital integration has not only transformed the products themselves but also revolutionized the way they are marketed, sold, and serviced. Online platforms and e-commerce channels have become increasingly important for reaching a broader audience and providing personalized shopping experiences. Additionally, digital technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are being leveraged to create immersive experiences, allowing consumers to virtually try out equipment before making a purchase. As the digital revolution continues to unfold, the sports and leisure equipment market is expected to further evolve, with advancements in areas like artificial intelligence, biometrics, and connectivity driving continued innovation and growth.

Key players in Global Sports and Leisure Equipment Market include:

• Amer Sports
• Nike Inc.
• Adidas AG
• Puma SE
• Groupe Rossignol
• Under Armour
• Acushnet Holdings
• New Balance
• ASICSC Corporation

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis