NPD's Report Shows Strong Recovery in Global Sports Market

The NPD Group has published its Global Sports Estimate 2011, showcasing market research on the global sports market. The data suggests that the sports market has returned to growth in 2010, with sales of sports equipment, active apparel, athletic footwear and bicycles valued at $315 billion USD for 2010. This is a four percent increase from 2009. This is a positive sign of recovery after a 2 percent decrease in 2009.

“Sales of running, hiking/walking, and football/soccer products are the primary drivers behind this growth,” said Renaud Vaschalde, global sports industry analyst, The NPD Group. “Overall growth in the sales of footwear and bicycles out-performed apparel and equipment and as expected the 2010 World Cup helped the sport brands associated with it post growth.”

The USA ranks number one in dollar sales for 2010 as one of seven countries in which the sports market size exceeds $10 billion USD. Other top players (in dollar sales order) include Japan, Germany, China, France, UK and Italy.