Sports Protective Equipment Market

Global Sports Protective Equipment Market Size (2024 to 2029)

The global sports protective equipment market is expected to be worth USD 9.45 billion by 2029 from USD 7.8 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 3.9% from 2024 to 2029.

Participation of youth in outdoor sports has been growing over the past decades. Outdoor sports involve the risk of injuries associated with physical activities. If correct measures are not taken, the injuries may be either fatal or permanent disability. It is compulsory to use sports protective equipment to protect against sudden external impacts and prevent fatal injuries. The sports protective equipment market registered moderate growth in the last few years and is expected to grow at a steady CAGR in the future. There has been a considerable rise in the prominence of ball sports worldwide because of the health and wellness trends, the growing impact of social media, celebrity endorsements, and the number of sporting events internationally that encourage consumers to enter sports activities.

Global Sports Protective Equipment Market Drivers:

The rising awareness of safety while playing sports is one of the key factors propelling the sports protective equipment market. People’s understanding regarding the safety measures that are required to be taken while playing sports has improved significantly in recent times and the same has resulted in the adoption of sports protective equipment. An estimated 87% of parents in the U.S. believe that safety is the most important factor to consider when choosing sports equipment. The growing number of people participating in various sports worldwide is further fuelling the growth rate of the sports protective equipment market. There was a 24% in global sports participation over the last decade and significantly fuelled the demand for protective gear.

The growing incidence of sports injuries and stringent safety regulations are contributing to the growth of the sports protective equipment market. Sports injuries can be seen commonly in numerous sports. Not using proper sports protective equipment stood as one of the notable causes behind the incidence of sports injuries. An estimated 8 million sports-relative injuries are being registered in the U.S. every year, which is fuelling the demand for sports protective equipment. The growing popularity of extreme sports is fuelling the growth rate of the sports protective equipment market. The extreme sports market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% in the coming years owing to the increasing number of people showing interest in extreme sports such as skateboarding and BMX biking.

The rise in demand for sporting goods and the increasing popularity of sports leagues, and recreational activities, drive the market for sports protection equipment around the world. Moreover, the growing concern about safety while playing contact sports and innovations in sports protective equipment are other factors driving the global market. The increase in consumer spending on sports equipment in recent years and the growing prominence of different distribution channels in online stores and multi-specialty stores may further drive the global sports protective equipment market in the future.

Global Sports Protective Equipment Market Restraints:

The availability of low-quality and counterfeit products and the premium pricing of good-quality sports gear are majorly hampering the growth of the sports protective equipment market. Around 40% of consumers show price sensitivity and a limited willingness to invest in high-priced sports protective equipment. Limited awareness among athletes of safety benefits regarding the benefits of specialized sports equipment, challenges in sizing and fit and poor adoption of sports protective equipment in developing countries are further impeding the global market growth.

impact of COVID-19 on the global sports protective equipment market:

The coronavirus pandemic can affect the global economy in three main ways: by directly affecting production and demand, by creating supply chain and market disruption, and by its financial impact on firms. With the ongoing slowdown in world economic growth, the Sports Protective Equipment industry has also been negatively impacted. No sporting events took place, and even the Olympic games were cancelled for the year leading to a decline in the number of people following sports. Moreover, due to government-imposed lockdowns worldwide, there was a sudden drop in the need for sports protective equipment.

REPORT COVERAGE:

This research report on the global sports protective equipment market has been segmented and sub-segmented based on product, distribution channel and region.

Global Sports Protective Equipment Market - By Product:

• Helmets and Head Protection
• Elbow Protection
• Leg Protection
• Others

Based on product, the helmet and headgear segment was the largest segment in the global market in 2023, accounting for 31.2% of the global market share and the domination of the segment is likely to continue throughout the forecast period. The growing number of professional leagues such as the IPL, American Football League, and World Cycling League are major factors driving the demand for helmets and head protection gear and propelling the segmental growth. The rising popularity of American football, cycling, and baseball are contributing to the growing demand for head protection equipment and is fuelling the growth rate of the helmets and head protection segment in the global market. Growing participation in sports in various countries such as India, Africa, and China, is expected to provide growth opportunities for the segment in the future.

The elbow protection segment is another major segment and held 26.7% of the global market share in 2023 and is predicted to register prominent growth during the forecast period.

The leg protection segment is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2024 to 2029. The increasing popularity of soccer worldwide will have a positive impact on segment growth. For example, according to the study, soccer or football is the most popular sport globally. It is predicted that more than half of the world's population consider themselves to be fans of association football.

Global Sports Protective Equipment Market - By Distribution Channel:

• Offline
• Online

Based on the distribution channel, the offline segment led the market and captured the largest share of 89.1% of the global market in 2023 and the lead of the offline segment in the global market is estimated to continue during the forecast period. The growing number of sports equipment outlets in India and China is expected to positively impact the growth of the offline segment in the global market. For instance, Adidas AG, the German sportswear manufacturer, will launch 3,000 new stores in China by 2020, due to rising wealth and health awareness. The primary goal is to grow its retail network globally. Furthermore, an increase in the number of outlets will help companies bridge the gap between consumers and companies, which will positively impact the market's growth.

The online segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period. Online sales channels have observed a significant change in the last few years due to increasing internet penetration in various countries. Furthermore, online retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and DICK'S Sporting Goods, fuel the segment growth.

Global Sports Protective Equipment Market - By Region:

• North America 
• Europe 
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America 
• Middle East and Africa 

Based on the region, the North American market dominated the sports protective equipment market in 2023, holding for 40.0% share of the global market and the domination of the North American region in the global market is expected to continue throughout the forecast period. The growing popularity of American football and ice hockey is fuelling the demand for sports protective equipment in North America and propelling regional market growth. The U.S. held the majority of the share of the North American market in 2023. These sports bring people together, irrespective of their culture, race, and religion, and are considered an integral part of American culture.

The Asia Pacific region is estimated to grow at a 6.7% CAGR during the forecast period. Deep penetration of schools and colleges, coupled with an increase in the number of sporting events like the World Hockey League and the Indian Premier League, is predicted to propel the market for sports protective gear over the forecast period. Increasing awareness among parents related to physical activities' associated benefits, including sports, has positively influenced sports equipment demand, including protective gear. The growing popularity of football in China, India, and other Asian countries is supposed to increase leg protection equipment demand over the forecast period.  

The Middle East and Africa region are predicted to observe significant growth in the coming years. The increasing popularity, coupled with increasing awareness among individuals, is expected to fuel protective gear demand. An increase in the number of celebrities such as Usain Bolt for Nike in endorsements will positively impact the regional market growth.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS:

Companies playing a noteworthy role in the global sports protective equipment market include Adidas, Amer Sports, Nike, BRG Sports, Under Armour, Dunlop Sports Group Americas Inc., PUMA SE, Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc., Daiwa Seiko Co., Ltd and Jaren Corporation.