Sports Protective Equipment Market - Forecast(2025 - 2031)

Sports Protective Equipment Market Overview

The Sports Protective Equipment market size is forecast to reach US$11.1 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.4% during 2024-2030. The Sports Protective Equipment market encompasses various types of equipment designed to safeguard athletes from injuries during sports and fitness activities. This market is driven by the rising awareness of the importance of safety in sports, increasing participation rates in recreational sports, and the growth of professional leagues globally. The rise in head injuries and concussion awareness particularly in contact sports leads to an increased demand for helmets and advanced protective gear.

A major trend is the incorporation of advanced materials and technology in protective equipment. Smart sports gear, embedded with sensors for monitoring impact and player performance, is increasingly in demand. In August 2023, Nike launched a new series of smart helmets for American football, featuring real-time impact sensors aimed at mitigating concussion risks. Additionally, the industry has seen a growing focus on sustainability, with companies developing eco-friendly sports equipment made from recycled and biodegradable materials.

Market Snapshot: 

Sports Protective Equipment Market - Report Coverage:

The “Sports Protective Equipment Market Report - Forecast (2024-2030)” by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments in the Sports Protective Equipment Market.

COVID-19 / Ukraine Crisis - Impact Analysis:  

The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily reduced demand for sports protective equipment due to restrictions on sports events and gatherings. Additionally, non-essential manufacturing was halted due to the lockdowns and the shortage of raw materials also affected the market.
The Russia-Ukraine war impacted the supply chain especially for raw materials essential in manufacturing high-performance sports gear. Increased costs and delays in procurement posed challenges to market growth affecting pricing and availability of products in certain regions.

Key Takeaways

Head Protection Dominates the Market

Helmets and other head protection gear are the largest segment in the sports protective equipment market, especially due to the increased awareness and prevention of concussion-related injuries. In the United States alone, it is estimated that approximately 3.8 million concussions occur each year from sports and recreational activities, according to the Brain Injury Research Institute. Contact sports like American football, rugby, and ice hockey see some of the highest incidences of head injuries, which has led to stringent safety guidelines and an increased demand for advanced helmets. Innovations in helmet technology have focused on reducing impact and preventing traumatic brain injuries. In April 2024, Riddell introduced a new premium tier of the Riddell Axiom helmet, the Axiom3D. The helmet utilizes additive manufacturing to tune the helmet liner for improved impact response. Such advancements not only boost safety but also enhance consumer confidence propelling the demand for head protection equipment.

Team Sports are the Largest Segment

Team sports are the largest segment in the sports protective equipment market driven by the growing popularity of organized sports leagues and increased investments in player safety. With sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, UEFA and FIFA generating billions in revenue, there’s a strong emphasis on athlete protection and performance enhancement. According to a study conducted by Nielsen Sports, the economic impact of UEFA EURO 2024 for Germany and the ten host cities amounted to more than $7 billion. Many team sports such as football, hockey, rugby and more, involve high-intensity physical contact between players. This increases the risk of injuries making protective gear essential. Professional athletes often require top-of-the-line equipment that meets rigorous safety standards pushing the demand for high-quality, durable and technologically advanced products. 

North America Leads the Market

North America dominates the sports protective equipment market particularly due to high participation rates in sports, the presence of strong sports culture and extensive awareness of safety measures. The United States has one of the highest rates of organized sports participation with over 25 million children and teenagers involved in competitive sports, according to the Aspen Institute. Sports like American football, baseball, hockey and basketball are deeply embedded in the region’s culture driving continuous demand for protective gear. The presence of leading manufacturers in North America, such as Riddell, Nike Inc., Under Armour, and more contribute to the region’s dominance by supplying innovative high-quality protective gear. The market size for sports protective equipment in North America is expected to maintain steady growth as awareness of safety continues to drive demand. Furthermore, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulations require stringent compliance for safety gear which reinforces consumer trust in quality products and fosters market growth.

Increased Focus on Health and Wellness Drives the Market

The rising focus on health and wellness is encouraging more people to participate in sports, boosting demand for protective sports equipment. With increasing awareness of fitness benefits ever since the pandemic, individuals are engaging in activities such as running, cycling, football and other recreational or competitive sports. For instance, as reported in 2023, Seventh-day Adventist cycling clubs in Colombia grew to nearly 500 members thanks to a country-wide initiative to promote a healthy lifestyle called- I Want to Live Healthy. Governments, health organizations and fitness influencers are actively promoting physical activities to combat obesity, cardiovascular diseases and sedentary lifestyles. This trend led to a greater need for high-quality protective equipment to ensure safety during physical activities. As people embrace sports as a vital component of their daily wellness routines, manufacturers are experiencing a surge in demand for helmets, pads, mouthguards and other safety gear, driving growth in the protective equipment market.

Substandard Protective Gear to Hamper the Growth

The presence of substandard sports protective equipment poses a challenge to market growth. Low-quality gear manufactured using inferior materials fails to provide adequate protection, increasing the risk of injuries. These products, primarily sold at lower prices, attract budget-conscious consumers but compromise safety and durability. Additionally, counterfeit equipment that does not meet safety standards creates mistrust among buyers discouraging investment in protective gear. Regulatory bodies and sports authorities are actively working to curb the circulation of such substandard products, but their prevalence remains a concern. For instance, in April 2024, the CPSC issued a recall for Gasaciods children’s helmets due to risk of head injury. The helmets do not comply with the positional stability, dynamic strength of retention system, impact attenuation and certification requirements in violation of the CPSC federal safety regulation for bicycle helmets.
 
Key Market Players

Global Sports Protective Equipment top 10 companies include:

1.    Adidas AG
2.    Under Armour Inc.
3.    Nike Inc.
4.    Asics Corporation
5.    Puma SE
6.    Amer Sports, Inc.
7.    Mizuno Corporation
8.    Xenith LLC
9.    Riddell
10.    Decathlon S.A.

Scope of the Report:

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