Licensed Sports Merchandise

Global Licensed Sports Merchandise Market to Reach US$31.9 Billion by 2030

The global market for Licensed Sports Merchandise estimated at US$25.3 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$31.9 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.0% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Apparel & Footwear, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 4.6% CAGR and reach US$11.9 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Toys & Games segment is estimated at 3.6% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$6.0 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 4.9% CAGR

The Licensed Sports Merchandise market in the U.S. is estimated at US$6.0 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$5.0 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 4.9% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% and 3.5% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 3.4% CAGR.

Global Licensed Sports Merchandise Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

What Defines Licensed Sports Merchandise and Its Impact on Fan Engagement?

Licensed sports merchandise encompasses apparel, accessories, and other items officially authorized by sports teams and leagues to produce and sell products bearing their logos and other proprietary marks. This market capitalizes on the passion and loyalty of fans towards their favorite teams and sports, transforming emotional attachment into a significant revenue stream. Merchandise ranges from traditional offerings like jerseys and caps to non-apparel items such as flags and keychains, playing a crucial role in brand building and fan engagement globally. As sports viewership increases worldwide, so does the demand for licensed merchandise, reflecting the expanding fan base and their willingness to spend.

How Are Evolving Global Dynamics Reshaping the Licensed Sports Merchandise Landscape?

Global dynamics, including the growing popularity of international sports leagues and pivotal events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games, majorly drive the licensed sports merchandise sector. These events stimulate a surge in demand for themed merchandise. The advent of online retailing has revolutionized access to sports merchandise, providing global fans with a plethora of product options beyond geographic constraints. Additionally, social media has emerged as a vital marketing tool, enabling direct fan engagement and facilitating exclusive merchandise promotions directly by teams and athletes, thereby bolstering direct-to-consumer sales.

In What Ways Is Technology Influencing the Sports Merchandise Market?

Technological innovation plays a critical role in the evolution of the licensed sports merchandise industry, impacting everything from manufacturing to consumer sales. Production advancements have enhanced the quality and sustainability of products, while retail innovations like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) offer fans immersive buying experiences. Moreover, the integration of blockchain technology offers a promising solution to the pervasive issue of counterfeit merchandise, safeguarding product authenticity, consumer trust, and brand revenue. These technological developments are pivotal in shaping a modern, efficient, and secure marketplace for sports merchandise.

What Are the Primary Drivers of Growth in the Licensed Sports Merchandise Market?

Growth in the licensed sports merchandise market is driven by several factors, notably the global expansion of sports leagues, technological enhancements in product and sales processes, and evolving consumer purchasing behaviors. As leagues like the NBA and Premier League extend their reach internationally, the demand for localized merchandise tailored to diverse markets escalates. Technological advancements have streamlined operations across the supply chain, ensuring quicker and more effective distribution of merchandise. Consumer trends have also shifted towards a preference for authentic, exclusive products purchased directly from official sources. Furthermore, the rising popularity of esports and digital platforms introduces new merchandising opportunities, amplifying market growth.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Licensed Sports Merchandise market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Product (Apparel & Footwear, Toys & Games, Accessories & Gifts, Other Products); Price Range (Economic, Premium); Distribution Channel (Store Based, Non-Store Based)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; USA; Canada; Japan; China; Europe; France; Germany; Italy; UK; Spain; Russia; Rest of Europe; Asia-Pacific; Australia; India; South Korea; Rest of Asia-Pacific; Latin America; Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; Rest of Latin America; Middle East; Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; UAE; Rest of Middle East; Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 62 Featured) -

• Adidas AG
• Guess, Inc.
• Ebay, Inc.
• G-III Apparel Group Ltd.
• Hanesbrands, Inc.
• Columbia Sportswear Company
• Everlast Worldwide, Inc.
• ASICS Corporation
• Dick`s Sporting Goods, Inc.
• Bass Pro Shops
• Fgl Sports - Sport Chek
• ANTA Sports Products Ltd.
• Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation
• Fanatics, Inc.
• Hibbett Sporting Goods, Inc.

TARIFF IMPACT FACTOR

Our new release incorporates impact of tariffs on geographical markets as we predict a shift in competitiveness of companies based on HQ country, manufacturing base, exports and imports (finished goods and OEM). This intricate and multifaceted market reality will impact competitors by artificially increasing the COGS, reducing profitability, reconfiguring supply chains, amongst other micro and macro market dynamics.

We are diligently following expert opinions of leading Chief Economists (14,949), Think Tanks (62), Trade & Industry bodies (171) worldwide, as they assess impact and address new market realities for their ecosystems. Experts and economists from every major country are tracked for their opinions on tariffs and how they will impact their countries.

We expect this chaos to play out over the next 2-3 months and a new world order is established with more clarity. We are tracking these developments on a real time basis.

As we release this report, U.S. Trade Representatives are pushing their counterparts in 183 countries for an early closure to bilateral tariff negotiations. Most of the major trading partners also have initiated trade agreements with other key trading nations, outside of those in the works with the United States. We are tracking such secondary fallouts as supply chains shift.

To our valued clients, we say, we have your back. We will present a simplified market reassessment by incorporating these changes!

APRIL 2025: NEGOTIATION PHASE

Our April release addresses the impact of tariffs on the overall global market and presents market adjustments by geography. Our trajectories are based on historic data and evolving market impacting factors.

JULY 2025 FINAL TARIFF RESET

Complimentary Update: Our clients will also receive a complimentary update in July after a final reset is announced between nations. The final updated version incorporates clearly defined Tariff Impact Analyses.

Reciprocal and Bilateral Trade & Tariff Impact Analyses:

USA
CHINA
MEXICO
CANADA
EU
JAPAN
INDIA
176 OTHER COUNTRIES.

Leading Economists - Our knowledge base tracks 14,949 economists including a select group of most influential Chief Economists of nations, think tanks, trade and industry bodies, big enterprises, and domain experts who are sharing views on the fallout of this unprecedented paradigm shift in the global econometric landscape. Most of our 16,491+ reports have incorporated this two-stage release schedule based on milestones.

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