Baseball Equipment Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Bat, Helmet, Gloves, Equipment Bag), By Distribution Channel (Supermarket/Hypermarket), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Baseball Equipment Market Size & Trends

The global baseball equipment market size was valued at USD 17.18 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.6% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is attributed to the increasing number of participants, both young and old, who are engaging in outdoor sports, significantly boosting demand for baseball gear. In addition, government initiatives promoting baseball as a professional sport further enhance this trend, encouraging wider participation. Furthermore, growing health awareness and the emphasis on fitness among consumers contribute to the market's expansion. Innovations in equipment design and safety features also play a crucial role in attracting new players and retaining existing ones.

Baseball is primarily played in countries such as the U.S., Dominican Republic, Cuba, Mexico, the UK, Canada, South Korea, etc., resulting in positive market expansion for baseball equipment. Another aspect of the market growth because of rising participation and concern about baseball, particularly among youth, is driven by international tournaments, which boosts the demand for various baseball equipment. These equipment are present in many types with different functions, augmented with the technological advancements in baseball equipment, such as the utilization of more developed materials such as bats, helmets, protective gear, shin guards, foot guards, and other accessories, improving performance and safety, further drives the market growth to fulfill the requirement.

Furthermore, as people, especially teenagers from Gen Z, engaged in sports, the demand for high-quality baseball equipment surged in baseball-playing countries. Moreover, schools, colleges, and sports clubs are investing in offering good facilities and equipment, thus strengthening the market for baseball equipment. Finally, all these factors encourage manufacturers to withstand new trends and increasing demands, such as rapid technological enhancements and letting companies prompt concepts to improve comfort, durability, safety, and functionality.

Product Insights

Bat dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 29.4% in 2023. The rising broad adoption of composite and wooden baseball by institutions, individuals, schools, colleges, and significant baseball leagues uplifts the demand for bats. In addition, utilizing different materials like composite, wood, hybrid, and aluminum for baseball bats to achieve improved performance by players is estimated to grow in the bat segment. Apart from this, professional batting players require an edge over rivals & to get better performance, with replacement or upgrading of the equipment in response to newer technologies that improve performance and safety boost the demand for bats.

Accessories are expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% over the forecast period. The growth is driven by the increasing importance of baseball among individuals across many nations, and rising interest in sporting entertainment and exercises has propelled the sales of baseball accessories, which are predicted to grow during the forecast period. Therefore, the technological advancements in baseball equipment by crucial companies for improving performance and safety, materials of various accessories such as bats, helmets, protective gear, shin guards, foot guards, and other significant accessories further boost the market for baseball accessories.

Distribution Channel Insights

Supermarket/hypermarket led the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 44.0% in 2023. The sales of baseball equipment through supermarkets or hypermarkets are high because of the widespread accessibility to various products and equipment supplies, allowing buyers to purchase only after physical verification of costly equipment and particular items to try and then make a purchase decision. Furthermore, the widespread availability of physical stores of branded and multi-national companies in the market resulted in more preference by baseball players and individuals for purchasing in supermarkets. 

The online channel for distribution is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% over the forecast years. The growth is attributed to the adoption of the online channel as a purchase, which includes ease of accessibility, home delivery, easy payment, cash-back, a wide range of baseball equipment products, and discounts and offers. Furthermore, the emergence of e-commerce and online retailing further inclined the baseball equipment market by making it accessible to a large audience despite their locations. In addition, it also offers specialized & newly launched, high-end baseball equipment that may not be available in offline stores.

Regional Insights

The North America baseball equipment marketdominated the global market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 37.1% in 2023, attributed to an increasing number of participants in outdoor sports, particularly among youth. Government initiatives promoting baseball as a professional sport, such as athlete development programs, further stimulate market growth. Furthermore, rising health awareness encourages more individuals to engage in physical activities, while technological advancements in equipment design enhance performance and safety, attracting new and seasoned players to the sport.

U.S. Baseball Equipment Market Trends

The baseball equipment market in the U.S. dominated the North American market and accounted for the largest revenue share in 2023. Baseball is a popular and hugely sought-after game played in the region; hence, associations are focused on inducing newer innovations to solve the issues the baseball leagues face. Therefore, the establishment of baseball leagues increased baseball grounds, further propelling the population's participation in baseball. Moreover, the companies design functional and enhanced products to fulfill the requirements.

Europe Baseball Equipment Market Trends

The Europe baseball equipment market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% over the forecast years. This growth is driven by an increasing interest in baseball, particularly among youth, and has led to a rise in participation rates across countries such as Germany, the UK, and France. In addition, government initiatives promoting baseball as a professional sport further enhance this trend, encouraging more individuals to engage in the game. Furthermore, heightened health awareness among consumers has spurred interest in outdoor activities, while innovations in equipment design improve safety and performance, attracting new players to the sport.

The baseball equipment market in the UK is expected to grow substantially over the forecast years. This growth is attributed to government initiatives that promote baseball as a professional sport, further enhancing this trend and encouraging more individuals to engage in the game. Furthermore, heightened health awareness among consumers has spurred interest in outdoor activities, while innovations in equipment design improve safety and performance, attracting new players to the sport.

Asia Pacific Baseball Equipment Market Trends

The Asia Pacific baseball equipment market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period owing to the popularity of baseball in countries like Japan and South Korea, which is supported by players or professional leagues. In addition, the rising acceptance of Western sports has led to increased participation in baseball, particularly among youth. Urbanization also drives demand, as more facilities and leagues are established in urban areas. Government support for sports initiatives and tournaments further enhances participation rates. Furthermore, growing health consciousness among consumers encourages outdoor activities, while technological advancements in equipment design improve performance and safety, attracting new players to the sport.

The baseball equipment market in China is expected to grow significantly over the forecast years. This growth is attributed to the increasing popularity of baseball, particularly among youth, which has led to a surge in participation rates. Furthermore, urbanization creates more facilities and leagues, making the sport more accessible. Rising health consciousness among the population further encourages outdoor activities, boosting demand for baseball equipment nationwide.

Key Baseball Equipment Company Insights

Some of the key companies in the baseball equipment market include Nike, Inc., Adidas India Marketing Pvt. Ltd, Newell Brands, Amer Sports, and Mizuno Corporation. These companies are focusing on continuous development and innovation to gain a competitive edge in the industry.

• Nike, Inc. offers a broad range of products in various categories, such as consumer fashion wear, sports apparel, shoes, tracksuits, etc. Their baseball equipment and products are catered to players of every level. Their offerings are bat packs for convenient gear storage, comfortable socks, durable batting gloves, stylish belts, and protective gear such as chest protectors and leg guards. Nike also provides sunglasses, hydration solutions, high-quality baseball gloves, and a variety of hats.  

• Phoenix Bats manufactures and markets top-tier hardwood baseball bats. These bats are tailored for players of all levels, from Little League to professional baseball individuals. Their product lineup includes high-quality ash, maple, and birch wood bats. In addition to bats, they also offer accessories like bat grips and pine tar rags.

Recent Developments

• In April 2023,

  Major League Baseball (MLB) announced Nike, Inc. as the sponsor of the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Program, aimed at providing baseball and softball opportunities for youth in underserved communities. This partnership, known as Nike RBI, was expected to enhance existing RBI events, including the Nike RBI Regionals and World Series.

Baseball Equipment Market Report Scope

Global Baseball Equipment Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global baseball equipment market report based on product, distribution channel, and region.

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Bat

  • Helmet

  • Gloves

  • Equipment bag

  • Accessories

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Supermarket/ Hypermarket

  • Convenience Stores

  • Online

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)

    • South Africa