Licensed Sports Merchandise Industry Data Book - Licensed Sports Apparel, Licensed Sports Footwear and Licensed Sports Toys & Games Market Size, Share, Trends Analysis, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Database Overview

Grand View Research’s licensed sports merchandise industry data book is a collection of market sizing information & forecasts, trade data, pricing intelligence, competitive benchmarking analyses, macro-environmental analyses, and regulatory & technological framework studies. Within the purview of the database, such information is systematically analyzed and provided in the form of outlook reports (1 detailed sectoral outlook report) and summary presentations on individual areas of research. 

Licensed Sports Merchandise Industry Data Book Scope

Licensed Sports Merchandise Industry Data Book Coverage Snapshot 

Licensed Sports Merchandise Sector Outlook

Sports have gained immense popularity globally, with major leagues and tournaments attracting a large viewership. As sports gain more fans and followers, the demand for licensed merchandise associated with these sports increases. The popularity of sports such as football (soccer), American football, basketball, cricket, and others contributes to the growth of the licensed sports merchandise industry. According to an article published by worldatlas.com in October 2022, there are 3.5 billion soccer fans, 2.5 billion cricket fans, 2 billion hockey fans, 1 billion tennis fans, 900 million volleyball fans, 850 million table tennis fans, 800 million basketball fans, and 500 million baseball fans across the globe.

Sports fans are highly passionate and emotionally connected to their favorite teams and players. Licensed sports merchandise allows fans to express their support and loyalty by wearing apparel, using accessories, or displaying collectibles related to their favorite teams. The emotional connection between fans and their teams drives the demand for licensed merchandise. In addition, star athletes have a significant impact on the licensed sports merchandise sector. Fans idolize and admire their favorite athletes, often emulating their style and buying products endorsed by them. Successful athletes who have a large fan base can boost the sales of licensed merchandise bearing their names, logos, or signatures.

Collaborations between sports teams or leagues and renowned brands play a crucial role in driving the licensed sports merchandise industry’s growth. These partnerships create exclusive product lines, limited-edition items, and co-branded merchandise that attract fans seeking unique and authentic products. Brand partnerships provide exposure and marketing opportunities, expanding the reach and appeal of licensed sports merchandise. Moreover, the rise of e-commerce has significantly contributed to the growth of the market. Online platforms provide convenient access to a wide range of licensed products, allowing fans worldwide to purchase merchandise irrespective of their geographical location. The ability to reach global markets has expanded the customer base for licensed sports merchandise. 

Licensed Sports Apparel Market Analysis And Forecast

The continuous innovation and introduction of new designs, materials, and technologies in sports apparel by manufacturers is a key factor driving the market growth. Advanced fabrics that offer comfort, performance-enhancing features, and stylish designs contribute to the popularity of licensed sports apparel. Incorporating cutting-edge technologies like moisture-wicking, temperature regulation, and compression attracts consumers, further driving the market growth. In addition, licensed sports apparel has become increasingly integrated into fashion and lifestyle trends. Sports jerseys, caps, sneakers, and athleisure wear have become popular streetwear and casual wear options. This broader acceptance and incorporation of licensed sports apparel into everyday fashion contribute to its growth and appeal among sports enthusiasts.

The rise of social media platforms has transformed the way fans engage with sports and apparel-related content. Athletes, influencers, and celebrities with large social media followings promote licensed sports apparel through sponsored posts and endorsements. These digital marketing strategies enhance visibility and create a desire among fans to own and wear the endorsed apparel. Additionally, licensed sports apparel often includes exclusive merchandise and limited-edition items. These products may feature special designs, commemorative elements, or unique collaborations, making them highly sought after by collectors and avid fans. Limited availability and the desire to own rare and distinctive apparel contribute to the market's growth.

Licensed Sports Footwear Market Analysis And Forecast

Licensed sports footwear is designed to enhance athletic performance. Footwear brands invest in research and development to incorporate advanced technologies, cushioning, stability, and traction features that improve comfort and performance, attracting athletes, sports enthusiasts, as well as sports fans increasing their adoption among them thus driving the market growth. In addition, nostalgia-driven designs and retro collections have a strong influence on the licensed sports footwear market. Footwear brands often release special editions and reissues of classic models and colorways associated with iconic sports moments or teams from the past. The nostalgia factor attracts fans who seek to relive sports history, contributing to the demand for licensed sports footwear.

Licensed sports footwear benefits from the reputation and quality assurance associated with established footwear brands. Consumers trust renowned brands for their expertise in designing and producing high-quality footwear thus driving the market growth. Moreover, sneaker culture, driven by collectors and enthusiasts, has extended to the licensed sports footwear market. Limited-edition releases, collaborations, and unique designs generate excitement among sneaker collectors and resellers. The collectability factor, driven by exclusivity and rarity, fuels demand and drives up the value of licensed sports footwear in the secondary market.

Licensed Sports Toys and Games Market Analysis And Forecast

Licensed sports toys and games encourage role-playing and imaginative play. Children usually pretend to be their favorite athletes, coaches, or sports commentators, fostering creativity and enhancing their understanding of the sport. In addition, licensed sports toys and games often feature collectible elements such as trading cards, figurines, and memorabilia. The collectability factor appeals to fans and collectors who seek to own items associated with their favorite teams, players, and moments in sports history. The desire to build collections and own unique memorabilia drives the demand for licensed sports toys and games.

Licensed sports toys and games encourage social interaction and team play. Whether it's a board game, a mini basketball hoop, or a foosball table, these products bring people together, fostering camaraderie, competition, and shared experiences centered around sports. Moreover, these products are also popular gift choices, particularly during festive seasons and birthdays. Parents, family members, and friends often purchase these products as presents for young sports fans, fueling demand in the market.

Competitive Insights

The manufacturers in the licensed sports merchandise industry aim to achieve optimum business growth and a strong market position through the implementation of various strategies such as acquisitions, new product launches, collaborations, and strengthening of distribution networks in the global as well as regional markets. Licensed sports merchandise manufacturers aim to strengthen their market positions by expanding their customer base through diversification of their product portfolios, incorporating a wide range of licensed sports merchandise. Thus, players are aiming to achieve business growth in the regional market through product launches, mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic initiatives.

• In September 2022, Nike, Inc. entered into a six-year partnership with the South Africa Rugby Union (SARU). The agreement encompasses the upcoming men's Rugby World Cups in 2023 and 2027, and Nike will unveil its inaugural collection of Springboks jerseys in July 2023.

• In June 2022, Puma SE introduced its inaugural dedicated mobile application in India, capitalizing on the growing demand for branded footwear and fitness wear in the country. Recognizing the expanding market and immense potential, Puma strategically chose India as the first country to launch its app, ensuring Indian consumers can access their products and services seamlessly.