The State of the Sports Industry in 2023: Pickleball Surges, Basketball Reigns, and Industry Concerns
The sports industry in the United States has seen a significant surge in participation, with a record 242 million people taking part in sports or fitness activities in 2023. This growth has been fueled by the continued popularity of basketball and the rapid rise of pickleball, which has become the largest growing sport in the country since 2016.
According to the 15th annual State of the Industry Report from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association and Sports Marketing Surveys USA, basketball remains the most popular team sport with 29.7 million participants, while baseball follows closely behind with 16.7 million players. However, it is pickleball that has seen the most significant growth, with 13.6 million people playing the sport in 2023, marking a 223.5% increase over the past three years.
The report also highlights the increase in participation among younger female athletes in sports such as fast-pitch softball, indoor volleyball, swimming on a team, and gymnastics. This trend is expected to continue, especially with the influence of athletes like Caitlin Clark inspiring more girls to get involved in sports.
SFIA President and CEO Tom Cove emphasized the importance of converting casual participants into core participants, as they tend to spend more on sports-related gear and activities. The industry is also facing challenges in bridging the gap in youth participation caused by the pandemic, with efforts being made to create welcoming and safe environments for new athletes.
Despite the overall growth in sports participation, Cove also highlighted concerns such as increasing market share, potential economic recession, and inflation. He stressed the need for sports organizations to invest in new venues, technologies, and culture to meet the expectations of families and ensure continued growth in the industry.
Overall, the sports industry in the U.S. is thriving, with a diverse range of sports seeing increased participation and interest. As the landscape continues to evolve, it will be crucial for organizations to adapt and innovate to sustain this positive momentum in the years to come.
