The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) reported that participation in sports and activities continued to grow in 2023 based on findings compiled in its 2024 NSGA Sports Participation Report focused on the U.S. population.
The sporting goods industry’s longest-standing and comprehensive participation study found that 35 of the 56 sports/activities (62.5 percent) tracked by the association grew in 2023 versus 2022.
“Overall it is great to see participation levels up across the majority of sports and recreational activities we track,” said NSGA Director of Insights & Analysis Nick Rigitano. “It tells us the opportunities are there for retailers, team dealers and manufacturers in the sporting goods industry to grow their business.”
Key Report Take-Aways
Pickleball growth is not slowing down, with the highest percentage increase year-over-year for the fourth consecutive year. Pickleball was up 54 percent in 2023 vs 2022.
The gains by pickleball were part of the individual segment, with increases for 5 out of 7 sports/activities the NSGA tracked. Tennis and golf also gained in participation.
The team sports segment increased for 7 of the 11 sports tracked, led by increases in soccer (+12 percent), cheerleading (+15 percent) and flag football (+10 percent). The segment was up 2.2 percent in NSGA’s Total Participation Points (TPP) measurement system.
All three snow sports (alpine and cross country skiing and snowboarding) increased compared to the previous year, combining for a 12 percent increase in TPP for the segment.
The personal contact segment (boxing, wrestling, martial arts/MMA/Tae Kwon Do) increased in TPP, up 14 percent vs. the prior year.
A slight decline in bike riding offset increases among the other wheel sports, leading to a slight decrease (-1.2 percent) in TPP for the segment.
The open water segment experienced 1.6 percent in TPP following increases in 4 out of 6 activities, led by strong gains in scuba diving, surfing and water skiing.
Most shooting sports segment activities showed gains, netting a 4.8 percent increase in TPP.
Indoor, outdoor and fitness segments had mixed results, leading to slight decreases for all three in TPP.
For an explanation of the NSGA’s Total Participation Points (TPPs) calculation system, go here. To view the full report, go here.
The 2024 NSGA Sports Participation Report tracks 56 sports and recreational activities (includes snapshots for each), with a ten-year participation trend (where available) and demographic details regarding age, income and U.S. region. The Assocation’s participation research also includes cross-participation, lifecycle demographics, and single-sport reports. The Total Participation Points (TPP) take into account the reach and depth of participation within a segment
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