New SFIA research finds 92.3 million Americans played a team sport in 2025, while the number of current youth coaches fell for a third consecutive year
(September 24, 2026) – Team sports participation reached a record 92.3 million Americans ages 6 and older in 2025, increasing 7.6% and marking a fifth consecutive year of growth, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s (SFIA) 2026 U.S. Trends in Team Sports Report – Participation Foundational Data.
Growth extended across the category. Seventeen of the 24 team sports tracked by SFIA increased year over year, while 20 posted positive three-year average annual growth. Outdoor soccer was the fastest-growing team sport in 2025, and basketball, already the country’s largest team sport, increased 13.5%.
For the first time, SFIA asked participants why they play team sports. Fun led at 58.4%, followed by staying active at 51%, spending time with friends at 39.1%, and being part of a team at 36%. Competition ranked below each of those motivations at 26.1%, underscoring the importance of welcoming, enjoyable, and socially connected experiences.
The report also identifies a growing challenge for youth sports. The number of current youth team sport coaches declined for the third consecutive year, falling from 8.4 million in 2022 to 6.9 million in 2025. Over the same period, participation among youth ages 6-14 increased from 21.1 million to 22.1 million. That raised the ratio from 2.5 participants per coach in 2022 to 3.2 in 2025.
“More Americans are staying active through team sports, but sustaining that momentum requires the people and programs that make participation possible,” said Alex Kerman, Senior Director and Head of Research at SFIA. “People tell us they play for fun, activity, friendship, and belonging. Coaches help turn those motivations into positive experiences that keep participants engaged, making coach retention increasingly important as participation grows.”
The findings come as the United States enters a historic decade of hosting global sporting events. Through its 2034WARD Campaign, SFIA is working with the industry to translate that attention and engagement into lasting participation by expanding access, supporting facilities and programs, and promoting the benefits of active lifestyles.
The 2026 U.S. Trends in Team Sports Report: Participation Foundational Data is complimentary for SFIA members and available to non-members for $400. Members of the media may request a complimentary copy or an interview by contacting Jenny Karn at [email protected].
For a one-page overview of key trends from the report, click here.
About the Research: The participation data is based on 18,000 online interviews conducted during the 2025 calendar year with a nationwide sample representative of the U.S. population ages 6 and older. The research was conducted as part of the Physical Activity Council participation study.
The sample was balanced using demographic quotas and weighted to reflect the U.S. population based on gender, age, income, ethnicity, and region.
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ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is the leading trade association for the sports and fitness industry, representing over 700 brands, manufacturers, retailers, and governing bodies who collectively employ more than 375,000 people and generate $150 billion in domestic sales. With a mission of increasing sports and fitness participation and promoting industry vitality, SFIA provides thought leadership, advocacy, research, and membership services that empower its members and drive industry growth. SFIA’s leading research and comprehensive insights help members make informed decisions, while its advocacy efforts champion physical health and economic impact. To learn more about joining SFIA’s network dedicated to advancing the sports and fitness industry, please visit sfia.org.
Team Sports Lead Growth While Rising Costs Remain a Critical Pressure Point for Participation
(August 20, 2026) – Sports and fitness participation in the United States has reached a new record high, according to mid-year data released today by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). For the 12 months ending June 2026, 81.3% of Americans ages six and older participated in at least one of the 126 sports and fitness activities SFIA tracks, while inactivity fell to a record low of 18.7%.
The findings are featured in SFIA’s 2026 First Half Game Plan: Key Moves in Sports Participation Report, the second edition of SFIA’s mid-year participation analysis designed to provide the industry with timely insights into where participation trends are headed.
Team sports emerged as the fastest-growing major participation category, increasing 3.8%. Growth was widespread across the category, with Basketball, Flag Football, and Baseball among the sports posting notable gains. Overall team sports participation has now increased for three consecutive years.
“There is a lot to be encouraged about in the first half data: Participation is at a record high, inactivity is at a record low, and many team sports are showing strong momentum,” said Alex Kerman, Senior Director, Head of Research for SFIA. “At the same time, the data shows that we cannot take continued growth for granted. Rising costs are already affecting how some Americans participate, making affordability and access increasingly important as our industry works to turn today’s momentum into sustained engagement.”
The report finds that affordability is already influencing participation decisions. More than one-quarter of participants (26.9%) say out-of-pocket costs have affected how they participate, and among those already affected by costs, roughly one-quarter (24.9%) say they are very unlikely to continue their current activities if costs continue to rise.
Three in ten participants (30.2%) reported higher participation costs compared with last year, with inflation, higher facility or membership fees, sports equipment, and tariffs among the most commonly cited drivers of those increases. Notably, one in four participants (25%) experiencing higher costs pointed to tariffs on sports equipment as a reason for those increases. These findings reinforce SFIA’s ongoing advocacy efforts to mitigate the effects of tariffs on the sports and fitness industry.
“While it is encouraging to see more Americans participating than ever before, our industry continues to face a significant burden from current and forthcoming tariffs,” said Aneysha Bhat, Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Advocacy for SFIA. “As the back-to-school and fall sports season approaches, tariffs put further pressure on families, businesses, and communities working to keep participation accessible and affordable. With a once-in-a-generation decade of major sporting events underway, we should remove barriers that keep Americans — especially our youth — from being active. SFIA will continue advocating for economic and trade policies that expand access and create more opportunities for all Americans to participate.”
SFIA’s 2034WARD Campaign is working to harness this decade of major sporting events hosted in the United States to grow sports and fitness participation, expand access, and build stronger, healthier communities. The 2026 World Cup provides an early opportunity to examine how the global spotlight on sports may translate into increased participation.
The First Half Game Plan data, which captures the opening weeks of the World Cup, shows Outdoor Soccer participation increased 6.2%, while Indoor Soccer rose 5.3%. These results provide an early benchmark of the World Cup’s full participation impact on soccer, which SFIA will continue monitoring.
Beyond team sports, Padel was the fastest-growing activity highlighted in the report, increasing 14.5% in just its second year of SFIA tracking. Meanwhile, Pickleball’s growth showed its first sign of moderation, increasing 1.3% in the first half of 2026 after five consecutive years as SFIA’s fastest-growing sport.
The 2026 First Half Game Plan: Key Moves in Sports Participation Report is free to SFIA members and available for purchase for $300 to non-members.
The report is provided free of charge to members of the media. If you are interested in receiving a copy of the report or arranging an interview with an SFIA representative, please contact Jenny Karn, Senior Director, at [email protected].
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ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is the leading trade association for the sports and fitness industry, representing over 700 brands, manufacturers, retailers, and governing bodies who collectively employ more than 375,000 people and generate $150 billion in domestic sales. With a mission of increasing sports and fitness participation and promoting industry vitality, SFIA provides thought leadership, advocacy, research, and membership services that empower its members and drive industry growth. SFIA’s leading research and comprehensive insights help members make informed decisions, while its advocacy efforts champion physical health and economic impact. To learn more about joining SFIA’s network dedicated to advancing the sports and fitness industry, please visit sfia.org.
Pickleball Participation Reaches 24.3 Million Americans as Sport Continues Unprecedented Growth Trajectory
(June 4, 2026) – Pickleball participation continues to surge across the United States, making it the nation’s fastest-growing sport for five consecutive years. To help industry stakeholders better understand the rapidly evolving landscape, the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) has released its 2026 Pickleball Single Sport Report, offering detailed insights into participation trends, demographics, and cross-participation patterns.
The Pickleball Single Sport Report joins SFIA’s recently released Soccer Spotlight Report, which evaluates the past 15 years of soccer participation data ahead of the 2026 Soccer World Cup. Both reports were released early in response to strong demand from industry stakeholders seeking the latest participation insights for two of the nation’s fastest-growing and most closely followed sports.
The Pickleball Report reveals that 24.3 million Americans played pickleball in 2025, up from 4.2 million participants in 2020—an increase of more than fivefold in just five years.
The report also highlights the evolution of pickleball’s participant base. Once viewed primarily as a sport for older adults, pickleball is now attracting players across all age groups, with teens and young adults ages 13-24 posting the highest participation rates of any age segment. Female participation has also jumped, with women now accounting for 42.9% of all pickleball players, up from 38.6% in 2020.
In addition, the report shows strong growth among the sport’s most engaged participants. CORE pickleball players—those who play eight or more times per year—grew from 1.4 million in 2020 to 7.5 million in 2025, reflecting sustained engagement and long-term participation trends.
“The story behind pickleball’s growth is no longer just about participation gains. It’s about the broadening and diversification of the player base,” said Alex Kerman, Senior Director and Head of Research at SFIA. “We are seeing strong adoption among younger generations, continued growth among women, and a rapidly expanding core participant population. These insights help the industry better understand where the sport is headed and identify opportunities for future growth.”
The Pickleball Single Sport Report and Soccer Spotlight Report are the first in a series of 2026 Single Sport Reports to be released. Reports from SFIA’s Team Sports Category will be available next, followed by additional categories throughout the coming weeks.
Each Single Sport Report provides detailed participation analysis by gender, age, geographic region, household income, education level, ethnicity, and cross-sport participation. These reports are designed to help industry leaders, businesses, governing bodies, and other stakeholders make informed strategic decisions based on the most comprehensive sports participation data available.
All 2026 SFIA Single Sport Reports are available for purchase at a discounted rate of $150 per report for SFIA members and $500 per report for non-members.
These reports are provided free of charge to members of the media. If you are interested in receiving a copy of the Pickleball Single Sport Report or scheduling an interview with an SFIA representative, please contact Jenny Karn at [email protected].
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ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is the leading trade association for the sports and fitness industry, representing over 700 brands, manufacturers, retailers, and governing bodies who collectively employ more than 375,000 people and generate $150 billion in domestic sales. With a mission of increasing sports and fitness participation and promoting industry vitality, SFIA provides thought leadership, advocacy, research, and membership services that empower its members and drive industry growth. SFIA’s leading research and comprehensive insights help members make informed decisions, while its advocacy efforts champion physical health and economic impact. To learn more about joining SFIA’s network dedicated to advancing the sports and fitness industry, please visit sfia.org.
Participation Remains Strong as Tariffs, Supply Chain Constraints, and Cost Strains Shape Industry Outlook
(May 19, 2026) – Participation in sports and fitness continues to grow across the United States, but rising costs, tariffs, and supply chain pressures are creating new challenges for the industry, shaping how companies operate and how consumers access products. These dynamics are outlined in the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s (SFIA) newly released 2026 State of the Industry Report.
The report is based on a survey of sports and fitness manufacturers, reflecting industry performance for the previous year. The survey was fielded in January 2026.
In 2025, the sporting goods industry continued to expand, supported by strong consumer interest and sustained participation growth. The industry posted 3.4% growth in 2025, compared to GDP growth of 5.0% — consistent with the historical performance of discretionary categories.
While demand remains steady, companies across the industry are facing rising costs tied to materials, logistics, and tariffs. These pressures are forcing businesses to make difficult decisions around pricing, sourcing, and operations — dynamics that ultimately shape both product availability and affordability for consumers.
Manufacturers cite tariffs as the defining issue facing the industry. In fact, tariffs ranked as the top concern across companies regardless of whether their business performance improved, declined, or remained stable, underscoring the widespread impact of trade policy on the sports and fitness marketplace.
Despite these concerns, the report finds that most companies are not making significant changes to their manufacturing strategies. A majority of respondents indicated no shift in sourcing, reflecting the complexity and long-term nature of global supply chains. Rather than rapidly restructuring, companies are adapting within existing systems, managing costs, optimizing operations, and working to maintain stability in an uncertain policy environment.
“The 2026 State of the Industry Report reflects an industry that remains fundamentally strong, but is navigating a more complex operating environment,” said Alex Kerman, Senior Director and Head of Research at SFIA. “Participation is at record levels, and interest in sports and fitness remains high, but rising costs and supply chain pressures are creating real challenges. The focus now is on how the industry continues to grow while maintaining access and affordability for consumers.”
The report also highlights the growing importance of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, as companies look to improve efficiency and better serve consumers. Even amid a year of cost pressures, only 1.9% of companies reported they plan to decrease R&D investment next year.
Participation trends remain a key strength. More Americans are engaging in sports and fitness activities than ever before, reinforcing a long-term shift toward active lifestyles. However, significant opportunities remain to deepen engagement and expand access, particularly among underserved populations and in higher-cost activity categories.
As the United States prepares to host a historic decade of global sporting events — including the 2026 Soccer World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games — there is a unique opportunity to build on this momentum. SFIA’s 2034WARD Campaign is designed to help the industry maximize this unprecedented global attention to expand participation, improve access, and advance the broader impact of sports and fitness across the country.
“The next decade presents a powerful opportunity to inspire more Americans to get active,” Kerman added. “By focusing on access, affordability, and engagement, the industry can translate this moment into lasting progress that gets more Americans active and strengthens communities across the country.”
The SFIA State of the Industry Report is available free to SFIA members and for purchase by non-members for $1,000.
Members of the media may request a complimentary copy of the report or schedule an interview with an SFIA representative by contacting Jenny Karn at [email protected].
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ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is the leading trade association for the sports and fitness industry, representing over 700 brands, manufacturers, retailers, and governing bodies who collectively employ more than 375,000 people and generate $150 billion in domestic sales. With a mission of increasing sports and fitness participation and promoting industry vitality, SFIA provides thought leadership, advocacy, research, and membership services that empower its members and drive industry growth. SFIA’s leading research and comprehensive insights help members make informed decisions, while its advocacy efforts champion physical health and economic impact. To learn more about joining SFIA’s network dedicated to advancing the sports and fitness industry, please visit sfia.org.
SFIA Releases New Report Detailing the Current Landscape of Soccer Participation in the U.S.
(May 12, 2026) — As the United States prepares to host the Soccer World Cup this summer, new research from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) shows that soccer participation is already surging nationwide, reaching record levels before the tournament begins.
According to SFIA’s latest report, outdoor soccer participation reached 16.8M Americans in 2025, up +15.8% year-over-year, while indoor soccer participation grew to 6.6M, up +10.5%.
The Soccer Spotlight: 2026 U.S. Participation Trends, Insights & Growth Drivers Report, which analyzes 15 years of SFIA participation data, examines the historical impact of past World Cups on U.S. soccer participation, profiles who is driving today’s growth, and assesses what the industry might expect from the upcoming tournament.
“The United States is entering the 2026 World Cup with record participation, broad demographic momentum, and an industry that has been building toward this moment for years,” said Alex Kerman, Senior Director of Research and Operations at SFIA. “Our data suggests this tournament presents a fundamentally different opportunity than prior World Cups. The foundation has never been stronger.”
A Different Kind of World Cup Moment
SFIA’s analysis of past tournaments reveals a consistent pattern:
- Participation gains often occur after the World Cup, not during it
- The absence of the U.S. team in 2018 correlated with declines
- The winter timing of 2022 delayed participation growth into 2023
However, 2026 presents a unique opportunity:
- Summer timing aligns with peak playing season
- Matches hosted across the U.S.
- Participation is already at an all-time high
“Entering the tournament, conditions are ideal for real-time conversion from fan to participant,” Kerman added.
Growth Is Expanding, but There is Room to Deepen Participation
The report also highlights key structural shifts in soccer participation:
- Casual participation is growing faster than CORE participation, which represents the participants who engage most frequently in the sport
- Adult participation (35+) is rising rapidly
- Hispanic Americans continue to lead growth and engagement
These trends suggest that while soccer’s reach is expanding, converting new players into long-term participants remains the industry’s biggest opportunity.
Driving the Industry 2034WARD
The 2026 World Cup marks the beginning of an unprecedented decade of global sporting events in the United States. Through its 2034WARD Campaign, SFIA is focused on ensuring this moment translates into sustained sports and fitness participation growth across all communities.
Access the Report
The full report, Soccer Spotlight: 2026 U.S. Participation Trends, Insights & Growth Drivers, is now available for SFIA members to purchase for $150 and $500 for non-members. A free executive summary is also available for download.
Explore the soccer participation hub and purchase the report:
https://sfia.org/u-s-soccer-participation-data/
See key takeaways from the report.
Members of the media may request a complimentary copy or schedule an interview with an SFIA spokesperson by contacting Jenny Karn at [email protected].
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ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is the leading trade association for the sports and fitness industry, representing over 700 brands, manufacturers, retailers, and governing bodies who collectively employ more than 375,000 people and generate $150 billion in domestic sales. With a mission of increasing sports and fitness participation and promoting industry vitality, SFIA provides thought leadership, advocacy, research, and membership services that empower its members and drive industry growth. SFIA’s leading research and comprehensive insights help members make informed decisions, while its advocacy efforts champion physical health and economic impact. To learn more about joining SFIA’s network dedicated to advancing the sports and fitness industry, please visit sfia.org.
Sessions and Speaker Lineup Set for the April 27-28 Teams Sports Event
(April 22, 2026) – The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), in collaboration with the NFHS and the NCAA, will host the 2026 Team Sports Conference on Monday, April 27-Tuesday, April 28 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown – marking the 20th year of bringing the industry together.
The annual event convenes leaders across youth, school, collegiate, and professional sports, providing the opportunity to engage with peers, explore the key topics shaping our industry, and gain leading insights on what is ahead for 2026.
Expert-led sessions will explore topics shaping the future of team sports, including the role of AI, the continued growth of women’s sports, how global sporting moments can be leveraged to drive participation, and more. Attendees will also connect with peers, governing bodies, and decision-makers through council meetings and meaningful networking.
Confirmed Sessions and Speakers Include:
The Winning Decade: Leveraging Global Events in the U.S. for Lasting Impact
- [Moderator] Melissa Thompson: Vice President, Bids & External Affairs, Indiana Sports Corp (ISC)
- Kyle Albrecht: President & CEO, USA Gymnastics
- Ryan Baise: Co-Founder and CEO, Youth Inc.
- Scott Hallenbeck: CEO, USA Football
- Marc Riccio: CEO, USA Lacrosse
From Service to Sports: Engaging and Empowering Veteran Talent Across the Sports Industry
- [Moderator] Glenn Horine, Chief Operating Officer, SFIA
- Jackie Chang: Vice President, Content Distribution, NHL; Board Member, U.S. Figure Skating; U.S. Army Veteran
- Colonel Jon Lauder: Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs; Advisory Council Member, NHL Foundation; U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
- Donald Remy: 9th Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs; Former Chief Legal and Operating Officer, NCAA
E-Commerce Chalk Talk: Excelling in Today’s Digital Consumer Landscape
- [Moderator] Lindsey Naber: Sr. Director, Partnership Marketing, Rawlings Sporting Goods
- Gary Goldberg: CEO, SquadLocker
- Kurt Hagen: Chief Innovation Officer, BSN Sports
- Daniel Kidera: Senior Director and Head of Federal Government Relations, Fanatics
The AI Playbook: How Technology and Innovation Are Reshaping Team Sports
- [Moderator] Mark O’Brien: President, CEO, and Board Director, LakePoint Sports
- Brooke Austin: Director, Digital Business Development, USTA
- Brian Page: Manager, MLB & Key Accounts, Rapsodo
- Liz Wanless: Director, Sport Innovation Institute, Indiana University Indianapolis
Rising to the Spotlight: The Evolution and Elevation of NCAA Women’s Sports
- [Moderator] Rachel Seewald: Director of Championships and Alliances, Playing Rules and Officiating, NCAA
- Julie Kimmons: Managing Director, Multimedia Strategy and Partnerships, NCAA
- Lynda Tealer: Senior Vice President, Championships and Alliances, NCAA
State of the Industry
- Alex Kerman: Senior Director, Research Operations & Business Development, Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA)
Inside the High School Sports Arena: Top Initiatives Shaping the Path Forward
- Mark Koski: Chief Marketing Officer, NFHS
- Phil Rison: Executive Director, NIAAA
- Davis Whitfield: Chief Operating Officer, NFHS
Click here to learn more about our 2026 program.
Registration for the Team Sports Conference for SFIA members is $299, as well as for Non-Profit, Governing Body, Coach/Athletic Directors, and State Association Personnel attendees. Registration is $799 for non-members.
Thank you to our Friends of SFIA who help make this event possible: adidas, New Balance, Franklin Sports, NFL, Nike, Rawlings Sporting Goods, and STX.
Members of the media are invited to attend the event in Indianapolis at no cost. Please contact Lisa Futterman at [email protected] if interested.
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ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is the leading trade association for the sports and fitness industry, representing over 700 brands, manufacturers, retailers, and governing bodies who collectively employ more than 375,000 people and generate $150 billion in domestic sales. With a mission of increasing sports and fitness participation and promoting industry vitality, SFIA provides thought leadership, advocacy, research, and membership services that empower its members and drive industry growth. SFIA’s leading research and comprehensive insights help members make informed decisions, while its advocacy efforts champion physical health and economic impact. To learn more about joining SFIA’s network dedicated to advancing the sports and fitness industry, please visit sfia.org.
New data reveals year-over-year wholesale sales gains as participation drives equipment demand, alongside changing consumer preferences for fitness
(March 31, 2026) – The sporting goods industry reached a new milestone in 2025, with wholesale sales totaling $130 billion, according to the 2026 Manufacturers’ Sales by Category Report from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). This represents a 3.7% year-over-year increase, as cost pressures and evolving trade and tariff policies continue to impact the industry.
Since 2020, wholesale sales have grown 34.7%, underscoring sustained post-pandemic momentum as Americans continue to prioritize physical activity.
The annual report tracks U.S. wholesale sales across sporting goods equipment, athletic footwear, sports apparel, and licensed merchandise, providing a comprehensive view of the industry’s health and trajectory.
Growth Driven by Both Emerging and Established Categories
While emerging sports continue to reshape the landscape, established categories are also delivering strong gains. Pickleball remained the fastest-growing category, with wholesale sales climbing 22% year-over-year.
At the same time, traditional team sports are seeing renewed strength. Baseball/softball, one of the industry’s most established categories, grew 7.9%, driven by increased participation and consistent equipment demand across bats, gloves, and protective gear.
Team uniforms further reflect this resurgence in organized play, rising 5.4% year-over-year and 75.9% since 2020, with growth across every major sport.
Fitness Category Highlights Shifting Consumer Behavior
The fitness category returns to this year’s report, revealing a clear divergence within consumer exercise habits.
Institutional fitness equipment saw broad-based growth, reflecting continued investment in gyms, health clubs, and commercial facilities. In contrast, portions of the consumer/home equipment segment experienced declines, signaling a shift in where and how Americans are staying active.
Footwear and Apparel Continue to Anchor the Market
Athletic footwear remains the largest single sales driver, totaling $24.1 billion in 2025, outpacing the broader industry growth rate. Sports apparel and licensed merchandise also posted gains.
A Structurally Strong Industry Heading into a Global Sports Decade
“The sporting goods industry continues to demonstrate both resilience and long-term growth potential,” said Alex Kerman, Senior Director and Head of Research at SFIA. “What we are seeing is sustained, participation-driven growth, even as companies navigate a more complex economic environment shaped by trade and tariff pressures. Established categories like baseball/softball are benefiting from renewed engagement, while emerging sports like pickleball are expanding the overall market. Understanding how these trends intersect with evolving consumer behavior and broader economic pressures will be critical as the industry looks ahead — insights we will explore further in our upcoming State of the Industry Report.”
As the U.S. prepares to host an unprecedented lineup of major international sporting events, SFIA’s 2034WARD Campaign aims to harness this momentum to further expand participation and industry growth well beyond this decade.
The 2026 Manufacturers’ Sales by Category Report is available free to SFIA members and can be purchased by non-members for $500.
Members of the media may request a complimentary copy or schedule an interview with an SFIA spokesperson by contacting Lisa Futterman at [email protected].
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ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is the leading trade association for the sports and fitness industry, representing over 700 brands, manufacturers, retailers, and governing bodies who collectively employ more than 375,000 people and generate $150 billion in domestic sales. With a mission of increasing sports and fitness participation and promoting industry vitality, SFIA provides thought leadership, advocacy, research, and membership services that empower its members and drive industry growth. SFIA’s leading research and comprehensive insights help members make informed decisions, while its advocacy efforts champion physical health and economic impact. To learn more about joining SFIA’s network dedicated to advancing the sports and fitness industry, please visit sfia.org.
Part of SFIA’s 2034WARD Campaign, First Event Welcomes Atlanta Youth in Partnership with the YMCA
WASHINGTON, DC (March 18, 2026) — The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) will kick off its Youth Sports Clinic Series this Saturday at The Villages at Carver Family YMCA in Atlanta as part of its decade-long 2034WARD Campaign.
SFIA’s 2034WARD industry initiative will harness the global spotlight on sports and fitness in the United States from now through 2034 — a decade that will bring the world’s highest profile sporting events to the U.S. Through this free of cost, community-based program, the Youth Sports Clinic Series will drive local impact by increasing youth sports access and affordability and build healthier, more active and connected communities. Saturday’s clinic, hosted in partnership with the YMCA and supported by TeamSnap, will welcome children ages 7-12 for an immersive, interactive experience playing lacrosse, baseball, and ultimate frisbee. Participants will rotate through the three skill-building stations led by professionally trained instructors, provided by the Premier Lacrosse League, USA Baseball, and USA Ultimate.
By introducing young athletes to multiple sports in a single afternoon, the clinic is designed to spark interest, build confidence, and encourage longer-term participation, especially among children who may not otherwise have access to organized sports opportunities.
“This decade presents a rare and historic opportunity for sports and fitness in the United States,” said Todd Smith, President & CEO of SFIA. “Where the true legacy of this moment will not be measured solely by the success of each global event hosted in our country, but by how many young people become inspired to get in the game. Through our partnership with the YMCA, we are working to ensure that more kids have free access to quality sports experiences that can shape their health and confidence for years to come.”
The YMCA, long recognized for its commitment to youth development and healthy living, serves as a foundational partner in bringing the youth clinics directly into communities.
“At the Villages at Carver Family YMCA, we work with families every day to make sure every child has the opportunity to participate and feel like they belong,” said James Carroll, Executive Director of the Villages at Carver Family YMCA. “It’s part of our commitment across the YMCA of Metro Atlanta and our network of locations to meet families where they are. Here at Carver, this partnership creates new opportunities for kids to try sports they may not have otherwise experienced, and that kind of exposure can change how they see themselves and what they believe is possible.”
The Series will continue across the country as part of SFIA’s broader 2034WARD Campaign to increase sports and fitness participation, expand access, and promote physical vitality nationwide.
Organizations interested in supporting a future Youth Sports Clinic can contact Bonnie McLaughlin at [email protected].
To learn more about the 2034WARD initiative, visit sfia.org/2034ward.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Futterman
[email protected]
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ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is the leading trade association for the sports and fitness industry, representing over 700 brands, manufacturers, retailers, and governing bodies who collectively employ more than 375,000 people and generate $150 billion in domestic sales. With a mission of increasing sports and fitness participation and promoting industry vitality, SFIA provides thought leadership, advocacy, research, and membership services that empower its members and drive industry growth. SFIA’s leading research and comprehensive insights help members make informed decisions, while its advocacy efforts champion physical health and economic impact. To learn more about joining SFIA’s network dedicated to advancing the sports and fitness industry, please visit sfia.org.
About the YMCA of Metro Atlanta: The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. For more than 165 years, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta has been impacting lives and strengthening communities. By providing services and support networks, building bridges between people from all backgrounds and engaging stakeholders at various levels, the Y has maintained its relevance, helping to create stronger, more cohesive communities for all. ymcaatlanta.org
Team Sports Lead Year-Over-Year Growth While Teen Inactivity Rises and the Gap Between Gender Activity Widens
(March 12, 2026) – For the first time since the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) began tracking participation, 250 million Americans took part in at least one sport, fitness, or leisure activity in 2025, according to the Association’s 2026 Topline Participation Report.
Considered the sports and fitness industry’s essential resource for participation data, the report tracks activity rates for Americans ages six and older across 126 different sports, fitness, and leisure activities. It includes 10-year trend analyses by category, detailed examinations of inactivity, and new insights into how frequently Americans are achieving federal guidelines for recommended weekly activity.
Overall participation grew 1.2% year over year — a moderation from the 1.7% average annual growth rate since 2020 — while CORE participation reached 158.8 million, increasing 1.3% year over year. CORE participants, the individuals who participate in the majority of play occasions for each sport or activity, make up the foundation of the sports and fitness ecosystem and signal deeper engagement.
“Reaching 250 million active Americans is a historic milestone for our industry,” said Todd Smith, President and CEO of SFIA. “Total and CORE participation continue to rise, which tells us Americans are not just trying activities — they are staying engaged. That kind of sustained participation strengthens communities, drives industry growth, and reinforces the essential role sports and fitness play in American life.”
New to the annual report this year, SFIA introduced a measure of how often Americans elevate their heart rate each week, providing additional activity context beyond the topline participation totals. Under this new metric, 32% of Americans are meeting the federal recommendation of 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity. The other 68% — two-thirds of Americans — are not yet meeting that guideline, underscoring a significant need for Americans to not just participate in activities, but to increase the weekly frequency of their participation for greater health outcomes.
Overall Inactivity Reaches Historic Low, but Inactivity by Teens and the Gap Between Male and Female Rates Are Trending in the Wrong Direction
The share of Americans who are totally inactive fell below 20% for the first time since SFIA began tracking, marking seven consecutive years of decline.
However, a closer look at inactivity by gender and age reveals important challenges. While inactivity declined for both men and women in 2025, women remain more likely than men to be inactive, with the gender gap widening slightly to 6.3 percentage points, up from 5.9 points the previous year.
By age, inactivity declined across every group except one: teens ages 13-17, where inactivity increased 4.4% year over year.
“Even with strong participation numbers, our work is far from finished,” Smith said. “The majority of Americans still aren’t meeting federal guidelines for weekly physical activity, teen inactivity levels are rising, and the gap between men’s and women’s inactivity rates has widened. These trends reinforce why continued advancements in access, affordability, and opportunity are needed to strengthen the health of our country.”
Team Sports Lead Category Growth, and Pickleball Continues Its Rise
Among seven activity categories, team sports recorded the strongest growth year-over-year, surpassing 90 million total participants for the first time, while pickleball continued its five-year streak as the fastest-growing sport. SFIA added two activities to this year’s report: disc golf and padel, bringing the total number tracked to 126, reflecting the growing variety of sports, fitness, and leisure activities available to participants.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Topline Participation Report serves as an important benchmark as SFIA advances its 2034WARD Campaign, a decade-long initiative focused on leveraging upcoming global sporting events hosted in the U.S. to grow participation, expand access, and help more Americans build active lifestyles.
The 2026 Topline Participation Report is free to SFIA members and available for purchase for $700 for non-members.
The report is provided free of charge to members of the media. To request a copy of the report or to schedule an interview with an SFIA representative, please contact Lisa Futterman at [email protected].
For a one-page overview of key trends from the report, click here.
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ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is the leading trade association for the sports and fitness industry, representing over 700 brands, manufacturers, retailers, and governing bodies who collectively employ more than 375,000 people and generate $150 billion in domestic sales. With a mission of increasing sports and fitness participation and promoting industry vitality, SFIA provides thought leadership, advocacy, research, and membership services that empower its members and drive industry growth. SFIA’s leading research and comprehensive insights help members make informed decisions, while its advocacy efforts champion physical health and economic impact. To learn more about joining SFIA’s network dedicated to advancing the sports and fitness industry, please visit sfia.org.
(December 8, 2025) – The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) announced today the addition of Jenny Karn as Senior Director to the team. Karn officially joined SFIA on Monday, December 1, 2025, and will be responsible for driving SFIA’s growth across multiple channels, expanding the organization’s digital footprint and contributing to SFIA’s industry-leading research business.
As a two-time entrepreneur growing marketing and communications consulting firms from the ground up, Karn brings nearly two decades of experience in digital storytelling and data visualization to SFIA and will utilize that experience to support the industry by identifying new trends and critical data insights. She has worked with household brand names like Google, the NBA, and Sherwin-Williams to solve complex challenges and increase audience engagement.
Karn’s passion for sports and fitness spans outside of her work – participating in CrossFit, ultramarathons, and triathlons as an adult. She has seen first-hand the transformational impact sports and fitness can have across all aspects of one’s life and looks forward to supporting SFIA’s mission to increase sports and fitness participation throughout the country.
“We are excited to welcome Jenny to the SFIA team,” said Bonnie McLaughlin, Vice President of External Affairs & Industry Relations, SFIA. “Jenny brings a dynamic blend of creative narrative development, digital expertise, and product development, which will be instrumental in supporting our members and driving growth across the industry. Her entrepreneurial background, paired with her passion for sports and fitness, align perfectly with SFIA’s mission to promote increased participation and support the industry overall.”
Karn’s arrival marks another pivotal addition to the SFIA Team in 2025 as the organization continues to expand its industry-leading resources and insights that support the growth of our industry.
Media Contact:
Lisa Futterman | [email protected]
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ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is the leading trade association for the sports and fitness industry, representing over 700 brands, manufacturers, retailers, and governing bodies who collectively employ more than 375,000 people and generate $150 billion in domestic sales. With a mission of increasing sports and fitness participation and promoting industry vitality, SFIA provides thought leadership, advocacy, research, and membership services that empower its members and drive industry growth. SFIA’s leading research and comprehensive insights help members make informed decisions, while its advocacy efforts champion physical health and economic impact. To learn more about joining SFIA’s network dedicated to advancing the sports and fitness industry, please visit sfia.org.