Kids Sports Equipment and Accessories Market Analysis

Based on product type, the kids’ sports equipment and accessories market are segmented into sports equipment and sports accessories. The sports equipment segment accounted for revenue of around USD 2.7 Billion in the year 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 6.1% from 2024 to 2032.

With rising childhood obesity rates and heightened awareness of the long-term health benefits of physical activity, parents are increasingly encouraging their children to participate in sports. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily for children. This has led to a surge in popularity for local and regional sports leagues, driving demand for gear in sports such as soccer, cricket, and tennis. Schools and organizations are expanding sports activities beyond regular hours, further boosting sales of equipment for basketball, badminton, and swimming.

Governments worldwide are investing in initiatives to promote youth sports participation. For instance, Sport England is funding grassroots sports programs to enhance access for children and teenagers. Additionally, organizations like UNICEF, through their Sport for Development (S4D) initiative, are promoting physical activity among children and subsidizing sports equipment in developing regions. Families with higher disposable incomes are increasingly prioritizing extracurricular activities, including sports, as part of holistic child development. This trend is driving demand for premium equipment, such as branded tennis rackets, helmets, and cricket gear.

Based on the sport type, the global kids sports equipment and accessories market is categorized as team sports, individual sports, adventure/outdoor activities, and fitness activities. The team sports segment held around 44% of the total market share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period.

Team sports, including soccer, basketball, cricket, and hockey, are integral to school curriculums and community programs. Institutions actively promote teamwork and social interaction among children through organized sports, thereby increasing the demand for team-specific gear such as balls, nets, uniforms, and protective equipment. Numerous schools and local communities host inter-school and regional leagues, creating a need for standardized equipment and accessories for young athletes. Parents, recognizing the benefits of team sports in developing social skills, teamwork, leadership, and emotional resilience, are motivated to invest in high-quality equipment.

Additionally, team sports help combat childhood obesity and improve mental health by fostering discipline and reducing stress, prompting families to spend on team-specific gear. International sports icons like Lionel Messi (soccer), LeBron James (basketball), and Virat Kohli (cricket) inspire children to emulate their heroes, further driving the demand for branded merchandise, including jerseys, balls, and specialized footwear.

In terms of region, North America dominates with an overall North America kids’ sports equipment and accessories market and valued at USD 1.4 Bn in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 5.7% from 2024 to 2032. The North America market is propelled by cultural trends, health consciousness, government initiatives, technological advancements, and market dynamics. Youth engagement in organized sports such as basketball, soccer, and baseball remain robust.

Programs like Little League Baseball and Pop Warner Football sustain this engagement, ensuring consistent demand for premium equipment. Rising concerns about childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles drive parents to involve their children in sports activities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight that regular physical activity is crucial for combating obesity and enhancing mental health, leading to increased investments in sports equipment.

North America: In terms of the country, the US dominates with an overall market share of around 70% in North America kids sports equipment and accessories market in 2023. Sports such as basketball, baseball, soccer, and football are deeply embedded in American culture. Organizations like Little League Baseball and the YMCA stimulate demand for youth-specific sports equipment. Federal programs, including the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition, promote physical activity among children, further boosting equipment demand.

Parents are increasingly investing in sports gear to encourage fitness and reduce screen time. Key selling points include lightweight, durable materials, ergonomic designs, and safety-focused equipment. For example, child-friendly baseball bats and smart soccer balls attract tech-savvy parents. Major platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and specialty retailers offer easy access to sports equipment, with customization options and competitive pricing driving sales.

On the other hand, Canada kids’ sports equipment and accessories market is expanding at a rate of around 4.9% during the forecast period. In Canada, hockey remains the predominant youth sport. Parents invest significantly in hockey sticks, helmets, and protective gear. However, participation in soccer and basketball is rising due to their accessibility and lower costs compared to hockey. Initiatives like Jumpstart by Canadian Tire provide funding for children's sports participation, enabling families to purchase necessary equipment. Many Canadian parents encourage their children to engage in multiple sports throughout the year (e.g., soccer in summer, hockey in winter), increasing demand for a variety of equipment and accessories.

Asia Pacific: The Asia Pacific kids’ sports equipment and accessories market with a market share of around 34% in 2023 and anticipated to grow with a CAGR of around 6.3% during the forecast period.

In terms of country, China market is growing at a rate of 8% during the forecast period. The Chinese government has implemented policies to enhance sports education in schools, including mandatory physical education and investment in sports infrastructure. This initiative has significantly increased the demand for sports equipment such as basketballs, soccer gear, and training aids. China's focus on achieving global sports excellence has led to an early introduction of sports for children, driving the demand for high-quality sports gear. The expansion of school sports programs and local community initiatives has boosted participation in team sports, thereby increasing the need for team-specific equipment like bats, helmets, and pads.

Global events like the Olympics have heightened interest in various sports among Chinese youth, leading to increased sales of equipment for sports such as badminton, tennis, and soccer. There is also a growing demand for ergonomically designed and safer sports equipment tailored to children's specific needs. Companies are concentrating on lightweight and durable materials, appealing to safety-conscious parents.

The Asia-Pacific region, particularly China, is poised for substantial growth in market due to these drivers. This expanding market segment presents significant opportunities for brands to innovate and meet its unique demands.