Taking part in sports is important for people from all walks of life. Sports enhance our abilities as individuals and develop our skills. With that being said, the innumerable sports brands that are in continuous development today have made athleticism much easier. Wearing the right sportswear can take our experiences to great new heights, and as such, these brands are constantly developing new workout clothes and shoes to ameliorate our keep-fit sessions. Five leading sports brands, in particular, are considered to be the biggest based on revenue. Check them out!
1.Nike
With reported full-year revenue of $39.1 billion in 2019, this brand has a consistently rising profit by 7.5% on a year-on-year basis, and it seems that this sports icon is not pulling the reins any time soon. Nike is an American-based sports brand founded in 1964 by two daring gentlemen, Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman. Ever since its establishment, Nike has grown by making many clever acquisitions, and even cleverer endorsements. By far, their most famous endorsement was launched in 1984, after teaming up with the legendary basketball player, Michael Jordan.
This has made them very popular in the basketball world, as they are known for their basketball gear and equipment, such as wall mounts. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts swear by wall-mounted basketball hoops, seeing as they are extremely beneficial in saving space; you can check them out here if you’re interested in installing one in your room. They offer the same performance and durability of an in-ground basketball. Their installation process can be completed in 120 minutes or less. Many of today’s most renowned basketball players have begun their journey with an indoor basketball hoop!
Nike has even moved into high-end eye-ware. Nike Glasses come in all shapes and sizes, for men and for women, for adults and for kids, sunglasses and prescription glassed. They do them all. They offer sturdier frames than most and only the most fashionable frames.
2.Adidas
Reportedly raking in $11.4 billion in 2019, Adidas is growing at an impressive annual rate of 11.3%, surpassing its fierce competitor, Nike. Still, the company’s brand value is estimated to be less, standing at a still very impressive $6.8 billion. Founded in 1949, Adidas is the largest sports brand in Europe.
It has sponsored many sporting events and athletes and has a strong association with sports like rugby, tennis, baseball and many others. Adidas is also strongly associated with football, as they produce kits for many of the association football teams, as well as balls for the UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup.
3.Under Armour
In recent years, Under Armour has seen great growth, with its brand value estimated at $4.4 billion over the course of just 20 years. The company with a reported $5 billion revenue in 2019 was founded in 1996, receiving its first big break in 1999 after working with Warner Bros., and agreeing to outfit the cast of a renowned film. Under Armour is also a favorite of Dwayne Johnson’s, who has regularly endorsed the sports brand.
4.Puma
After having a fallout with his brother, Rudolf Dassler walked away from Adidas and founded the German-based company, Puma. Their revenue in 2019 is reportedly $4.8 billion, earning the brand a spot on the 5 biggest sports brands list.
They are mostly focused on apparel and equipment for running, gymnastics, golf, and football, though they manufacture for other sports as well. The brand has been endorsed by many renowned athletes, which includes Usain Bolt and Antoine Griezmann, to name a few. The brand is also expecting a collaboration with the global superstar, Beyoncé, which will surely push Puma up the list a few spots.
5.New Balance
This is the oldest sports brand on the list, being founded in 1906. New Balance has reportedly raked in $4.5 billion in 2019. The brand is primarily focused on European football clubs and prominent tennis players, acquiring many endorsements along the way. It is currently a sponsor of the English football club, Liverpool F.C., who are the 2019 UEFA Champions League winners, and 2018 UEFA Champions League finalists.
In this day and age, sports brands have become so popular that they have grown past serving sports attire to gym-goers. Some of these listed brands have even become the go-to destination for streetwear buyers. These icons have gained their popularity through endorsements, while others have seen their revenues surge through celebrity collaborations. One thing is for certain; they are all exceedingly popular. From football and basketball to the super bowl, these brands have covered it all.
The popularity of sports brands begins with quality and design, although it continues to make strides by remaining relevant to modern trends. This is best done through sponsorships, endorsements, and collaborations, as people will always rush to purchase their favorite athlete’s new sneakers or their favorite artist’s sports apparel.