France Team Sports Equipment Market Report 2025
Executive Summary
The French team sports equipment market in 2025 presents a mature but evolving landscape. While overall growth is moderating to 1.8% in 2025—the lowest rate in a decade—the market remains substantial at €17.1 billion for the broader sporting equipment sector. Digital transformation, sustainability initiatives, and shifting consumer preferences are reshaping how team sports equipment is manufactured, distributed, and purchased in France.
Market Overview and Size
The French sporting equipment market is projected to reach
€17.1 billion in 2025, with the sports equipment segment specifically valued at
US$3.05 billionStatista Market Forecast. This represents a significant market, though growth has decelerated from the post-COVID boom that saw 30% progression from 2020 to 2024.
Growth Trajectory
| Period | Growth Rate | Key Context |
|---|
| 2020-2025 | 7.3% CAGR | Post-COVID recovery period |
| 2024 | 1.7% | Lowest growth in a decade |
| 2025 (Projected) | 1.8% | Continued moderation |
| 2022-2030 (Projected) | 6.2% CAGR | Long-term outlook: US$19.7B by 2030 |
The slowdown in 2025 reflects market saturation, economic headwinds, and reduced public budgets. However, the market maintains resilience through innovation, digitalization, and expanding into niche segments like adaptive sports and smart equipment.
Competitive Landscape: The Power Players
The French team sports equipment market is dominated by large-scale general retailers, with specialized brands and international sportswear giants fighting for market share.
Market Share Distribution
Large-Scale Retailers (Decathlon, Intersport, Sport 2000): ~60% market share
These general sports retailers dominate through competitive pricing, diverse product ranges, and strong private label offerings. They control the majority of team sports equipment sales across France.
International Sports Brands (Nike, Adidas, Puma, Under Armour): ~20% market share
Premium brands capture a fifth of the market by focusing on quality, lifestyle appeal, and brand prestige. They increasingly develop their own distribution channels rather than relying solely on retailers.
The Big Three: Attractiveness Rankings 2025
According to the Ipsos/Bonial 2025 attractiveness barometer:
| Rank | Brand | Attractiveness Score | Key Strengths |
|---|
| 1 | Decathlon | 38.4/100 | Price-quality ratio, product variety, accessibility |
| 2 | Intersport | 27.8/100 | Promotion frequency, local presence |
| 3 | Nike | 20.7/100 | Lifestyle appeal, highest basket value (€104) |
Decathlon maintains its position as the undisputed leader, recognized as the world's largest sports retailer
Fortune Europe. Its private label
Kipsta has become a major force in team sports equipment, recently partnering with footballer Antoine Griezmann to co-create products that blend performance with affordability.
Team Sports Equipment Suppliers in France
Our investigation identified manufacturers and suppliers specifically focused on team sports equipment within France. While the market revealed challenges in finding pure-play team sports equipment manufacturers—reflecting the dominance of large retailers with vertically integrated supply chains—several specialized producers emerged.
Top French Manufacturers
Key Findings:
-
KHEIRON inclusive innovations stands out as a perfect match (score: 100), specializing in adaptive sports equipment including wheelchair rugby, basketball, and handball gear. This reflects the growing importance of inclusive sports following the Paris Paralympic Games visibility boost.
-
ETS LEPERE (score: 100) focuses specifically on rugby equipment manufacturing, producing jerseys, shorts, and sportswear in Nay, France—highlighting regional specialization in traditional French sports.
-
SUBLI SPORT (score: 82) offers personalized team apparel and custom jerseys, capitalizing on the customization trend with operations spanning France, Portugal, and Bulgaria.
The relatively low number of high-scoring matches (only 2 perfect matches out of 90 suppliers searched) reveals an important market characteristic: France's team sports equipment sector is dominated by large retail brands with extensive sourcing networks rather than specialized local manufacturers. Many "suppliers" in France function as distributors or custom service providers rather than primary manufacturers.
Popular Team Sports and Participation
Leading Team Sports by Participation
Football remains the undisputed king of French team sports, with the largest base of licensed participants. However, 2025 sees strong growth in:
- Basketball: Experiencing significant growth in licensed participants
- Handball: Shows robust participation rates, particularly strong in France
- Rugby: Maintains a dedicated following with regional concentrations
- Volleyball: Growing but with lower overall participation compared to other team sports
Equipment Implications
The dominance of football drives massive demand for:
- Football boots and cleats
- Training gear and balls
- Goals and nets
- Team uniforms and jerseys
- Goalkeeper equipment
Meanwhile, the
Padel boom represents an emerging opportunity, identified as a key growth driver even as other segments slow
Patrick Bayeux Analysis.
Major Market Trends Shaping 2025
1. E-Commerce Transformation
The digital revolution is fundamentally changing how French consumers buy team sports equipment:
| Metric | Value | Year |
|---|
| E-commerce market share | 21.9% | 2024 |
| Projected market share | >25% | 2029 |
| Online sales growth (Dec 2024) | +12.44% | 2024 |
| Physical store growth (Dec 2024) | -0.59% | 2024 |
| Consumer online preference | 70% | 2024 |
Key Insight: While 87% of French consumers still purchase some equipment in-store, 49% now buy at least as much online as offline
Baromètre Enseignes Sport 2025. Physical stores are evolving into experience centers rather than pure sales points.
Running, fitness, and outdoor equipment lead online sales, but team sports equipment is increasingly purchased digitally as consumers grow comfortable ordering technical items remotely.
2. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Equipment
Environmental consciousness is driving product innovation:
- Recycled materials in footballs and training equipment
- Sustainable manufacturing processes
- Extended product lifecycles
- Growth of second-hand sports equipment markets
This trend aligns with French consumer preferences and regulatory pressures for eco-responsibility.
3. Smart Sports Equipment
The France Smart Sports Equipment Market is experiencing rapid growth:
- 2024 Value: USD 80.61 Million
- 2033 Projection: USD 175.7 Million
- CAGR: 9.04% (2026-2033)Deep Market Insights
Wearables, smart sensors, and connected training equipment are transforming team sports, enabling:
- Real-time performance tracking
- Injury prevention through biometric monitoring
- Data-driven training optimization
- Enhanced fan engagement
4. Personalization and Customization
Growing demand for personalized team sports equipment includes:
- Custom team jerseys and uniforms
- Personalized training gear
- Specialized equipment for para-athletes
- Name and number customization
This trend benefits specialized suppliers like SUBLI SPORT who offer custom printing and sublimation services.
5. Post-Paralympic Boost in Adaptive Equipment
The Paris Paralympic Games increased visibility and investment in adaptive sports:
- Wheelchair basketball and rugby equipment
- Modified handball gear
- Specialized training equipment for athletes with disabilities
Manufacturers like KHEIRON inclusive innovations are well-positioned to capitalize on this growing segment.
European Supply Chain Connections
Given France's integration into European supply chains, we also examined European manufacturers exporting to France. The analysis revealed limited specialized team sports equipment manufacturers even at the European level (only 1 perfect match and 1 good match out of 90 suppliers searched).
Notable European suppliers include:
- SUBLI SPORT (France/Portugal/Bulgaria) - Custom team jerseys and football apparel
- RESEAU SUBLI SL (Spain) - Rugby, football, handball, volleyball, and basketball apparel
This reinforces that team sports equipment production is concentrated in Asia, with European operations focused on customization, distribution, and niche specialized products rather than mass manufacturing.
Challenges Facing the Market
1. Slowing Growth and Economic Pressures
With growth at its lowest point in a decade (1.7% in 2024), the market faces:
- Reduced consumer spending power
- Decreased public budgets for sports facilities and programs
- Market saturation in traditional categories
2. Retail Consolidation
Small independent retailers struggle as major brands pursue direct-to-consumer strategies, squeezing traditional distribution channels.
3. Supply Chain Complexity
Reliance on Asian manufacturing with European customization creates logistical challenges, particularly in managing inventory and lead times for seasonal team sports.
4. Competition from Athleisure
The "athleisure" trend—athletic wear for everyday use—diverts spending from pure sports equipment to lifestyle products, with the footwear segment benefiting most (8.5% growth in 2024)
Patrick Bayeux Analysis.
Opportunities and Future Outlook
Despite slower growth, the French team sports equipment market offers significant opportunities:
Short-Term (2025-2026)
- Padel equipment: Capitalize on the padel boom with specialized gear
- E-commerce optimization: Enhance online experience and logistics
- Smart equipment integration: Launch connected training tools for team sports
- Sustainability positioning: Develop and market eco-friendly product lines
Medium-Term (2026-2030)
- Adaptive sports expansion: Grow inclusive equipment offerings
- Omnichannel excellence: Blend physical and digital experiences seamlessly
- Personalization at scale: Leverage technology for mass customization
- Second-hand marketplaces: Establish platforms for used equipment trading
Market Projections
Looking ahead, the broader France sports equipment market is expected to reach
US$19.7 billion by 2030 with a 6.2% CAGR from 2022-2030
Grand View Research, suggesting that the current slowdown is temporary as the market adjusts post-COVID and pre-Olympic effects normalize.
Strategic Recommendations
For businesses operating in or entering the French team sports equipment market:
-
Embrace Digital Transformation: Invest in e-commerce infrastructure, digital marketing, and online customer experience. E-commerce will exceed 25% market share by 2029.
-
Focus on Differentiation: In a market dominated by Decathlon's price-quality leadership, success requires clear differentiation through specialization, sustainability, technology integration, or superior service.
-
Leverage Customization: The personalization trend offers margin opportunities, particularly for team uniforms and specialized equipment.
-
Target Growing Segments: Prioritize emerging categories like adaptive sports equipment, smart/connected gear, and eco-friendly products where competition is less intense.
-
Build Omnichannel Strategies: Physical stores remain relevant as experience centers. Successful players will integrate online convenience with in-store expertise and service.
-
Partner with Sports Organizations: Direct relationships with clubs, federations, and schools provide stable B2B revenue streams and brand visibility.
Conclusion
The France team sports equipment market in 2025 stands at an inflection point. While headline growth has slowed to 1.8%, the market remains substantial and dynamic, with digital transformation, sustainability, and technological innovation creating new value pools.
Success belongs to players who can navigate the dominance of large retailers like Decathlon, embrace e-commerce growth, and innovate in emerging categories like adaptive sports and smart equipment. The market's maturity demands sophistication—competing on more than just price requires differentiation through technology, sustainability, customization, and superior customer experience.
For manufacturers, suppliers, and brands, France represents a sophisticated, demanding market where quality, innovation, and omnichannel excellence separate winners from the rest. The team sports equipment sector, while challenged by slower growth, offers substantial opportunities for those who can adapt to evolving consumer preferences and leverage the ongoing digital and sustainability transformations reshaping European sports retail.