The Market for Sports Clubs and Rental Sports Facilities: An Analysis of the US, Europe, and Global Trends

The sports industry has seen substantial growth globally, with a marked rise in demand for sports clubs and rental sports facilities. This trend is driven by the increasing interest in fitness, wellness, and recreational sports, as well as the growing adoption of flexible rental models for sports venues. Below is an in-depth analysis of the market, including key statistics, regional insights, and future projections.

Market Overview

Global Sports Market Value:

The global sports market, which includes sports clubs, fitness centers, and sporting events, was valued at approximately $500 billion in 2023. It is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9% from 2023 to 2030. This growth is fueled by an increasing global focus on health and wellness, with people dedicating more time and money to fitness and recreational sports activities.
Sports Facility Rentals Market:

The global market for sports facilities, including sports clubs and rental venues, is estimated to reach $30 billion by 2026, with a CAGR of 7.4%. The growing interest in flexible, on-demand access to sports spaces such as soccer fields, tennis courts, and basketball arenas is driving this expansion. This trend is further supported by the increasing popularity of niche sports and recreational activities, particularly in urban environments.

Regional Insights

United States:

Revenue from Sports Clubs and Fitness Facilities:

The U.S. fitness industry, including gyms, sports clubs, and rental sports venues, generated approximately $35 billion in 2023. This market is expected to grow by 6-7% annually through 2030, driven by a combination of increased fitness awareness and a growing preference for flexible, pay-per-use sports facilities.

Rental Sports Facilities:

In the U.S., sports clubs and rental facilities such as basketball courts, soccer fields, and tennis courts are experiencing steady demand. Cities with a high density of sports enthusiasts are seeing increased demand for short-term rentals, which allow people to book sports spaces for one-time events or regular practice sessions. The growth of mobile apps that enable people to easily book sports facilities has been a key driver in this sector.

Trends

The rise of multi-purpose sports complexes that offer various activities and can be rented for different types of sports.

An increasing trend toward smart facility management, using technology for booking, payments, and facility monitoring.

Expansion of youth sports leagues and community sports events.
Europe:

Revenue and Market Size:

The European sports and fitness sector, including sports clubs and rental facilities, generated around €24 billion in 2023, with expected annual growth of 5-6% through 2030.

Rental Sports Facilities:

In Europe, rental sports facilities are popular in urban centers, with demand rising for booking spaces for activities such as tennis, football, and volleyball. The introduction of easy-to-use booking platforms and apps has facilitated the growth of this segment. Countries like the UK, Germany, and France are seeing significant investments in sports infrastructure, making sports venues more accessible and profitable
Trends:

Pay-per-use business models, especially for people who prefer short-term rentals over long-term memberships.
Increasing demand for indoor sports complexes to combat the limitations posed by weather conditions in some regions.

The growth of fitness tourism, which sees visitors seeking short-term access to top-tier sports facilities while traveling.
Other Global Markets:
Asia-Pacific:

The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing rapid growth in the sports rental market, with an estimated market size of $4.8 billion by 2026. This growth is attributed to increasing investments in sports infrastructure and the booming popularity of sports like soccer, tennis, and badminton. Additionally, countries like China, India, and Japan are seeing a rise in middle-class families who are keen on recreational sports.

Latin America and Africa:

Sports clubs and rental facilities in these regions are expanding, with soccer being the dominant sport. The rising urbanization and economic growth in countries like Brazil and South Africa are contributing to the increasing demand for sports rentals. The market is still in its early stages but is expected to grow significantly in the next decade.
Key Drivers of Growth:

Growing Fitness Consciousness:

An increasing number of people are prioritizing physical fitness, which directly contributes to the demand for sports clubs and rental facilities. As people become more health-conscious, the number of gym memberships and sports activities increases, contributing to the overall market expansion.

Technology Integration:

The adoption of mobile apps and online booking platforms has revolutionized the sports facility rental industry. These technologies allow customers to easily book and pay for sports venues, simplifying the process and increasing convenience.

Flexible Payment Models:

The rise of pay-per-use and subscription-based models has made it easier for users to access sports facilities without long-term commitments. This flexibility has attracted a wider customer base, including casual players, travelers, and those who need occasional access to sports spaces.


Urbanization:

The ongoing urbanization in many parts of the world has led to the development of multi-purpose sports complexes in cities, catering to the needs of urban dwellers who may not have access to traditional sports facilities.
Conclusion:

The global sports clubs and rental sports facilities market is set to experience robust growth, fueled by the increasing interest in fitness, recreational activities, and flexibility in venue usage. With projections suggesting steady growth in the U.S., Europe, and emerging markets like Asia-Pacific and Latin America, the industry is evolving rapidly to meet the needs of modern sports enthusiasts. The shift towards digital platforms for booking and managing rentals, along with the expansion of flexible, pay-per-use business models, will continue to shape the future of this dynamic sector.

The future of sports facility rentals looks promising, with the sector expected to play an increasingly important role in the global sports landscape. Whether for personal fitness or community events, rental sports venues are becoming more accessible and integral to the sports industry worldwide.
16 March / 2024
Evgenii Kuznetsov
CEO Founder & Product Manager