Sport Industry Group has released The Sport Industry Report 2025 – our comprehensive first annual study of the UK sports sector, reflecting on emerging challenges, attitudes and trends that will define the year ahead.
Sport Industry Group has released The Sport Industry Report 2025 – our comprehensive first annual study of the UK sports sector, reflecting on emerging challenges, attitudes and trends that will define the year ahead.
The Sport Industry Report 2025 combines essential thought leadership and insights with a landmark twin poll of fans and industry professionals by Nielsen Sports, and exclusive research by EY into the UK’s sports investment ecosystem.
Nick Keller, Chairman, Sport Industry Group, said, “The UK sport industry is thriving. From the global dominance of the Premier League and the prestige of Wimbledon to the rapid rise of women’s sport and Formula One, the sector continues to excel. The UK stands as a central hub for sport globally, delivering world-class teams, rights holders, and agency work.
“The UK sport industry is poised for an exciting future, driven by innovation, inclusivity, and a commitment to sustainability. Whether through data-driven strategies, the rise of women’s sport, or sport’s profound social impact, the opportunities are immense.
The next ten years promise significant growth, and we are excited to see how sport continues to inspire, unite, and lead on a global stage.”
The UK is home to some of sport’s biggest rights holders, along with iconic venues, inspiring creative output and cutting-edge research, providing global leadership and generating billions of pounds for the UK economy.
As the sector heads into a period of disruption, change and opportunity, The Sport Industry Report 2025 has delved into several key topics…
STATE OF THE INDUSTRY
56% of sports fans agree that the UK is ‘the centre of the sporting world’, as well as a consensus that the country hosts the best sport events.
INVESTMENT
The UK sports industry is attracting healthy global investment; more will follow if it can navigate a changing media rights marketplace, generate new sources of value and connect to thriving adjacent verticals.
SUSTAINABILITY & SOCIAL CHANGE
Sport can lean into its community strengths as it seeks collective action on sustainability – and fans are ready to offer direct financial support for change.
TECHNOLOGY
The impact of technology is viewed as a net positive by the UK sports community, as emerging solutions promise deeper personalisation, more effective engagement, and greater output than ever before.
INSIDE THE REPORT
Alongside a landmark survey produced in partnership with Nielsen Sports, The Sport Industry Report 2025 includes contributions from industry experts across five key verticals that are reshaping UK sport: women’s sport, sustainability, the fan experience, technology, and investment.
Across each area, it found cause for optimism, collaboration and creative thinking in the year ahead.
Women’s sport still enjoys widespread popular support among fans and professionals, with its growth set to outperform the rest of the industry by a considerable margin.
Fans are eager to embrace innovation, as evolutions in venue design and event delivery reflect the needs of more supporters and connect physical and digital experiences.
Sport can lean into its community strengths as it seeks collective action on sustainability – and fans are ready to offer direct financial support for change.
The impact of technology is viewed as a net positive by the UK sports community, as emerging solutions promise deeper personalisation, more effective engagement, and greater output than ever before.
The UK sports industry is attracting healthy global investment; more will follow if it can navigate a changing media rights marketplace, generate new sources of value and connect to thriving adjacent verticals.
Download The Sport Industry Report
Download The Sport Industry Report
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