Sports Flooring Market

Market Overview

The global sports flooring market size was valued at USD 2.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach a value of USD 3.1 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 3.7% during the forecast period (2024-2032). The increasing need for sports amenities, particularly in high schools, colleges, and universities around the world, directly impacts the growth of the sports flooring market.

Sports flooring is specifically designed surfaces that provide a safe, long-lasting, high-performance playing environment for various sports and physical activities. These flooring systems are designed to satisfy the unique needs of each sport, ensuring player safety, comfort, and peak performance. Sports flooring is widely utilized in indoor and outdoor sports facilities, gymnasiums, fitness centers, schools, and leisure spaces.

The increasing need for gyms and sports areas will drive the sports flooring market share. The growing interest in outdoor and indoor sports, a rise in the number of health-conscious people, the introduction of new sports flooring with innovative materials, and an increase in sports hobbyists are all driving product demand. Furthermore, expanding research and development activities and rising infrastructural development have increased the demand for gyms. As a result, these factors will increase demand for sports flooring and contribute to market growth throughout the projection period. 

However, fluctuations in raw material pricing affect the overall demand for sports flooring. This restricts product demand and is expected to slow market growth.

Highlights

• Outdoor generates the highest revenue share of the market by product type.
• Wood is the most common material used in the market.
• The commercial segment dominates the market by end-users.

Market Dynamics

Global Sports Flooring Market Drivers:

Rising Participation in Sports and Fitness Activities

As global awareness of the benefits of physical fitness and sports participation grows, so does the demand for sports facilities and related infrastructure. This trend increases the demand for high-quality sports flooring solutions tailored to various sports and fitness activities, resulting in market growth. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in sports participation and fitness activities among various demographics worldwide. In 2023, 242 million Americans, or nearly 80% of those aged six and up, participated in at least one sport or fitness activity, representing a 2.2% increase over 2022. This is the most significant number of people participating in an activity yearly.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a lack of physical activity is a significant risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. The World Health Organization estimates that 4-5 million deaths could be avoided yearly if the global population became more active. Globally, one-third of women and one-fourth of men do not meet the global physical activity recommendations. Adults with less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week are considered physically inactive. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of many types of cancer by 8-28%, heart disease and stroke by 19%, diabetes by 17%, depression and dementia by 28-32%, and hypertension. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight while improving your mental health, quality of life, and overall well-being. Governments, health organizations, and communities actively promote physical activity initiatives to address this global health challenge and encourage people to live more actively.

Additionally, according to the International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), the fitness industry is growing around the globe. According to an IHRSA member club survey conducted in 2023, club and studio operators are optimistic about the future of the fitness industry. Approximately 80% of respondents expect revenue and membership to increase by more than 5% in 2023. This increase reflects the growing demand for sports and fitness amenities, such as high-quality sports flooring for gyms, studios, and multipurpose sports facilities.

Global Sports Flooring Market Restraints:

High Initial Investment Cost

High-quality sports flooring systems frequently require significant upfront costs, including materials, labor, and specialized equipment. The initial investment may hinder upgrading or installing new flooring solutions for sports facilities with limited funds, particularly for smaller or community-based venues. Sports flooring costs vary according to the type, court size, and geographical location. For example, a maple hardwood floor for a gym can range in price from USD 58,000 to USD 184,000, depending on the court size. The cost of wood can vary significantly due to global factors such as supply and demand, harvesting, and transportation. 

While the initial installation costs may appear high, it is critical to consider the total cost of ownership (TCO) over the life of the sports flooring system. TCO considerations include maintenance and repair costs, lifecycle replacement costs, energy efficiency, and long-term durability. Investing in high-quality sports flooring solutions with lower lifecycle costs can lead to long-term savings over cheaper alternatives with higher maintenance requirements and shorter lifespans. While the high initial investment costs associated with sports flooring installations may be a barrier for facility owners and operators, the long-term benefits and returns on investment regarding safety, performance, and player satisfaction make the expense worthwhile. 

Global Sports Flooring Market Opportunity:

Incorporating smart technologies, digital sensors, and IoT (Internet of Things) capabilities into sports flooring systems improves performance monitoring, maintenance management, and user experience customization. Innovative flooring solutions with sensors for tracking player movement, monitoring surface conditions, and analyzing performance data can provide valuable insights for athletes, coaches, and facility managers, helping to optimize training programs and facility operations.

Additionally, smart sports flooring systems are becoming increasingly popular in various sports, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, and track and field. For example, the NBA used a glass LED basketball court for the 2024 All-Star game. The LED video floor is constructed with specialty safety glass and a double spring substructure, making it more elastic than hardwood boards. The court also has athlete tracking systems, which allow players to keep track of each other's positions. Smart sports flooring solutions enable facility owners and operators to improve the user experience, attract sponsorships, and generate new revenue streams by leveraging data-driven analytics, personalized training programs, and interactive fan experiences. For example, smart flooring systems can enable augmented reality (AR) applications, interactive games, and immersive training simulations that engage athletes and spectators in novel and captivating ways.

Moreover, incorporating smart technologies into sports flooring systems improves facility management and maintenance by enabling remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and energy efficiency. Smart sensors embedded in the flooring surface can detect surface wear, moisture levels, and temperature fluctuations, alerting facility managers to potential maintenance issues before they worsen, lowering downtime and operating costs.

Regional Analysis

The global sports flooring market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global sports flooring market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.3% over the forecast period. North America has the largest share of the sports flooring market, accounting for 30% during the forecast period. Sports flooring is in high demand across various applications because it supports market expansion, including indoor and outdoor sports. The region is home to famous sports clubs such as MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA, and NHL, so the sports flooring market will be vital. Sports provide numerous benefits for both individuals and society. The number of people who want to participate in sports has also increased, adding to the demand for sports infrastructure. As a result, demand for local goods and services is expected to rise in the coming years.

Furthermore, indoor sports complexes are gaining popularity among the US government and private organizations. Furthermore, as people become more aware of the value of physical activity in maintaining good health, the number of indoor sports activities is expected to grow. Indoor sports participation in the United States has increased significantly over the last few years, indicating a positive sports flooring market trend. Further, Beynon (Tarkett) is the official supplier of Beynon (Tarkett) sports flooring products in Canada for Athletics Canada through Playtech. Countries and sports governing bodies rely heavily on corporate sponsorships to generate revenue, which drives sales.

Asia-Pacific represents 25% of the global sports flooring market, growing at a  CAGR of 3.5%, with South Asia and Oceania accounting for 15% and East Asia accounting for 10%. With rising demand in the sports infrastructure sector, the sports flooring market presents promising opportunities. Polyurethane-based Flooring is becoming more popular and widely used in residential settings, fueling growth in the region's flooring market. Furthermore, increased urbanization and rapid infrastructure development drive demand for sports flooring, which is expected to propel market growth. Sports flooring will become more popular as sports complexes and stadiums are built, and the government commits to promoting sports in rural areas. 

For example, from August 4 to 6, 2022, Greater Noida will host Sport India 2022, the tenth edition of the India International Sporting Goods Show. The India Expo Centre will host one of the country's most prominent sports and fitness business expos. The exhibition will feature a variety of sports goods, including sportswear and accessories, fitness, gym and rehabilitation equipment, and sports flooring.

Europe is expected to experience moderate growth over the forecast period. The increased use of polyurethane-based Flooring in residential buildings will drive market growth in Europe. In 2023, Europe's love of sports remained strong, with fans returning to gyms and stadiums. According to the European Commission, sports activities increased slightly between 2014 and 2019, but these statistics only include non-work-related physical activities.

The Middle East and Africa are expected to experience significant growth due to increased product demand in commercial buildings.

Segmental Analysis

The global sports flooring market is segmented based on product type, material, and end-use.

The market is further segmented by product type into Outdoor and indoor.

Outdoor sports flooring will account for most of the market. Outdoor sports flooring is surfaces intended for use in open-air settings such as parks, stadiums, and recreational areas. These flooring options are designed to withstand exposure to weather elements such as sunlight, rain, and temperature fluctuations while providing durability, traction, and performance for outdoor activities. Synthetic turf, rubberized surfaces, and concrete or asphalt coatings are the most common outdoor sports flooring materials. Outdoor Flooring is ideal for various sports, including soccer, tennis, basketball, and track and field events. It has advantages such as weather resistance, low maintenance requirements, and versatility in community parks, school playgrounds, and professional sports facilities.

Indoor sports flooring is intended for use in enclosed spaces like gymnasiums, fitness centers, and indoor arenas. Indoor sports and fitness activities benefit from these flooring solutions, prioritizing shock absorption, traction, and ball response. Indoor sports flooring options include hardwood, synthetic surfaces, and polymer-modified cementitious systems. Hardwood flooring is popular in basketball courts and dance studios because it has a classic appearance, is durable, and performs well. Synthetic surfaces, such as rubber and vinyl, offer versatility, durability, and customization options for multipurpose indoor spaces. Indoor sports flooring systems are designed to meet the specific needs of athletes and fitness enthusiasts, providing benefits such as impact resistance, noise reduction, and consistent performance.

Based on material, the market is fragmented into Wood, Rubber, and Polymer.

The wood floor segment accounts for 50% of the market and is expected to grow significantly over the evaluation period. Wood flooring is a classic choice for indoor sports surfaces, known for its durability, resilience, and timeless appeal. Wood flooring, typically made of hardwoods like maple or oak, provides excellent shock absorption and ball response, making it ideal for basketball courts, volleyball courts, and dance studios. Wood flooring systems are meticulously installed with tongue-and-groove boards, resulting in a smooth and seamless surface for athletic activities. While wood flooring requires periodic maintenance, such as refinishing and sealing, to maintain its performance and aesthetic appeal, it is still a popular choice for high-end indoor sports facilities due to its timeless elegance and superior performance characteristics.

Polymer flooring, or synthetic Flooring, consists of various materials such as vinyl, polyurethane, and epoxy resins engineered to provide performance, durability, and versatility for sports surfaces. Vinyl flooring, which includes vinyl composite tiles (VCT) and luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), is affordable, easy to install, and customizable for indoor sports facilities, dance studios, and fitness areas. Polyurethane flooring systems offer superior impact resistance, chemical resistance, and seamless surfaces ideal for high-traffic sports venues, arena concourses, and corridors. Due to its strength, durability, and decorative capabilities, epoxy resin flooring is famous for indoor sports courts, spectator areas, and locker rooms. Polymer flooring provides low maintenance, quick installation, and design flexibility, allowing architects and facility owners to create customized sports surfaces based on their specific needs and aesthetic preferences.

By end-use, the segment can be further bifurcated into Residential and commercial.

Commercial Flooring held the largest market share. Sports flooring solutions are designed for commercial, public, and institutional use. Many customers use commercial sports flooring, including fitness centers, sports clubs, schools, universities, and corporate wellness facilities. These facilities require sports flooring systems that withstand high foot traffic, strenuous workouts, and multipurpose use while maintaining safety, performance, and durability. Commercial sports flooring materials include rubber, vinyl, hardwood, and synthetic surfaces, which provide facility operators with versatility, customization options, and brand identity opportunities. Commercial sports flooring solutions are designed to meet various end users' unique needs and preferences, allowing for multiple sports, fitness activities, and recreational programs in commercial settings.

In the residential market, sports flooring solutions are designed for homes, apartments, and other private residences. Residential sports flooring is designed for homeowners who want dedicated spaces for indoor sports, fitness activities, and recreational pursuits. Residential sports flooring is commonly used in home gyms, exercise rooms, basement play areas, and game rooms. Residential sports flooring materials range from rubber mats and interlocking tiles to hardwood and synthetic surfaces, providing durability, comfort, and performance for various activities. Residential sports flooring solutions are intended to withstand the demands of daily use while complementing the aesthetics of residential interiors, thereby improving the overall quality of life for homeowners and families.

Recent Developments

• January 2024- CONICA is constantly striving to understand the diverse needs of athletes. To help achieve this goal, the Switzerland-based company is incorporating athletic expertise internally. Marybeth Sant-Price, an American track and field sprinter with a world record, and Sylvia Schulz, a German 400m hurdles athlete who competed for Germany at the World Athletics Championship U20, were recently added to the team.
• April 2024- The International Padel Federation (FIP) recognized Mondo as its Official Global Turf Partner. The agreement names Mondo as the Official Supplier in charge of providing advanced sports flooring solutions for Padel during FIP competitions.