Sportswear Market Share Calculator
Market Share Calculator
Enter annual revenues for major sportswear brands to see their market share percentages.
When you think of sportswear, one name usually pops up first: Nike. But is it really the biggest seller? The answer isn’t just about logos on shirts or viral ads. It’s about real numbers-how much money these companies make, how many products they move, and where they dominate. In 2025, Nike remains the undisputed leader in global sportswear sales, pulling in over $52 billion in revenue last year. That’s more than the next three competitors combined.
Nike’s Dominance Isn’t Just About Shoes
Nike doesn’t just sell running shoes or basketball jerseys. It sells identity. A pair of Air Jordans isn’t just footwear-it’s culture. A training top with the Swoosh isn’t just fabric-it’s a signal. That’s why Nike sells over 1.5 billion pairs of shoes and 1.2 billion apparel items annually. Their revenue comes from every corner of the world: North America, Europe, China, and even fast-growing markets like India and Brazil.
What sets Nike apart isn’t just volume. It’s control. They own their supply chain, their retail stores, and their digital platforms. Their app has over 300 million registered users. That’s more than the population of Brazil. Every time someone uses the Nike app to buy a pair of sneakers or track a run, Nike collects data, builds loyalty, and locks in repeat sales.
Adidas: The Close Second
Adidas is the only brand that comes close. In 2024, they hit $24 billion in revenue-nearly half of Nike’s. They’ve made big moves in sustainability, launching shoes made from ocean plastic and pledging to go carbon neutral by 2050. Their Ultraboost line and Y-3 collaborations with designer Yohji Yamamoto keep them relevant in fashion circles.
But Adidas has struggled with consistency. They’ve cycled through CEOs, changed marketing strategies every few years, and lost ground in North America. While they still sell over 500 million pairs of shoes a year, their growth has stalled. In the U.S., they’ve dropped to third place behind Nike and Under Armour in sportswear sales.
Under Armour, Puma, and the Rest
Under Armour used to be the third big player. But after a string of missteps-overexpansion, inventory problems, and failed product lines-they’re now a fraction of Nike’s size. In 2025, they’re projected to make just $5.1 billion. They still have loyal users, especially in performance gear for football and training, but they’re no longer a global force.
Puma is having a quiet resurgence. Thanks to deals with celebrities like Rihanna (Fenty x Puma) and athletes like Usain Bolt, they’ve grown sales by 12% year-over-year. They’re now the fifth-largest sportswear brand, with $8.3 billion in revenue. But they’re still far behind Nike and Adidas in scale.
Other names like New Balance, Anta, and Li-Ning are growing, but mostly in regional markets. Anta, based in China, is now the largest sportswear brand in its home country, with $7.9 billion in sales. But globally, it’s still behind Puma.
Why Nike Keeps Winning
Nike’s lead isn’t accidental. It’s built on three things: innovation, marketing, and data.
First, innovation. They invest over $2 billion a year in R&D. Their Flyknit technology reduces material waste by 60% compared to traditional shoe-making. Their Air Zoom cushioning is used in over 90% of Olympic sprinters’ shoes. They don’t just follow trends-they set them.
Second, marketing. Nike doesn’t just sponsor athletes-they turn them into icons. Serena Williams, LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, Simone Biles-these aren’t just endorsers. They’re part of Nike’s story. Their “Just Do It” campaign has been running for 35 years and still feels fresh.
Third, data. Nike’s direct-to-consumer model means they know exactly who’s buying what, when, and why. They use that data to personalize ads, predict demand, and design products people actually want. Their app doesn’t just sell shoes-it builds habits. And habits mean lifelong customers.
The Bigger Picture: Sportswear Is No Longer Just for Athletes
The sportswear market exploded because people stopped wearing it only to work out. Athleisure changed everything. Yoga pants, hoodies, and sneakers became everyday wear. In 2025, over 60% of sportswear sales come from casual, non-athletic use. That’s why Nike dominates. They didn’t just make gear for runners-they made gear for everyone.
Adidas tried to catch up with streetwear collabs. Puma leaned into fashion. But Nike was already there. They didn’t need to pivot. They were already living in the lifestyle space.
What’s Next?
Will Nike stay on top? Probably. But the threats are real. China’s Anta and Li-Ning are investing heavily in tech and local marketing. Startups like Allbirds and Lululemon are stealing market share in eco-friendly and premium activewear. And Gen Z is more skeptical of big brands-they want transparency, ethics, and uniqueness.
Nike is responding. They’re launching more sustainable lines, expanding into digital fashion (NFT sneakers), and partnering with indie designers. But their biggest advantage remains scale. No other brand can match their global reach, production power, or customer data.
So, who’s the largest sportswear seller? It’s Nike. Not because they’re the flashiest or the cheapest. But because they’ve built a system that turns products into experiences-and customers into communities.
Is Nike the biggest sportswear brand in the world?
Yes, Nike is the largest sportswear brand in the world by revenue, with over $52 billion in sales in 2024. They lead in both footwear and apparel, and their global presence in retail, digital platforms, and athlete sponsorships gives them a significant edge over competitors like Adidas and Puma.
How does Adidas compare to Nike in sales?
Adidas is the second-largest sportswear brand, with around $24 billion in revenue in 2024-less than half of Nike’s. While Adidas has strong sales in Europe and popular lines like Ultraboost and Y-3, they’ve lost ground in North America and struggle with consistent growth. Nike’s direct-to-consumer model and digital ecosystem give them a much larger customer base and higher repeat purchase rates.
Is Under Armour still a major player in sportswear?
Under Armour is no longer a major global player. After years of declining sales, inventory issues, and failed product launches, they generated only $5.1 billion in revenue in 2024. They still have a loyal following in performance gear, especially among football and training athletes, but they’ve fallen far behind Nike, Adidas, and even Puma in market share and brand influence.
What makes Nike different from other sportswear brands?
Nike stands out because of its control over the entire customer experience. They design, manufacture, market, and sell directly through their own stores and app. They invest heavily in R&D-over $2 billion a year-and turn athletes into cultural icons. Their app has 300 million users, allowing them to collect real-time data and personalize everything from product design to marketing messages.
Are Chinese brands like Anta and Li-Ning catching up?
Yes, but mostly within China. Anta is now the top sportswear brand in China with $7.9 billion in sales, and Li-Ning has gained popularity with younger consumers through bold designs and national pride marketing. However, outside China, their global presence is still small. Neither has the international retail footprint, digital infrastructure, or global athlete roster to challenge Nike or Adidas on a worldwide scale.
Is the sportswear market shrinking or growing?
The sportswear market is growing, not shrinking. Global sales are expected to exceed $600 billion by 2027. The biggest driver? Athleisure-people wearing sportswear for daily life, not just workouts. This shift has opened up new customer segments and allowed brands like Nike to expand beyond traditional sports into fashion, tech, and lifestyle.
