Handball Global Market Report 2025

The handball market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.19 billion in 2024 to $1.27 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to the expansion of grassroots clubs, inclusion of the sport in school physical education programs, success of national teams and increased visibility through major tournaments, rising urbanization driving demand for indoor recreational activities, and growth in corporate sponsorship and local patronage.

The handball market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.66 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the expansion of youth academies and talent development pathways, rising participation of women and girls in the sport, increased government investment in multipurpose indoor arenas, growth in school and college-level competitions, and the rise of corporate wellness and community sport initiatives. Major trends in the forecast period include ultra-wideband-connected ball tracking, radio frequency identification-enabled player and equipment tagging, computer vision-based officiating and instant replay systems, artificial intelligence and machine learning-driven performance analytics, and internet of things-enabled smart arenas and equipment.

The increasing awareness of physical activity is expected to drive the growth of the handball market in the coming years. Physical activity refers to any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure, encompassing various forms such as exercise, sports, occupational tasks, and daily movements. A key factor contributing to the growing awareness of physical activity is the widespread dissemination of health education, as well-informed individuals are more likely to understand the physical, mental, and social benefits of regular movement, promoting a culture of active living. Handball serves as an engaging, team-based sport that not only encourages participation across different age groups but also highlights the social and health benefits of consistent physical activity. For instance, in June 2024, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), a Switzerland based United Nations agency, global efforts are focused on achieving a 10 percent relative reduction in physical inactivity among adults and adolescents by 2025, increasing to 15 percent by 2030. Therefore, the increasing awareness of physical activity is driving the growth of the handball market.

Key companies operating in the handball market are focusing on developing innovative solutions such as smart and sustainable handballs to enhance gameplay precision and promote environmental responsibility. A smart and sustainable handball is an advanced sports ball that integrates sensor technology for real time performance tracking and is made from eco friendly or recycled materials to reduce environmental impact. For instance, in April 2024, Handball Bundesliga GmbH (HBL), a Germany based professional handball league organization, launched the Planet HBL. The product features integrated motion sensing technology that records live data such as ball speed and trajectory, improving analytics and fan engagement. Additionally, it uses recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) materials, demonstrating the growing focus on sustainability and resource efficiency in professional handball equipment.

In June 2024, EHF Marketing GmbH, an Austria based sports marketing subsidiary of the European Handball Federation, extended its official match ball partnership with SELECT Sport A S to supply official match balls and equipment for Europe’s premier club competitions. Through this partnership, EHF Marketing ensures a unified ball supply and branding for EHF club tournaments for four seasons (2024 25-2027 28), supporting consistent equipment standards, event activations, and product innovation across elite competitions. SELECT Sport A S is a Denmark based sports equipment and ball manufacturer.

Major players in the handball market are Nike Inc., Adidas AG, Decathlon S.A., Puma SE, Under Armour, Asics Corporation, Mizuno Corporation, Hummel International, Bison Inc., Molten Corporation, Select Sport, Joma Sport, COSCO Sports Equipment, Givova, Jako AG, Erima GmbH, Errea, Rovia Sports, Stanno Pty Ltd., Salming Sports AB, and Kempa Sports.

Europe was the largest region in the handball market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in handball report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The sudden escalation of U.S. tariffs and the consequent trade frictions in spring 2025 are severely impacting the recreation sector, particularly in the supply of imported sports equipment, outdoor gear, and leisure products. Manufacturers and retailers are facing higher costs for items such as bicycles, camping gear, fitness machines, and gaming consoles, much of which are sourced from overseas with limited domestic alternatives. Small businesses operating in the recreational retail space are especially affected, with some reducing inventory or increasing prices to offset margin pressure. Event organizers and recreational facilities are also facing cost hikes for imported equipment and infrastructure materials. In response, the industry is exploring alternative sourcing from tariff-free regions, increasing reliance on local suppliers, and urging policymakers to consider exemptions for non-essential but widely used recreational products.

The handball market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides handball market statistics, including handball industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a handball market share, detailed handball market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the handball industry. This handball market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

Handball is a team sport played on an indoor court where two teams pass and dribble a small ball with their hands to score by throwing it into the opponent’s goal, with seven players on each side including a goalkeeper. The objective is to outscore the opponent while promoting fitness, coordination, and teamwork through fast and strategic play.

The key types of handball are indoor handball, beach handball, and field handball. Indoor handball is a dynamic, fast-paced sport played on an indoor court where two teams compete to score goals by passing and throwing the ball into the opposing team’s net. The primary demographic groups participating in the sport include children (5-12 years), teens (13-19 years), young adults (20-35 years), adults (36-50 years), and seniors (50+ years). Revenue sources include ticket sales, sponsorships and partnerships, media rights, merchandise sales, and memberships and subscriptions, distributed through channels such as online stores, specialty stores, supermarkets or hypermarkets, and others. It serves various end users including clubs and associations, schools and colleges, individual players, youth and junior handball, professional players, and amateur players.

The countries covered in the handball market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The handball market consists of sales of handball training equipment, coaching accessories, goalkeeper gloves, player bags, water bottles, whistles, scoreboards, and court flooring systems. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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