5. New Balance
Worldwide sportswear sales: $4.1 billion
Main sports product: Shoes
Founded in: 1906
Based in: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Owned by: New Balance, Inc.
Another business that mostly focuses on footwear rounds out the Top 5 on the market for sports brands. Originally established in 1906 to produce arch supports, New Balance currently sells its own line of footwear (alongside other sports lifestyle clothing).
6. Lululemon Athletica
Worldwide sportswear sales: $3.3 billion
Main sports product: Yoga apparel
Founded in: 1998
Based in: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Owned by: Lululemon Athletica, Inc.
Lululemon Athletica is evidence that you don’t necessarily need to sell shoes to succeed on the market for athletic brands. The Canadian business, which was started in 1998, is today recognized as the top producer of yoga apparel. Given the widespread acceptance of yoga around the world, it is not surprising that Lululemon is listed among the top 10 sportswear companies.
7. Asics
Worldwide sportswear sales: $3.2 billion
Main sports product: Shoes
Founded in: 1949
Based in: Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Owned by: Asics Corporation
Another shoe manufacturer in the Top 10 sportswear companies is Asics. The Kobe, Japan-based business was established in 1949 and is best known for their running shoes. Asics offers gear for gymnastics and fitness in addition to shoes.
