American football is profoundly considered the most popular sport in the United States. As the US doesn’t have an official national sport, the NFL swanks the highest average viewers of 67,000 fans per game compared to any other professional league in the country. More than 80% of American adults have confirmed that football is their favorite sport, and they follow the leagues the most.
The craze of Americans regarding football championships has always been a topic of discussion. Since the Super Bowl and the National Football League (NFL) championships of 2025 came into the spotlight, a significant rise in the demand and sales of sports apparel has been noticed.
This piece of writing from The CEO Views has highlighted and precisely analyzed the impact of American football leagues on the growth of the sports apparel industry in the country. It sheds light on the apparel products high in demand for football leagues, the significance of these apparel in the games, and how these apparel redefine the viewer’s approach to enjoying matches. To explore that, let us first have a look at how the sports apparel industry in general in the USA has evolved over the years.
Evolution of Sportswear Industry in the USA
From bloomers to biodegradables, the American sports apparel industry has undergone a significant amount of changes in the last 30 years. Sportswear is a symbol of identity, gender expression, and social status that goes beyond its utilitarian origins. The transformative journey of sportswear has enhanced athletic performance and influenced casual wear.
During the early 19th century, sportswear witnessed an advancement in female activewear, such as bathing and cycling costumes, that increased mobility, leading to designs like shorter skirts and bloomers.
The true origin of sportswear was uncovered during the pre-World War II in New York, where designers Clare Potter and Claire McCardell used practical fabrics like denim, cotton, and jersey to develop a new evolution of sports apparel as a distinct fashion category.
It was between 1970 and 1980 when fitness freaks and growth in the jogger population gave birth to more breathable and performance-centric fabrics. During this time, iconic brands like Nike and Adidas introduced moisture-wicking technology and air-cushioned soles.
In the early 2000s, a collaboration between sportswear brands and renowned designers created athleisure, a seamless fusion of casual and sportswear. Materials used in this apparel enhanced performance and style, and personalization emerged as a key aspect.
Present-day sports apparel has reached unparalleled heights with cutting-edge technological integration, including artificial intelligence. Brands are now committed to designing eco-friendly apparel using biodegradable materials and promoting clothing recycling. With this evolution, the realm of ‘smart clothes’ has just begun, focusing on environmental sustainability across the product lifecycle.
How American Football is Infleuncing the Sports Apparel Industry?
American football is a significant driver of the US sports apparel industry. It has been impacting it through increased demand for team-branded merchandise, protective gear, and performance apparel. The incredible popularity of the Super Bowl or other NFL games and college football has fueled a growing market for durable, high-quality, and innovative apparel. Disruptive changes like personalization and online sales are further influencing the industry.
According to a 2025 Statista report, the sports apparel market in the US is expected to continue growing, reaching $130 billion by 2025. Nike, the American sportswear manufacturer, is the most valuable sports brand in the globe. In the last two fiscal years, Nike generated over $50 billion, securing the leading athletic apparel, footwear, and accessory company in the world.
Another Statista report has shown that revenue in the American football merchandise market is projected to reach $66.28 million in 2025, with an annual growth rate of 4.25%. A Strategy Scope research has shown that the American football apparel market size was valued at $2.5 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2026-2033, reaching a market growth of $4.5 billion by 2033.
The football apparel market is highly dominated by both professional players and fans, with apparel designed both for performance and for fashion and team spirit. The sports apparel associated with football extends beyond athletes. There are fans who purchase replicas of team jerseys and other merchandise, driving a significant amount of demand for the apparel.
The apparel helps athletes improve their performance while ensuring safety during high-impact activities. On the other hand, fans wear team jerseys and buy other sports merchandise to show their love for American football leagues like Super Bowl. As the demand for high-quality, performance-driven, and durable apparel has risen, it has contributed to the exponential growth of the US sportswear industry. Such growth also influences the sports economy by supporting local businesses, contributing to the global sportswear sector, and increasing tourism in football-centric regions.
