Sports Teams and Clubs NAICS 711211

Sep 8, 2025 - Revenue, Employment Up

• Revenue for spectator sports, including sports teams and clubs, increased 10.3% in Q4 2024 year over year and was up 17.2% compared to the previous quarter, according to data from the Census Bureau. Employment by sports teams and clubs increased 8.5% in June 2025 compared to a year ago, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment by sports teams and clubs has grown nearly 33% over the past 10 years, faster than the 13.2% growth in overall private employment. Average wages for nonsupervisory employees at spectator sports fell 3.4% in June 2025 year over year to $26.21 per hour. Additionally, consumer spending levels slowed significantly in the first half of 2025, from the robust pace seen in late 2024, according to Fitch Ratings. Consumer spending growth fell to 0.5% in Q1 2025 and 1.4% in Q2 2025, down from 3.7% in Q3 2024 and 4% in Q4 2024, per Fitch.
• A new CNBC report shows that the average NFL franchise is worth $7.65 billion, up 18% from last year, with 11 teams valued at $8 billion or more. The most valuable team was the Dallas Cowboys, worth $12.5 billion, followed by the Los Angeles Rams, valued at $10.7 billion. According to the report, NFL team owners have been capitalizing on the league’s popularity by selling stakes to limited partners. The NFL opened up the league to investments by private equity firms following a rule change in 2024, and three investments in NFL teams by private equity firms have occurred since then. Average team revenue during the 2024 season per CNBC calculations was $687 million in 2024, up 7.3% from the previous year.

• The WNBA announced three new expansion teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia in next few years, bringing the league’s total to 18 by 2030, according to CNN. The new women’s professional basketball team in Cleveland will begin play in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. The league said the new cities were chosen based on several factors including an analysis of market viability, committed long-term ownership groups, and potential for significant fan, media, corporate, and regional support. The WNBA also announced expansion teams in Portland and Toronto in 2024, with both expected to begin playing in 2026. According to a statement from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, “This historic expansion is a powerful reflection of our league’s extraordinary momentum, the depth of talent across the game, and the surging demand for investment in women’s professional basketball.”
• Sales for the US sports teams and clubs industry are projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.76% between 2025 and 2029, faster than the overall economy's projected growth, according to a forecast from Inforum and the Interindustry Economic Research Fund, Inc. Spending by US households and tourists, foreign students, and other visitors largely drives the arts, entertainment, and recreation industries. According to the forecast, real spending for spectator sports has experienced a strong recovery since the pandemic, with real spending in Q3 2024 up 44.5%. Consumer confidence is expected to improve in the forecast period, which bodes well for the sector. A factor that may curb consumer spending is substantially higher tariffs on consumer goods. Lower inflation supports a moderate increase of real disposable income by about 2% in 2025 and 1.9% in 2026. Real income could suffer if average prices rise due to tariff implementation.