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Messe München
Woman looks at outdoor clothing at ISPO 2024
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Messe München
06/25/2025

The voices of change: What innovation in sport really means

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The global market for sporting goods is growing rapidly - from USD 722.2 billion in 2023 to an expected USD 1.65 trillion by 2033. This corresponds to annual growth of 8.6%. In the midst of this upswing, it is clear that sport is not just exercise, but a driver of health, technology and social change. We have collected voices from the industry - from athletes like Andre Agassi and Jan Frodeno to designers and innovation leaders like François Farion (Renault) and Komal Singh (Polestar). Their messages are clear: real growth needs more than just numbers - it needs innovation, circular thinking, collaboration and the courage to break new ground.

ISPO gives space to precisely these voices and, with its three arenas (Upstream & Supply, Brands & Products, Commerce & Experience), offers a clearly curated space for orientation and innovation. It is the platform where progress becomes visible - and where the next success story begins.

The sports market is growing - not just in numbers, but in direction. According to Persistence Market Research, the global sporting goods market is set to grow to USD 1.65 trillion by 2033 (CAGR 8.6%). Particularly dynamic: smart sports equipment, which according to Global Industry Analysts (06/2025) will grow by 21% annually - to USD 89.4 billion by 2030.

Sustainability also remains a driver: according to Data Bridge Market Research, the market for sustainable sportswear will reach a volume of USD 3.96 billion by 2031 (CAGR 5.2%).

Those who offer relevant solutions today will shape the sport of tomorrow. ISPO 2025 makes these innovations visible - curated, networked, at eye level with the industry.

Where the sports market is really picking up

Zahlen zur Growth Rate im Sport-Bereich
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ispo.com
Andre Agassi

Former professional tennis player

Andre Agassi im Talk auf der ISPO 2024
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Messe München

There's so many ways for sports to grow and the athletes might be the biggest innovation of all. They're getting bigger, taller, faster. [...] ISPO cares about inventing, about innovation, about enhancement and about learning. ISPO wants to share but it also wants to learn and be inspired. So I think everybody here can really take from each other and use it as an inspiration to come back next year.

Jan Frodeno

Former triathlete

Jan Frodeno auf der ISPO 2024 im Talk
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Messe München

So it's a grateful process that's come along with a lot of other innovations. Super shoes and bikes and all these kind of things - all this tech that's gone into sport.

François Farion

Head of CMF / Renault

François Farion auf der ISPO 2024 im Talk
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Messe München

You cannot do an innovation that doesn't care about how the material or the part will be reused, repaired, recycled, etc.. So it's really interlinked.

Komal Singh

Color and Materials Design Manager Polestar

Komal Singh auf der ISPO 2024 im Talk
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Messe München

Sustainability cannot happen without asking questions and innovation. We cannot look inwards. We need to look outwards.

Christoph Beaufils

Lead ISPO Marketing

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Messe München GmbH

We all know sport is big. It unites motion and stillness, competition and community, tradition and progress. Sport fuels health and innovation, bridges cultures and creates unforgettable experiences. It shapes lifestyles, entertains and inspires personal growth. After all, it transforms the world we live in.

Greg Nieuwenhuys

Senior Advisor Mammut

Greg Nieuwenhuys auf der ISPO 2024 im Talk
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Messe München

And the reality is that the technology is now so freakingly good that if you just focus on the business and the people side, you can do amazing things with it.

Bastian Graber

Senior Client Partner Toluna

Bastian Graber auf der ISPO 2024 im Gespräch
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Messe München

Be good. Have collaborations. Try something new. You get super new fresh ideas on innovations.