When surveyed in January 2025, it was found that the age group with the highest share of NBA fans was the 35 to 49-year-old demographic. In total, 26.2 percent of respondents in this age bracket were fans of the world's leading basketball league. Meanwhile, 7.2 percent of 13 to 17-year-olds were NBA fans.

A January 2025 survey in the United States revealed that over 60 percent of NBA fans who attended or watched games were male. Meanwhile, just under 40 percent of NBA fans were female.

A survey conducted in January 2025 in the United States revealed that over half of NBA fans were Caucasian. Meanwhile, 20.7 percent were Hispanic.

Basketball Fan Travel Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global basketball fan travel market size reached USD 4.1 billion in 2024, marking a year characterized by robust fan engagement and growing international travel for major basketball events. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2025 to 2033, with the forecasted market size projected to reach USD 8.1 billion by 2033. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing popularity of international basketball tournaments, rising disposable incomes, and the proliferation of digital platforms simplifying travel bookings for fans worldwide.

One of the key growth factors propelling the basketball fan travel market is the surge in global basketball events, including the NBA, FIBA World Cup, and Olympic tournaments, which attract fans from across continents. The expansion of leagues and the introduction of international exhibition matches have significantly increased the number of fans traveling to witness live games. Moreover, the growing influence of social media and sports marketing campaigns has heightened the desire among fans to experience live matches, meet their favorite players, and participate in fan-centric activities. This has led to a notable increase in demand for comprehensive travel packages that bundle tickets, accommodation, transportation, and exclusive experiences, thereby fueling market growth.

Another critical driver is the technological advancements in travel and booking platforms. The rise of online travel agencies, mobile apps, and AI-powered recommendation systems has revolutionized the way fans plan and book their basketball travel experiences. Fans now expect seamless, personalized, and convenient services, from ticketing to last-mile transportation. The integration of virtual reality previews, real-time seat selection, and instant booking confirmations has enhanced user confidence and satisfaction, resulting in higher conversion rates and repeat business. Additionally, partnerships between sports franchises, travel service providers, and hospitality brands have created value-added offerings, making basketball fan travel more accessible and attractive to a broader audience.

Furthermore, the growing trend of sports tourism, particularly among millennials and Gen Z, has contributed to the sustained expansion of the basketball fan travel market. Younger demographics are increasingly seeking unique, experience-driven travel opportunities, and basketball events offer a perfect blend of excitement, community, and cultural exploration. The market has also benefited from the increasing participation of women and families, driven by improved safety standards, family-friendly packages, and targeted marketing initiatives. These factors, combined with the global appeal of basketball and the sport's growing footprint in emerging markets, are expected to continue driving growth in the coming years.

In recent years, the concept of a Sports Staycation Package has gained traction among basketball enthusiasts who prefer to enjoy the thrill of the game without the hassle of long-distance travel. These packages offer a unique blend of local experiences and sports excitement, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the basketball culture of their own city or nearby destinations. By combining game tickets with local accommodations, dining experiences, and exclusive fan events, sports staycations provide a convenient and cost-effective alternative for those looking to enjoy the sport they love while supporting their local teams. This trend is particularly appealing to families and groups who seek a memorable sports experience without the logistical challenges of international travel.

From a regional perspective, North America remains the dominant market, accounting for the largest share of global basketball fan travel revenues in 2024, primarily due to the presence of major basketball leagues and a highly engaged fan base. However, the Asia Pacific region is witnessing the fastest growth, with countries like China, Japan, and the Philippines emerging as key markets, thanks to rising basketball popularity and increasing outbound travel for international tournaments. Europe also presents significant opportunities, especially with the growing number of EuroLeague fans traveling across the continent. Meanwhile, Latin America and the

Context

Forbes is not just one of the most popular business magazines!! It contains countless articles on numerous subjects (e.g., business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship, etc.), reporting valuable data and insights.

For instance, Forbes publishes annual lists of wealthy people reporting their worth such as "Forbes 400" and "Forbes World's Billionaires list".

Athletes are not an exception, and every year lists are published for the top highest paid individuals.

Content

The data are scrapped manually from Forbes articles listing the top 10 highest-paid athletes in tennis, NBA, and soccer.

Athletes can have multiple sources of income. • Team sports athletes earn a salary paid by their team whereas individual sports athletes compete in tournaments for prize money (such as tennis players). • Most of the time, brands are paying athletes to promote their products (on and off the court) as a marketing promotional strategy to reach a wider target audience and boost their sales / profit.

The dataset contains 11 years of data starting from 2011.

Source

Forbes official website: https://www.forbes.com/ (dataset last updated on 3rd of January 2022)

Inspiration

• Which sport rewarded its athletes the most in each year? • Is there a trend across years for the total earnings of the top 10 highest-paid athletes of each sport? • Does this trend change when looking into salaries (or prize money) and endorsements separately? • Which country 'earns' the most out of those three sports each year?

These are examples of interesting questions that could be answered by analysing this dataset.

If you are interested, please have a look at the Tableau dashboard that I have created to help answer the above questions, and report some of my insights. Tableau dashboard: https://public.tableau.com/views/AthelesSaleries/SportsEarningsAnalysis?:language=en-US&publish=yes&:display_count=n&:origin=viz_share_link

Mid Top Basketball Shoes Market Outlook

The global mid top basketball shoes market size was valued at USD 6.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 10.2 billion by 2032, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% over the forecast period. This growth is driven by a combination of increased participation in basketball, rising consumer demand for stylish and functional footwear, and advancements in shoe technology that provide better performance and comfort.

One of the primary growth factors for this market is the escalating popularity of basketball as a sport worldwide. With more people taking up basketball as a recreational activity or professional sport, the demand for specialized footwear has surged. Mid top basketball shoes are particularly favored for offering a balance between the ankle support of high tops and the flexibility of low tops, making them a preferred choice among players. Additionally, the influence of professional basketball leagues like the NBA, which has a global fanbase, further propels the market as fans look to emulate their favorite athletes.

Technological advancements in shoe manufacturing have also significantly contributed to market growth. Innovations such as lightweight materials, enhanced cushioning systems, and improved traction technology have made mid top basketball shoes more appealing. These improvements not only enhance performance but also provide better injury prevention, making them a must-have for serious players. Companies are increasingly investing in research and development to introduce cutting-edge products, thus driving market expansion.

Furthermore, the trend of athleisure and the growing interest in fitness and sports activities have positively impacted the market. Consumers are now looking for shoes that can be used both on and off the court, blending functionality with style. The rise of social media and influencer marketing has also played a crucial role in shaping consumer preferences and boosting sales. Celebrities and sports personalities endorsing basketball shoes have a significant influence on buying decisions, particularly among younger demographics.

The rise in demand for basketball apparel has also played a crucial role in the expanding market for mid top basketball shoes. As basketball continues to gain popularity globally, enthusiasts are not only investing in footwear but also in apparel that complements their style and performance on the court. Basketball apparel, ranging from jerseys to shorts and compression wear, is designed to enhance player comfort and mobility. The integration of moisture-wicking fabrics and lightweight materials in basketball apparel ensures that players remain cool and agile during intense games. This synergy between footwear and apparel has led to a holistic approach in basketball gear, where players seek coordinated outfits that reflect their personal style and team spirit.

Regionally, North America holds a dominant position in the mid top basketball shoes market, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The high participation rate in basketball, presence of major sports leagues, and higher disposable incomes contribute to the strong market in North America. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is expected to exhibit the fastest growth rate, driven by the increasing popularity of basketball, rising middle-class population, and expanding retail infrastructure. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa also present potential growth opportunities due to the growing interest in sports and urbanization.

Product Type Analysis

The mid top basketball shoes market can be segmented by product type into performance and lifestyle categories. Performance mid top basketball shoes are designed primarily for athletes and serious players who require optimal support, cushioning, and traction on the court. These shoes often incorporate advanced technologies to enhance playing efficiency and reduce the risk of injuries. The demand for performance shoes is driven by both amateur and professional players who seek high-quality footwear to improve their game. Companies continuously innovate to meet these demands, integrating features such as responsive midsoles, durable outsoles, and breathable uppers.

On the other hand, lifestyle mid top basketball shoes cater to individuals who value fashion and comfort in their footwear. These shoes are often inspired by popular basketball designs but are intended for everyday wear