The European sports sector employs an estimated five million people across its full ecosystem — from professional clubs and governing bodies to sports tech startups, media groups, and brand agencies. For organizations looking to grow their teams, recruiting in the European sports industry presents significant opportunity — and significant complexity. The market is fragmented, multilingual, […]
INSIDERS with Dean Aaron Sievers Community & Event Manager at CEP The running gear market is evolving rapidly as brands push the boundaries between technology and performance. In this dynamic landscape, CEP stands out by bridging medical expertise with athletic innovation. Founded as a compression specialist within the MEDI Group, CEP recently transformed with a […]
Sports retailers are facing unprecedented pressure — not only from consumers but from the talent market. With annual turnover rates above 60% in some European retail chains and rising expectations among younger employees, hiring and retention have become strategic business priorities. In 2026, retailers must rethink how they attract, develop, and retain their teams. The […]
Sustainability has shifted from a trend to a business imperative in the global sports industry. By 2026, more than 40% of European consumers prefer eco-responsible products, pushing brands to transform supply chains, materials, and product lifecycles. This shift fuels strong demand for sustainability talent across sporting goods, outdoor, and footwear. Why sustainability drives hiring Sustainability […]
INSIDERS with Martin Guillet & Grégoire Puget Marketing Manager & Country Head France at Buff The market for outdoor and trail running accessories is rapidly evolving, with sustainability and product innovation at the forefront. As consumers seek performance and versatility, brands that combine authenticity with modern agility stand out. BUFF, founded in 1992 in Catalonia, […]
By 2026, online sports sales in Europe are projected to exceed €70 billion, making e-commerce the fastest-growing segment of the sporting goods industry. This rapid acceleration reshapes hiring needs: brands must attract digital-first talent, while candidates must develop hybrid skills that blend technology, marketing, and customer experience. The rise of sports e-commerce Between 2020 and […]
INSIDERS with Bart van Driel International Sales Manager Northern Europe for Julbo From a tiny village in the Jura Mountains to outdoor playgrounds all over the world, Julbo has built its reputation by sticking to one thing: protecting eyes and heads, whatever the terrain or the conditions. Founded in 1888, the brand carries a strong […]
In 2026, the sports industry is no longer only competing for market share, it’s competing for talent. Candidates don’t just look for jobs; they look for employers who inspire them. With more than 77% of candidates checking employer brand signals before applying, employer branding is now the most powerful lever in talent acquisition. Why employer […]
Interns and apprentices are the future talent pipeline of the sports industry, yet most companies underestimate their expectations and the impact of early-career development. With more than 36.8% of employees in the sports sector aged 15–29, brands must rethink how they attract, onboard, and retain young professionals. In 2026, the companies that succeed will be […]
Diversity and inclusion (D&I) are no longer HR buzzwords: they are essential drivers of performance, employer attractiveness, and long-term retention. In the sports industry, where 36.8% of the workforce is between 15–29 years old, younger generations expect employers to walk the talk on inclusion. Companies that fail to demonstrate clear commitments lose candidates before the […]