Baseball - China | Statista Market Forecast

Revenue in the Baseball market is projected to reach US$149.80m in 2024.
Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 0.88%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$156.40m by 2029.
In global comparison, most revenue will be generated United States (US$9.96bn in 2024).
The average revenue per user (ARPU) in the Baseball market is projected to amount to US$3.86 in 2024.
In the Baseball market, the number of users is expected to amount to 40.4m users by 2029.
User penetration in the Baseball market will be at 2.7% in 2024.

Definition:

The Baseball market encompasses various aspects of the sport, including media coverage, ticket sales, and merchandise, catering to the extensive global fanbase of baseball. It includes platforms and channels dedicated to delivering news, analysis, and entertainment related to baseball events worldwide, as well as the sale of tickets for live baseball games and various baseball-related merchandise.

Structure:

Baseball Media: This segment includes revenues from television and online streaming rights for baseball games, providing fans with access to live coverage and analysis.
Baseball Ticket Sales: This segment comprises revenues from the sale of tickets for baseball games held in stadiums, online ticketing platforms facilitating ticket purchases, and season ticket packages.
Baseball Merchandising: This segment encompasses revenues from the sale of various baseball-related products and merchandise, such as team jerseys, baseball caps, apparel, equipment, and memorabilia, allowing fans to showcase their support for their favorite teams and players.

Additional information:

Key metrics within the Baseball Market include revenues, viewers, ticket sales volumes, merchandise sales volumes, and market penetration rates. Revenue streams primarily come from advertising, subscription fees, ticket sales, merchandise sales, and sponsorship deals. Data on broadcasting rights, online viewership, ticketing platforms, popular merchandise items, and fan preferences are essential for understanding market dynamics. Key players in the Baseball Market include broadcasting networks, baseball teams, sports apparel brands, ticketing agencies, and online marketplaces.

For more detailed insights, refer to the additional information provided next to the respective data points.

Ticket sales from games, such as league games
Revenue from merchandise, such as jerseys
Revenue from media rights, such as TV broadcasting

Revenue from player transfers, such as transfer fees
Tickets sold on the secondary market, such as on eBay
Revenue from licensing or sponsorship, such as from logos

The Baseball market in China is experiencing slow growth due to a decrease in consumer interest and low ticket sales. The sub-markets of Baseball Media, Merchandise, and Ticket Sales are all impacted by this trend. Factors like competition from other sports, lack of local star players, and limited media coverage are contributing to the negligible growth rate. The market needs to focus on promoting the sport and tapping into online platforms to increase convenience and attract more fans.

Customer preferences: As China continues to urbanize and modernize, there has been a notable increase in consumer spending on sports and recreational activities. This has led to a growing interest in baseball, with a particular focus on trained coaches and international leagues. Additionally, the rise of middle-class consumers has also shifted preferences towards higher quality and branded baseball gear, leading to an increase in market competition and new product innovations. Furthermore, with the rise of social media and digital platforms, there has been a growing demand for innovative, immersive baseball experiences that combine both physical and virtual elements.

Trends in the market: In recent years, the Baseball Market within the Sports Market in China has seen a surge in popularity of using data and analytics to improve player performance and team strategies. This trend is supported by the increasing adoption of advanced technologies, such as AI and machine learning, in the sports industry. Furthermore, with the rising interest of Chinese consumers in Major League Baseball, there is a growing demand for international collaboration and cross-border ventures in the market. This trend is expected to continue and provide opportunities for industry stakeholders to tap into the lucrative Chinese market.

Local special circumstances: In China, baseball has a long history and is deeply rooted in traditional culture, but it has only recently gained widespread popularity. This can be attributed to the countrys rapid economic growth, which has resulted in an increase in disposable income and leisure time for many Chinese citizens. Additionally, the Chinese governments promotion of sports, including baseball, as a means of national pride and social harmony has further fueled the growth of the baseball market. Furthermore, the unique geographical landscape of China, with vast distances between cities, has created a demand for online and digital solutions in the baseball market, such as live streaming of games and virtual training programs. Cultural factors, such as a preference for team sports and the influence of American culture, have also played a role in shaping the dynamics of the baseball market in China. Lastly, government regulations, including foreign player restrictions and limits on foreign investment in Chinese baseball teams, have had an impact on the market by shaping the structure of the league and limiting opportunities for international expansion.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The baseball market in China is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors such as the countrys rapid economic growth and increased disposable income among its citizens. This has led to a growing middle class with a greater interest and willingness to spend on sports and leisure activities, including baseball. Additionally, government initiatives to promote sports have boosted the overall growth of the Sports market in China, including the baseball market. The countrys strong investment in sports infrastructure and facilities has also contributed to the growth of the baseball market, making it more accessible and appealing to potential players and fans alike. Furthermore, the rising popularity of baseball globally has also played a role in the growth of the market in China, as the country has become a key player in the global sports landscape.

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C and B2B revenues. Figures are based on media spending, merchandise spending, and ticket spending. All monetary figures for merchandise and tickets refer to consumer spending on goods or tickets in the respective segment, which can be online and offline.

Modeling approach / Market size:

Market sizes are determined through a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use annual financial reports of the market-leading companies and industry associations, third-party studies and reports, survey results from our primary research (e.g., Consumer Insights), as well as performance factors (e.g., user penetration, price per ticket, price on sport goods). In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, number of internet users, and internet consumption. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the S-curve function or linear forecasting, as it fits the development of either strong growing markets or more sophistacted and saturated markets, such as soccer in Europe.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The market is updated twice a year in case market dynamics change. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is considered at a country-specific level. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. In some cases, the data is updated on an ad hoc basis (e.g., when new, relevant data has been released or significant changes within the market have an impact on the projected development). We also account for the different cycles of international tournaments, such as world cups or continent cups. Consumer Insights data is reweighted for representativeness.

This report presents a comprehensive analysis and additional information on the Advertising & Media market, in a PDF format.