Thursday, July 16, 2026

At-Home Golf Equipment Sales Surge

  • Sales of golf nets and screens were up 221% year over year in December.
  • From bicycling to snowshoeing, various outdoor activities have seen a pandemic-induced surge in interest.
Erin Bormett/Argus Leader

From bicycling to snowshoeing, various outdoor activities have seen a pandemic-induced surge in interest. New sales numbers show that the trend is diversifying. 

“While this trend has shined since March, different products are rising to the top of the fastest-growing list month over month,” said Matt Powell, vice president and senior industry advisor at The NPD Group

Highest growth sports goods in outdoor and recreation categories in December:

  • Golf nets and screens — Up 221% year over year
  • Electric bicycles — Up 189% 
  • Portable power — Up 156% 
  • Standup paddle boards — Up 151% 
  • Pilates reformers — Up 140% 

“Consumers continue to invest in various equipment they would typically be using in a gym or studio,” Powell added. “The growth in portable power tells us that consumers are extending their home into their yards and hitting the trails, bringing the modern day essentials along with them.”

Backcountry-related equipment sales in the U.S. grew 76% in the first few months of last year’s snow season, according to The NPD Group.

Prior to that, bike sales were up nearly two-thirds over the prior year in the spring.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Cycling - Tour de France - Stage 9 - Malemort to Ussel - Malemort, France - July 12, 2026 UAE Team Emirates - XRG's Tadej Pogacar wearing the yellow jersey, UAE Team Emirates - XRG's Isaac Del Toro wearing the white jersey and Team Visma | Lease a Bike's Jonas Vingegaard wearing the polka-dot jersey in action as a spectator dressed in a costume cheers on during stage 9

Tadej Pogačar Says Heat Demands Tour de France Overhaul

Stage 9 was cut by 18.6 miles under a red alert.

What’s Harder Than Biking 10,000 Miles? Buying World Cup Tickets

Three fans biked from Argentina to Kansas City, but don’t have tickets.

Cattle Dermatitis Outbreak Forces Tour de France Route Change

The Tour cut two climbs and shortened the stage by 35 km.
Apr 28, 2025; Washington, D.C., USA; President Donald Trump welcomes players and staff of the Philadelphia Eagles to celebrate their Super Bowl victory at the White House Monday, April 28, 2025. Mandatory Credit: Josh Morgan-USA TODAY ORG XMIT: USAT-1280532 (Via OlyDrop)

Why a Small Vermont Cycling Brand Sued Over Trump Tariffs

An appeals court allowed Trump tariffs to continue—for now.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/16/26 – World Cup Final Set, Kawhi Probe, FanDuel VIP Scandal Deepens

0:00

Featured Today

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
July 2, 2026

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.

Caleb Williams’s Investment Playbook: ‘No Vices’

The Bears QB has put money into sports, tech, and wellness start-ups.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) celebrates winning the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium
February 21, 2026

Soccer’s ‘Crown Jewels’ Are Devouring Smaller Clubs

Mega conglomerates are feeding a big business machine. Fans are furious.
Reggie Bush speaks on unionizing college football players during the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the University Club of Pasadena in Pasadena, Calif. Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024.
March 5, 2026

Former NFL Pros Launch PE Firm for Emerging Leagues

Terrence C. Murphy and Reggie Bush are targeting $150 million for their debut fund.
Sponsored

Clase Azul Tequila Founder’s Soccer Ownership

Arturo Lomeli talks about managing a tequila brand and two soccer clubs.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena
January 4, 2026

Pro Team Valuations Are Set to Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.
December 27, 2025

‘Why Not the Dodgers?’: How Billie Jean King Became an LA Owner

“Getting involved with the Dodgers literally changed our lives,” Ilana Kloss says.
December 23, 2025

Ben Simmons Buys a Sport Fishing Team

“I think I can really help this league grow,” Simmons told FOS.
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp mascot Scampi waves to fans during Opening Day baseball against the Gwinnett Stripers on March 29, 2024.
December 17, 2025

Private Equity Dives Further Into Minor League Baseball

Seven MiLB teams have changed hands in the last week.