Tuesday, September 22, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Getting Outdoorsy

cycling
Frank San Nicolas/PDN via Imagn

The coronavirus kept millions of Americans indoors this spring, but they flocked outdoors come summer. June is normally a big sales month for the outdoor industry, and the top five activities all saw major upticks in 2020 compared to 2019, according to NPD Retail Tracking Service.

With gyms closed and few sports to watch on TV, consumers looked toward outdoor activities to fill their time.

Cycling: $697 million in June sales (63% year-over-year increase)

Golf: $661 million (51% increase)

Camping: $605 million (31% increase)

Paddle sports (like canoeing and kayaking): $172 million ($56% increase)

Bird-watching and nature sightings: $16 million in binocular sales (22% increase)

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

Kylian Mbappe On

Mbappé Leaves Nike for On As Brand Launches Soccer Division

Thierry Henry joins as the company’s new director of football.
XXXY
Exclusive

Cunningham Controversy Sends XX-XY T-Shirt Sales Surging

Former Levi’s CMO says her brand has seen a huge boost.
Exclusive

Under Armour Did Not Renew WNBA Shoe Deal

Last year, Courtney Williams wore shoes without Moolah Kicks logos.
Jun 5, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; The New York Knicks fans celebrate after the Knicks defeat the San Antonio Spurs in game two of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center.

Knicks Merch Sellers Struggle to Keep Up With Demand

“The hardest part is not keeping all the good vintage Knicks stuff for myself.”
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/22/26 – Aikman Waits on ESPN, Paramount Clears Hurdle, Doc Rivers Returns to Booth

0:00

Featured Today

Hot & Social/Mets

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.
Exclusive
September 18, 2026

Vicious Infighting Is Jeopardizing the Future of Women’s Baseball

The WPBL’s own CEO admits there’s a “power struggle.”
September 17, 2026

Fantasy Football Drafts Are Turning Into Full-Blown Vacations

Leagues are forgoing solo drafts and replacing them with in-person getaways.
Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena
September 10, 2026

How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous

For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
September 6, 2026

Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?

Amid changes at top of Giants ownership, eyes are on Tisch Blodgett.
St. John's Zuby Ejiofor

Why Rev-Share Era Hasn’t Been a Boon for Basketball-Only Schools

Power conference men’s basketball rosters aren’t restricted to the rev-share cap.
NBA Cup
November 26, 2025

Luka Dončić Wants ‘Dangerous’ NBA Cup Court Designs Changed

Dončić first complained about the court designs two seasons ago.
February 11, 2026

Jameis Winston Says He’s Given Seven Figures to Florida State

Winston led Florida State football to its last national championship. 
Sponsored

Drew Weatherford’s Bet on the Youth Sports Economy

Drew Weatherford discusses investing across the youth, college and professional levels.
Fernando Tatis
October 6, 2025

Arbitrator Says Tatis Jr. Must Pay Big League Advance Millions

Tatis has called the agreement a “predatory” loan.
September 3, 2025

Ohio State–Texas Showdown Was Most-Watched Week 1 CFB Game Ever

Fox drew 16.62 million viewers on Saturday afternoon.
Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Woodi Washington (5) runs after a reception during the Armed Forces Bowl football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Navy Midshipmen at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.
August 19, 2025

Oklahoma Selling Fans Tickets to Press Conferences

Press conference tickets for the Sooners’ season opener are already sold out.
August 11, 2025

NBA Christmas Slate Leans on LeBron, Steph; Bets on Flagg

The Lakers, Warriors, and Rockets are all in action.