The US Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) released its first-ever First Half Game Plan: Key Moves in Sports Participation Report, offering real-time analysis of activity trends across the country. The update provides mid-year insights to help industry stakeholders adjust strategies in response to shifting US consumer behavior. 

The report found that 22.9 percent of Americans were inactive in the first half of 2025, up from 22.6 percent in 2024, reflecting approximately one million additional individuals who did not engage in physical activity. SFIA attributes this rise to economic uncertainty and a post-Olympic slowdown.

Sports that saw declines include surfing (-5.8%), track and field (-3.6%), swimming on a team (-2.7%), skateboarding (-2.4%) and outdoor soccer (-1.7%). However, participation in winter sports rose by 1.7 percent, while racquet sports and general fitness activities saw slight gains. Pickleball continued its upward trajectory, with a 14.7 percent increase in participation.

Cost remains the top barrier to youth sports participation, with 41 percent of parents citing it as the main obstacle.

The report introduces a revised activity definition, classifying individuals as “active” if they complete at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week. It is available free to SFIA members or for purchase by non-members.

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