How the 12 categories work
Sport Brand Index groups every brand into a fixed list of 12 categories. This page explains what each one covers, where the line sits between neighbouring categories, and a few examples. Categories are tags for filtering, not ratings.
Good to know
A brand can sit in more than one category, for example a company that sells both a device and an app. It then appears in each of them.
Category counts therefore add up to more than the total number of brands.
There is no separate Technology category. Technology brands are Software, Hardware or Equipment.
Clothing
Sportswear, team kits and outdoor clothing for training, competition and everyday use.
Education
Sport-focused schools, colleges, academies and training programmes for study and career development.
- CoversSport schools, colleges, academies, business schools and training programmes.
- Where the line isApps for coaching or club management are Software. Job boards are Recruitment.
- ExamplesJohan Cruyff Institute, UCFB, LALIGA Business School
Equipment
Sports gear, fitness machines and accessories used to train, compete and play.
- CoversBikes, balls, rackets, clubs, fitness machines, bags and other gear used to train and play.
- Where the line isGear with built-in sensors is also Hardware. Clothing and shoes have their own categories.
- ExamplesBrompton, Callaway Golf, Atomic
Events
Race series, participation events, industry conferences and event timing or registration services.
Facilities
Courts, seating, venue fit-outs and suppliers that build or equip places for sport.
- CoversBuilders and suppliers of courts, stands, seating and venue fit-outs.
- Where the line isThe gear used on a court is Equipment. Booking software is Software.
- ExamplesPadel Tech, Sky Padel, Cubofit
Footwear
Running shoes, outdoor footwear and sport-specific shoes for training and competition.
- CoversRunning, trail, hiking, cycling and other sport-specific shoes.
- Where the line isSocks are listed under Clothing.
- ExamplesHanwag, Scarpa, Vivobarefoot
Hardware
Physical sports technology: wearables, sensors, cameras and connected training devices.
Media
Sports journalism, broadcasting, streaming and publishers covering athletes, teams and the industry.
- CoversSports journalism, broadcasting, streaming and publishers.
- Where the line isApps and platforms for fans are Software. Job sites are Recruitment.
- ExamplesESPN, Cyclingnews, Front Office Sports
Nutrition
Sports supplements, food and drinks for fuelling, hydration and recovery.
- CoversSupplements, sports food and drinks for fuelling, hydration and recovery.
- Where the line isBottles and hydration packs are Equipment.
- ExamplesGatorade, Huel, GU Energy Labs
Recruitment
Sports job boards and recruitment platforms connecting employers with candidates.
- CoversJob boards and recruitment platforms for sport.
- Where the line isA brand’s own careers page does not make it Recruitment. Those pages are on the Careers page.
- ExamplesGlobal Sports Jobs, Jobs In Football, SportsWork
Services
Sports agencies, marketing, sponsorship, representation, consulting and business support.
- CoversAgencies, marketing, sponsorship, representation, consulting and business support.
- Where the line isPlatforms sold as software are Software. Media companies are Media.
- ExamplesIMG, Two Circles, Nielsen Sports
Software
Apps and platforms for coaching, analysis, club management, booking and fan engagement.
- CoversApps and platforms for coaching, analysis, club management, booking and fan engagement.
- Where the line isPhysical devices are Hardware. A brand that sells both appears in both.
- ExamplesGameChanger, Kitman Labs, Dartfish
How the data is collected and checked: Methodology. Browse every category: Categories.