About SGMA
Who we are
SGMA, the trade association of leading industry sports and fitness brands, enhances industry vitality and fosters sports and fitness participation through research, thought leadership, product promotion and public policy. SGMA produces the industry leading National Health Through Fitness Day on Capitol Hill as well as representing the industry on trade and consumer issues. More information about SGMA membership and SGMA Research can be found at www.sgma.com.
SGMA Overview:
The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association is the premier trade association for:
- More than 1,000 sporting goods manufacturers, retailers and marketers in the sports products industry;
- Representing over 3,000 business locations, plants and distribution centers;
- Employing more than 375,000 people; and
- Generating $60 billion in domestic revenue and $15 billion in international revenue, wholesale dollars.
Our purpose is to support our member companies and promote a healthy environment for the sporting goods industry by providing access to insight, information, influence and industry connections. SGMA enhances industry vitality and fosters sports, fitness and active lifestyle participation.
Our Beginning:
For more than 100 years, the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association has been instrumental in representing sports and fitness businesses, and worked to build healthier, more enjoyable lifestyles in America. In April of 1906, a group of sporting goods manufacturers assembled to form an organization to meet the needs of the industry that could not be handled by individual companies. The name they chose was the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA). J. F. Draper (Draper-Maynard Sporting Goods Company) was elected the first president. SGMA’s office was established in Cincinnati and a credit association was created to distribute credit information to members. Voluntary presidents of SGMA in its formative years included the presidents of Hillerich & Bradsby, Rawlings, Wilson, Spalding, MacGregor/ Brunswick, Saucony, Converse and AMF Voit.
SGMA Through the Years:
- 1906: SGMA was founded in New York by six sporting goods manufacturers.
- 1931: SGMA began developing sports specialty organizations by co-founding the National Golf Foundation. Other SGMA-founded organizations include The Athletic Institute, Tennis Industry Association, World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry and PE4life.
- 1957: SGMA launches the Sporting Goods Fair, succeeded, in 1986, by The Super Show, which at its peak became the world’s premier sports and fitness marketing event.
- 1990: SGMA establishes its leadership in research with its inaugural Annual State of the Industry address – hailed as the foremost source of industry information by financial analysts, manufacturers, marketers and media.
- 1997: SGMA’s influence with international organizations leads to the elimination of child labor in the production of soccer balls in Pakistan.
- 2001: SGMA launches PE4life, a federal initiative that has generated $300 million in government funding for physical education and fitness equipment in schools and community centers.
- 2006: SGMA celebrates 100 years of support for the business of sport, and the pursuit of health and fitness nationwide.
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