Strong Transaction Momentum in Sportsman
Baird’s long-standing Sportsman franchise remains one of the most active advisors in the sector. Over the past eight months, the team has announced five deals, reflecting the growing investor interest in this field. Baird’s team develops engaging narratives and investment theses that capture the underlying passion for sports and the enthusiasm for leading brands.
We expect to see continued momentum in 2025 as key themes emerge and evolve throughout the year. These include:
- 2025 is poised to be a strong year for the Sportsman industry as unemployment, consumer spending and household wealth remain strong
- Concerns around tariffs and labor supply will temper expectations to a degree, particularly as fears of inflation return to the forefront of consumers' and business leaders’ minds
- After years of inventory whiplash and distorted purchasing and replenishment cycles, 2025 is set to be the most “routine” year since 2019 with brands and retailers both feeling confident
- New innovation is expected to drive the industry forward and bring consumers back to retail as inventory challenges forced many brands to delay new launches while clearing out older inventory
- Consumers have more options than ever—expect brands and retailers to develop engaging consumer ecosystems to win the hearts and wallets of sportsmen
Contact a member of our team to discuss further. We welcome the opportunity to connect and share more about what to expect in the sector going forward.
