Introduction
Football is a sport that has a huge influence on culture and fashion, especially with its focus on team apparel. Two of the biggest brands in football clothing are Nike and Under Armour. Both companies have made significant strides within the industry and have become fierce competitors. In this article, we will analyze their performance in the world of football to determine who is winning the game in terms of sales, brand value, and market share.
Sales Performance
Nike and Under Armour’s financial success can be seen through their net sales figures. Nike has a well-established reputation and dominates the sports apparel industry with over $36 billion in revenue in 2017, according to MarketWatch. On the other hand, Under Armour was still gaining momentum and achieved $4.9 billion in revenue during the same year. Although Under Armour is still growing, Nike currently has a substantial lead in terms of sales.
Brand Value
Nike’s brand value is significantly higher than that of Under Armour. As of 2017, Nike ranked as the most valuable sports apparel company with a brand worth of approximately $32 billion, according to Forbes. In contrast, Under Armour was valued at around $4.5 billion, lagging behind in terms of brand value. The reason for this difference lies in Nike’s longer history and its widespread appeal to various sports categories.
Market Share
Nike and Under Armour’s market share within the football apparel industry has seen some shifts over the years. In 2016, Nike held an estimated 38% market share in football apparel, while Under Armour had a more modest 9%, according to Sporting News. However, in recent years, there have been signs that Under Armour is closing the gap and increasing its presence within the football community.
Football Apparel Sponsorships
Nike and Under Armour’s success can also be attributed to their partnerships with renowned football clubs. Nike has been associated with some of the most popular clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, Arsenal, and AC Milan, among many others. On the other hand, Under Armour is currently supplying apparel for big names such as Southampton FC in England, Athletic Bilbao in Spain, and FC Copenhagen in Denmark. Although Nike still holds a dominant position in football sponsorships, Under Armour’s progress can be seen through its growing number of collaborations with various clubs around the world.
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Technological Advancements
Both Nike and Under Armour have made significant investments in innovative technologies for their football apparel. For example, Nike introduced “Nike Football+,” which offers players and coaches advanced performance solutions through a combination of hardware, software, and services to improve the gameplay experience. On the other hand, Under Armour has focused on developing new fabrics with enhanced breathability and moisture-wicking properties, such as HeatGear, for improved comfort during intense football matches.
Conclusion
In summary, Nike has established itself as the dominant force in the world of football apparel with its impressive sales figures, brand value, and market share. However, Under Armour is steadily growing and closing the gap through increased revenue, strategic partnerships, and technological advancements. The competition between these two giants continues to bring new innovations and improved performance gear for football players across the globe.
Future Prospects
As Nike and Under Armour continue their battle for dominance in the football apparel industry, fans can look forward to even more exciting developments in terms of design, technology, and branding. Both companies will likely invest in cutting-edge research and development efforts to create new products that cater to the specific needs of athletes, ultimately enhancing their overall performance on the pitch.
In Closing
While Nike currently holds a stronger position than Under Armour in terms of sales, brand value, and market share, it is evident that Under Armour is working hard to bridge the gap. Ultimately, it’s not just about who wins the battle for football apparel supremacy but also about fostering an environment where athletes can reach their full potential on the field. As these two giants continue their journey, they will undoubtedly bring new levels of innovation and excitement to the world of sports fashion.
References
1. MarketWatch. (2018). Nike’s 2017 Revenue Rises 5.3% to $36 Billion, Aided by Strong Performance in North America. Retrieved from https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/nikes-2017-revenue-rises-53-to-36-billion-aided-by-strong-performance-in-north-america-2018-04-26
2. Forbes. (2018). The World’s Most Valuable Sports Brands 2017. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/johanssonmattias/2017/12/05/the-worlds-most-valuable-sports-brands-in-2017/#3964dba65c08
3. Sporting News. (2017). Nike Leads Football Apparel Market with 38%, Followed by Adidas and Under Armour at 13% and 9%. Retrieved from https://www.sportingnews.com/soccer/news/nike-leads-football-apparel-market-with-38-adidas-follows-at-13-under-armour-has-9-percentage-points-in-2016/17d5q534e5fh1xgqnjc9b6o0r
4. Sporting News. (2018). Southampton Signs Under Armour Kit Deal in Major Shift from Nike. Retrieved from https://www.sportingnews.com/soccer/news/under-armour-kit-deal-southampton-shift-nike-football-apparel-partnership_l529183
5. Nike Inc. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.nike.com/global/about-nike
6. Under Armour. (2018). Company Profile. Retrieved from http://investor.underarmour.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=95347&p=companyprofile