Adapted Sport Industry Generated $163 Million in 2024
The estimated economic impact of the adapted and para sports doubled since 2020
Posted On: November 5, 2025 By :Adapted and para sport-related events in the United States generated an estimated economic impact of $163.97 million in 2024, according to a study conducted by All In Sport Consulting in partnership with Stitch Marketing Research and Huddle Up Group. The figure, presented at the annual Adapted Sport Leadership & Business Symposium (LABS), marks an increase of 14 percent over the previous year’s finding, and more than double the first year’s study in 2020.
“This year’s findings show a strong positive trajectory for the industry — adapted sport is not only growing, but thriving in the U.S.,” said Dawna Callahan, founder and CEO of All In Sport Consulting. “Since we conducted the first study in 2020, the industry’s economic impact has more than doubled, and we anticipate even greater expansion in the next few years, driven largely by the LA28 Paralympic Games. These findings solidify adapted sport’s position and potential in the greater sport economy, and validate the industry’s influence as a driver for social and economic progress.”
The inaugural study in 2020 was based on data from 2019 events. In that first report, the annual estimated economic impact ranged from about $80.5 to $134.2 million. A 2022 report showed the number had dipped to $77.8 million, attributed to a softening of events during the pandemic. But in 2023, the numbers started climbing again with $139.1 million in 2023 — an increase of nearly 78 percent over the previous year, demonstrating a strong post-pandemic recovery. The new study appears to confirm that continue growth.
The latest study, which was sponsored by Tempe Tourism, collected expenditure and budget data between July 16 and September 30, 2025, from U.S.-based adapted sport organizations to capture and project the economic power of industry nationwide. The data comes from 230 hosted events with nearly 100,000 event participants, including 57,000 spectators.
Survey completion was up 20 percent among participants, another sign from researchers that the market is growing.
“Each year, we see more organizations stepping forward to share their data and strengthen the collective voice of the adapted sport movement,” said Nate Heckman, president of Stitch Marketing Research. “With participation at its highest level yet, this year’s study provides an even more credible look at the industry’s growing economic power and its ability to drive both inclusion and investment in communities nationwide.”
Among the 2024 study’s highlights:
- 73 percent of survey respondents expect continued revenue growth in 2025.
- 85 percent of respondents anticipate increases in program hours through 2026.
- Zero survey respondents reported any program hour decreases in 2025.
- 81 percent of respondents expect some level of increased participation in their programs and events driven by the 2028 Paralympic Summer Games in Los Angeles.
- Respondents also expect the 2028 Games to drive volunteerism, sponsorship and awareness for adapted sport nationwide.
“The adapted sports industry and its events continue to increase in the economic impact it provides for communities across the country,” said Cole McKeel, vice president of partnerships with the Huddle Up Group. “It is evident more and more communities are becoming involved in the space, while our data shows an even larger emphasis by those destinations that are already hosting adapted sporting events.”
To view the entire report click here.
Posted in: Adaptive Sports, Hosts & Suppliers, Latest News