In 2026, the sports industry is no longer only competing for market share, it’s competing for talent. Candidates don’t just look for jobs; they look for employers who inspire them. With more than 77% of candidates checking employer brand signals before applying, employer branding is now the most powerful lever in talent acquisition. Why employer […]
Interns and apprentices are the future talent pipeline of the sports industry, yet most companies underestimate their expectations and the impact of early-career development. With more than 36.8% of employees in the sports sector aged 15–29, brands must rethink how they attract, onboard, and retain young professionals. In 2026, the companies that succeed will be […]
Diversity and inclusion (D&I) are no longer HR buzzwords: they are essential drivers of performance, employer attractiveness, and long-term retention. In the sports industry, where 36.8% of the workforce is between 15–29 years old, younger generations expect employers to walk the talk on inclusion. Companies that fail to demonstrate clear commitments lose candidates before the […]
The DACH region, Germany, Austria and Switzerland, represents one of the most strategic labour markets for sports and outdoor brands in Europe. It combines strong purchasing power, technical expertise, proximity to the Alps, and a deeply rooted sports culture. It is also one of the most competitive employment markets in Europe. Unemployment remains low, around […]
INSIDERS with Christoph Engl CEO at Oberalp Group Mountains aren’t just a market for Oberalp. They’re an obsession. A lifestyle. A philosophy that drives every decision from product development to retail strategy. Christoph Engl, CEO of Oberalp Group, leads a portfolio of six mountain-focused brands (Salewa, Dynafit, LaMunt, Evolv, Wild Country, and Pomoca) with one […]
Writing a job ad in the sports industry is not an administrative task. It is a strategic recruitment tool. When it’s done properly, it attracts motivated, qualified candidates who already understand the codes, the pace, and the values of sport. When it’s done poorly, it generates noise: irrelevant applications, wasted time, and frustration on both […]
INSIDERS with Jeroen MEIJER Senior Marketing Manager EMEA at KEEN KEEN doesn’t fit neatly into a box. And that’s exactly the point. The Portland-based brand has spent two decades building credibility in outdoor, from iconic technical sandals to serious hiking gear, while quietly becoming a lifestyle staple in markets like Japan and the UK. Now, […]
INSIDERS with Peter CABLE Head of Running at Scott How many brands make bikes, skis and running shoes? Not many. Scott is one of them, and that creates both opportunities and challenges. Peter Cable’s job as Head of Running is to make sure the running division benefits from being part of a bigger sports brand […]
Hiring in the sports and outdoor sector in 2025 is proving far more complex than many hiring managers initially anticipate. While the market continues to grow, with more than 1.6 million people employed in sport-related roles across the European Union and an estimated year-on-year growth of 6.5 percent, this expansion masks a deeper imbalance. Demand […]
The sports industry is undergoing a structural transformation rather than a simple cycle shift. Digital acceleration, sustainability constraints, and new fan consumption models are redefining how brands operate, sell, and engage. By 2026, this evolution is translating into new job families, often hybrid, that combine technical expertise, business impact, and brand responsibility. For employers, anticipating […]