The Global Handball Market was valued at USD 53 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 74.79 million by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.90% during the forecast period (2023–2032). This growth is being driven by increasing popularity of team sports worldwide, rising participation rates in recreational and competitive handball, and the expanding adoption of quality equipment in schools, clubs, and professional leagues across emerging and developed economies.
As the sports industry shifts toward greater inclusivity, technological advancements in equipment, and heightened focus on youth engagement, attention turns to the leading manufacturers powering this momentum. These companies are innovating in ball design, apparel, and accessories to enhance performance, safety, and accessibility. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Handball Market—a blend of global giants, specialized brands, and innovative suppliers shaping the future of handball equipment and fostering its global expansion.
🔟 1. COSCO
Headquarters: New Delhi, India
Key Offering: Handballs for men, women, and children; training and competition balls
COSCO stands as a prominent player in the Asian handball market, providing affordable and durable equipment tailored for both amateur and professional use. With a strong presence in India and expanding into Southeast Asia, the company supplies balls that meet international standards, supporting grassroots programs and national teams alike. Their focus on cost-effective manufacturing allows widespread adoption in developing regions where handball is gaining traction.
Key Innovations:
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Development of synthetic leather balls for enhanced grip and durability
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Partnerships with local sports federations to promote handball in schools
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Expansion of product lines to include eco-friendly materials in response to global sustainability trends
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9️⃣ 2. Erima
Headquarters: Leimbach, Germany
Key Offering: Professional handballs, apparel, and team kits
Erima has built a reputation in Europe for high-quality handball gear, particularly among club and national teams. Operating primarily in Germany and surrounding countries, the brand emphasizes precision engineering in its balls, which are used in major tournaments. Their commitment to athlete feedback drives continuous improvements in product performance and comfort.
Key Innovations:
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Introduction of ventilated panels for better ball control in humid conditions
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Collaborations with European Handball Federation events
8️⃣ 3. Salming
Headquarters: Jönköping, Sweden
Key Offering: Handballs for competition and training; specialized grip designs
Salming, a Nordic specialist, excels in producing balls that prioritize player safety and handling. With a focus on Scandinavian markets but growing internationally, the company integrates advanced materials to reduce injury risks during intense plays. Their products are favored in youth and women’s leagues for their balanced weight and bounce.
Key Innovations:
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Patented surface textures for improved throwing accuracy
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Initiatives to support women’s handball programs in Europe
7️⃣ 4. Mikasa
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Official competition handballs, indoor and outdoor variants
Mikasa is renowned globally as the official supplier for many international handball events, including Olympic qualifications. Based in Japan, the brand delivers balls that adhere strictly to International Handball Federation (IHF) specifications, ensuring fairness and consistency. Their emphasis on lightweight yet resilient designs supports fast-paced gameplay across all levels.
Key Innovations:
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Goal to incorporate 20% recycled materials in balls by 2025
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Asia-Pacific expansion through partnerships with national governing bodies
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6️⃣ 5. Hummel
Headquarters: Aarhus, Denmark
Key Offering: Handballs, protective gear, and athletic wear
Hummel combines Danish design with functional sportswear expertise, offering handball balls that integrate seamlessly with their apparel lines. Active in over 40 countries, the company targets recreational and semi-professional segments, promoting team unity through coordinated equipment sets. Their balls feature ergonomic shapes that aid in long training sessions without fatigue.
Key Innovations:
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Launch of antimicrobial coatings on balls for hygiene in shared environments
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Net-zero production goals aligned with European green standards
5️⃣ 6. Decathlon
Headquarters: Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
Key Offering: Affordable handballs for all ages and skill levels; full equipment ranges
As a retail giant, Decathlon democratizes handball by providing budget-friendly balls and accessories through its global stores and online platforms. The French company’s in-house brands like Kalenji and Btwin extend to handball, making the sport accessible to beginners and families. Their focus on versatility ensures products suit both indoor courts and outdoor fields.
Key Innovations:
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Annual production exceeding 500,000 units for entry-level markets
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Expansion to 1,500 stores worldwide by 2025, boosting handball sales
4️⃣ 7. Kempa Handball
Headquarters: Kleinmachnow, Germany
Key Offering: Premium handballs for elite players; custom grip options
Kempa specializes exclusively in handball, earning trust from professional leagues in Europe. Their balls are crafted with multi-layer constructions for optimal spin and control, used by top athletes in the Bundesliga and EHF Champions League. The brand’s dedication to R&D keeps it at the forefront of performance enhancements.
Key Innovations:
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Customizable ball models for different playing styles
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Youth development programs sponsoring junior tournaments
3️⃣ 8. Adidas
Headquarters: Herzogenaurach, Germany
Key Offering: High-performance handballs, footwear, and apparel
Adidas brings its global brand power to handball, supplying official balls for major events and equipping national teams. With a portfolio that includes aerodynamic designs and durable casings, the company supports the sport’s growth in North America and Asia. Their integration of technology, like embedded sensors for training analytics, sets new benchmarks.
Key Innovations:
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Advanced PU materials reducing water absorption by 30%
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Collaborations with IHF for standardized equipment
2️⃣ 9. Molten
Headquarters: Hiroshima, Japan
Key Offering: IHF-approved handballs; training and match balls
Molten, another Japanese powerhouse, is celebrated for its precision-engineered balls that meet exacting international standards. Supplying to over 100 countries, the company excels in the Asia-Pacific region while gaining ground in Europe. Their balls feature seamless stitching for consistent flight paths, aiding coaches and players in skill development.
Key Innovations:
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Hybrid bladder technology for better air retention
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Initiatives to increase market share in emerging economies like India
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1️⃣ 10. SELECT
Headquarters: Glostrup, Denmark
Key Offering: Premium handballs for professional and amateur use; full sport lines
SELECT leads the handball market with innovative designs that have become staples in world championships. Headquartered in Denmark, the company serves elite teams globally, offering balls with superior grip and bounce tailored to handball’s dynamic nature. Their emphasis on quality control ensures reliability in high-stakes competitions.
Key Innovations:
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End-to-end sustainable supply chains for eco-conscious production
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Strategic alliances with global federations for equipment endorsement
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🌍 Outlook: The Future of the Handball Market Is Dynamic and Inclusive
The handball market is experiencing steady evolution, with traditional equipment giving way to smarter, more sustainable options. Investments in R&D are pouring in to address demands for better performance and environmental responsibility, while distribution networks expand to reach untapped regions.
📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:
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Surge in youth and women’s handball programs driving equipment demand
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Regulatory standards from IHF pushing for safer, standardized balls
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Digital integration, like app-connected training aids
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Brand collaborations to boost visibility in emerging markets
Market Trends Affecting the Handball Industry
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Growth in recreational participation — rising interest in team sports post-pandemic is simplifying access but demanding versatile, durable products. Recent expansions in community leagues are reshaping retail channels.
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Sustainable materials adoption — brands are shifting to recycled synthetics and natural rubber to cut environmental impact and meet eco-regulations. Molten’s use of bio-based components exemplifies this trend.
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Technological enhancements for training — smart balls with sensors for speed and spin tracking (Adidas innovations) are vital for coaches in professional setups.
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Customization and personalization — players seek tailored grips and sizes, favored in modular training kits. SELECT leads in this area for elite customization.
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Globalization and e-commerce — Decathlon and others are deploying online platforms for direct sales, reducing reliance on physical stores in high-volume markets.
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The companies listed above are not only equipping global handball enthusiasts—they’re spearheading the inclusive growth and technological evolution of team sports worldwide.
Handball’s appeal lies in its fast-paced, team-oriented nature, where two squads of seven players each maneuver a ball by hand to score goals. This dynamic sport demands reliable equipment, and the market’s projected trajectory reflects broader trends in health, fitness, and community building. For instance, North America’s segment, valued at USD 14.75 million in 2023 with a 3.34% CAGR through 2032, highlights growing interest in the U.S. and Canada, fueled by school programs and recreational leagues.
Delving deeper, the market segmentation by type—for males, females, and children—addresses diverse needs, from heavier competition balls to lighter youth versions. Applications span competition, training, recreational activities, and others, with recreational use seeing the fastest uptick due to casual play in parks and gyms. Geographically, Europe dominates with its strong handball heritage in Germany, Denmark, and France, while Asia-Pacific emerges as a hotspot thanks to investments in China, Japan, and India.
Drivers include heightened awareness of physical activity benefits, government initiatives promoting sports in education, and the sport’s inclusion in major events like the Olympics. However, challenges such as limited awareness in some regions and supply chain disruptions persist. Opportunities abound in niche segments like women’s and adaptive handball for inclusivity.
The competitive landscape features intense rivalry, with players like Adidas holding significant shares through branding and endorsements, while specialists like Kempa focus on premium niches. Recent developments include product launches with eco-features and mergers enhancing distribution. Porter’s Five Forces analysis reveals moderate supplier power but high buyer influence in retail channels, underscoring the need for innovation.
Value chain insights show upstream raw material sourcing from synthetics and rubber, midstream manufacturing emphasizing quality control, and downstream distribution via sports stores and online. SWOT evaluations for key firms highlight strengths in global reach and weaknesses in high production costs, with opportunities in digital sales and threats from counterfeit goods.
Looking ahead, the report’s chapters outline methodologies, executive summaries, competitive profiles, and regional forecasts, providing stakeholders with actionable intelligence. For investors eyeing entry, understanding these dynamics is crucial to capitalize on the sport’s rising profile. Whether for competition or leisure, handball’s market promises steady, engaging growth, empowered by these visionary companies.
In terms of regional outlooks, Europe’s mature market benefits from established leagues, projecting steady 4% growth. Asia-Pacific, with its burgeoning middle class and sports infrastructure investments, could see CAGRs above 5%, led by Japan and South Korea. North America’s potential lies in integrating handball into broader fitness trends, while South America and MEA regions offer untapped recreational avenues through affordable equipment drives.
Company profiles reveal diverse strategies: Molten’s focus on precision for Asian markets contrasts with Decathlon’s mass-market approach. Adidas leverages celebrity endorsements, while smaller players like Salming innovate in safety features. Recent acquisitions, such as Hummel’s expansions, consolidate positions, and new launches like Mikasa’s eco-balls align with global sustainability pushes.
Overall, this comprehensive view equips readers to navigate the handball ecosystem, from blue-ocean opportunities in children’s segments to high-growth applications in training tech. With 6-month analyst support and customization options, the insights extend beyond data to strategic foresight, ensuring stakeholders stay ahead in this vibrant, evolving market.