Report Shows Double-Digit Growth and Momentum Heading Into LA28 Paralympic Games
DENVER – Nov. 4, 2025 – The total economic impact of adapted and para sport-related events across the United States reached an estimated 163.97 million in 2024, according to the adapted sport industry’s leading economic impact study conducted by All In Sport Consulting in partnership with Stitch Marketing Research and Huddle Up Group (HUG). This demonstrates a 14 percent increase over last year’s findings, underscoring the industry’s continued growth and economic power. The findings were announced at the 6th Annual Adapted Sport Leadership & Business Symposium (LABS), a two-day virtual conference presented by All In Sport Consulting on Oct. 29 and 30.
“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 chief executive officer 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 2024 findings demonstrate the industry’s steady growth since the study began in 2020. The inaugural study in 2020, based on data from 2019 events, reported an annual economic impact ranging from approximately $80.5 to $134.2 million. A follow-up study in 2022 reported an estimated economic impact of $77.8 million, reflecting the effects of the pandemic on 2021 events. In 2023, the industry’s economic impact climbed to $139.1 million – an increase of nearly 78 percent over the previous year, demonstrating a strong post-pandemic recovery. That steady growth continued in last year’s study as the reported economic impact totaled more than $143.9 million.
The adapted sport economic impact study remains the only research effort of its kind focused on capturing the measurable financial footprint of the U.S. adapted sport industry. This year, organizers collected detailed expenditure and budget data between July 16 and Sept. 30, 2025, from U.S.-based adapted sport entities to capture and project the economic power of the national adapted sports industry. This year also saw a 20 percent increase in survey completion, further strengthening the reliability of the findings.
“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.”
2024 Study Highlights (INFOGRAPHIC):
- The total economic impact of adapted and para sport-related events across the U.S. reached an estimated $163.97 millionin 2024, a 14-percent increase over 2023.
- The economic impact of events reported by participating organizations alone totaled $14.67 million, a 17 percent increase over 2023.
- This year’s findings were based on data from 230 hosted events and 94,548 event participants, including spectators, athletes, coaches, and others.
- Seventy-three percent (73%) of survey respondents expect continued revenue growth in 2025.
- Eighty-five percent (85%) of respondents anticipate increases in program hours through 2026.
- Zero survey respondents reported any program hour decreases in 2025.
- Eighty-one percent (81%) of respondents expect some level of increased participation in their programs and events driven by the LA28 Paralympic Games.
- Respondents also expect the LA28 Paralympic 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.”
The findings from the “Adapted Sport: Economic Impact Survey Findings Report” were announced for the first time during “The Economic Impact and Community Transformation of Hosting Large Adapted Sport Events” session at the 2025 Adapted Sport Leadership and Business Symposium (LABS) on Thursday, Oct. 30. The study was established by All In Sport Consulting and is sponsored by Tempe Tourism.
About All In Sport Consulting
All In Sport Consulting is a Denver-based consulting firm that works with organizations to create life-changing opportunities for people with disabilities through adapted sport. Through services including strategic planning, adapted sport program management and implementation, and training and education, All In Sport helps organizations ensure they are in the best position to create opportunities for all who want to experience the power of sport.
About Huddle Up Group
Founded in 2012 as a sports tourism industry consulting company, the Huddle Up Group has a successful track record of leading sports organizations through strategic growth and increased community collaboration. The Huddle Up team has extensive experience in building cohesive organizations and external relationships while collaborating with volunteer boards, donors, elected officials, hospitality community leaders, and various corporate partners.
About Stitch Marketing Research
Founded in 2007, Southern California-based Stitch Marketing Research is a marketing intelligence consultancy, delivering insights on your marketplace and what moves it. Stitch MR’s unique proposition: a discovery process that evolves from the creation of new intelligence through new research. Stitch MR brings the human equation to the front and center of the marketing and strategy disciplines. We’re not just about cold numbers. Stitch Marketing Research delivers strategic insight to a wide range of organizations, from Fortune 100 to start-up, from automotive and healthcare to higher education and sports and fitness.
