Written By: Bandana Gupta

India’s sportswear industry is experiencing an unprecedented surge, fueled by rising health consciousness, a rapidly growing fitness culture, and increased participation in sports and wellness activities. This vibrant shift has not gone unnoticed—global sportswear giants are making strategic moves to capture market share, accelerating their presence through franchise-led expansions. At the same time, India’s ever-evolving fashion landscape has embraced the athleisure movement, blurring the lines between performance and style. Whether it’s a morning workout, a quick run, or a casual day out, today’s activewear delivers the perfect fusion of functionality and fashion. Making it a wardrobe essential for the modern Indian consumer.

What’s Driving Sportswear Global Brands to Invest Heavily in Franchise India

India's sportswear market is on the cusp of a major growth spurt, with projections indicating that it will cross ₹1.5 lakh crore by 2030. Several factors are driving this growth, making India an attractive destination for global sportswear brands.

Key Drivers of Growth

• Rising Disposable Income and Urbanisation: As India's economy continues to grow, disposable incomes are rising, and more people are moving to urban areas. This has led to an increase in demand for sportswear, as consumers seek comfortable, stylish, and functional clothing for both fitness and lifestyle purposes.
• Fitness Becoming a Mainstream Lifestyle Choice: Fitness has become a mainstream lifestyle choice in India, with more people adopting regular exercise routines and prioritising health and wellness. This transformation has sparked a surge in demand for sportswear, propelling market growth.Growth of Organised Retail and E-commerce: The growth of organised retail and e-commerce has made it easier for consumers to access sportswear brands, both domestic and international.This has broadened the market's footprint and accelerated its growth.
• Tier 2 & 3 Cities Adopting Branded Wear at Scale: Tier 2 and 3 cities are increasingly adopting branded sportswear, driven by rising incomes and increasing awareness of global brands. This presents a significant opportunity for sportswear companies to expand their presence in these markets.

As India's sportswear franchise market continues to grow, global players are well-positioned to capitalize on this opportunity. With their local manufacturing and supply chain capabilities, they can drive growth, expand their presence, and tap into the vast potential of the Indian market.

Puma India: Market Leader with Expanding Sportswear Franchise Footprint

Puma SE, better known as Puma, is the brand known for its high-quality tracksuits, athletic and casual apparel, footwear, and accessories. In India, Puma holds the top position in the sportswear segment in terms of both revenue and retail footprint.

Franchise Highlights:

• Affordable entry point
• Regular product rotations and retail training
• Backed by strong marketing and brand visibility

Ideal Locations: Tier 1 & Tier 2 cities, especially near colleges, gyms, and lifestyle hubs.

Skechers: Footwear-Centric Sportswear Format with Great Margins

Established in 1992, Skechers has evolved into a globally recognized sportswear brand. Known for its blend of casual style and sporty functionality, the brand quickly expanded its range to include a wide variety of footwear. Its reputation for delivering high-quality, comfortable shoes has made it a go-to choice for consumers across age groups.

Key Highlights of Skechers Sneakers:

• Crafted for daily use, these sneakers combine comfort and style—perfect for everything from casual outings to running errands.
• The breathable mesh upper not only adds to the modern look but also improves flexibility and long-term durability.
• Advanced cushioning technology absorbs shock and provides responsive support, making them ideal for extended wear without discomfort.

Franchise Advantages:

• Strong brand equity in the footwear segment
• Fast-selling SKUs and low inventory risk
• Attractive gross margins
• Store format flexibility (900–1500 sq. ft.)

Investor Tip: High potential in mid-size cities and suburban malls

ASICS & Reebok: Performance Wear Giants Opening Doors

This is a renowned Japanese sportswear company specialising in high-performance footwear and apparel for various sports. With a legacy spanning over 60 years, ASICS, especially its running shoes, consistently ranks among the top choices for athletes worldwide. It is gradually expanding its retail presence via exclusive brand outlets. It attracts a premium clientele focused on serious fitness.

Key Highlights of the ASICS T-Shirt:

• ASICS has been producing sportswear for over five decades, blending tradition along with innovation.
• Its continuous focus on research-driven design has helped set new benchmarks in athletic performance and comfort.
• The brand works closely with both male and female athletes at its advanced R&D centre in Kobe, Japan, to develop apparel that meets real-world sporting demands.

 Reebok Sportswear Franchise India:

It makes and sells sports shoes, clothing, and fitness gear for activities like running, training, and also CrossFit. 

 Key Features of Reebok Shoes:

• Designed to offer comfort and support during gym workouts, with a soft sole and cushioned footbed.
• Available in many styles as well as colours, making them a great match for workout outfits.
• Reebok offers strong and long-lasting shoes suitable for almost all kinds of sports and physical activities.

What Makes Them Stand Out:

• Premium product lines
• Curated store design and also training support
• Engaged sports communities and events

Franchise Approach: Typically selective; ideal for investors focused on niche, premium retail.

Indian Players Like HRX & CultSport are Joining the Game Of Sportswear Franchise

HRX (a brand endorsed by Hrithik Roshan) and CultSport (part of Curefit) are known for their physical products; moreover, they are increasingly engaging with the digital realm, potentially through partnerships with gaming influencers, sponsoring esports events, or creating branded merchandise for gamers. The growing appeal of gaming and esports in India is encouraging conventional brands to capitalise on the expanding market.

Here's a more detailed look:

Sportswear and athleisure brand HRX is popular in India. 

While not explicitly mentioned in the search results as a direct participant in esports, its association with Hrithik Roshan, a popular celebrity with a large following, could lead to potential collaborations with gaming influencers or esports teams. The brand could leverage Roshan's popularity as well as its existing brand recognition to enter the gaming space. 

Why HRX Stands Out:

• A perfect combination of looks, utility, and cost-effectiveness
• Popular among fitness enthusiasts as well as fashion-conscious youth
• Continues to grow with India’s rising interest in fitness and also athleisure

CultSport:

CultSport, a brand under the Curefit umbrella, specialises in fitness gear as well as activewear. Similar to HRX, CultSport could explore partnerships with gaming influencers or esports teams to promote its products. For example, they could create branded workout gear for gamers or sponsor fitness challenges within the gaming community. 

Affordability:

• Offers high-quality activewear at competitive prices.
• Appeals to both serious fitness enthusiasts and everyday wearers.
• Maintains quality without increasing costs.

Sustainability Efforts:

• Committed to eco-friendly practices across the supply chain.
• Emphasises sustainability by using recycled fabrics and lowering waste and also energy use.
• Strives to minimise its environmental impact.

Why Cultsport Stands Out:

• Stylish designs combined with practical performance features.
• A focus on affordability and sustainability.
• Gaining strong traction as a go-to brand for modern, active lifestyles.

Expanding Opportunities in the Esports and Gaming Space for Sportswear Brands

Rapid Growth of the Indian Esports Market

India's esports sector is growing quickly because more people are getting smartphones, data is getting cheaper, and the audience is youthful and tech-savvy. With increasing investments, growing prize pools, and millions of viewers tuning in to tournaments, esports is becoming a mainstream entertainment category. This momentum is attracting interest from traditional lifestyle as well as sportswear brands eager to tap into a dynamic and fast-expanding market.

Strategic Brand Engagement Opportunities

Brands like HRX and CultSport are well-positioned to connect with the gaming community in meaningful ways. Moreover, Some promising engagement strategies include.

• Sponsorships: Partnering with esports teams, tournaments, or gaming platforms to enhance brand visibility and build credibility within the gaming ecosystem.
• Influencer Collaborations: Working with popular gaming streamers, YouTubers, and also e-athletes to reach large fan bases through product placements, co-branded content, and social media campaigns.
• Branded Merchandise: Designing gaming-inspired apparel, accessories, and limited-edition collections that resonate with gamer aesthetics and preferences.
• Fitness Integration for Gamers: Developing fitness programs or activewear collections specifically designed for gamers—focusing on posture, mobility, and screen-time-related wellness challenges—by partnering with health platforms or wellness influencers.

Future Outlook and Innovation Potential Of Sportwear Franchise in India

The intersection of sportswear and gaming opens up exciting possibilities for innovation, cross-industry branding, and community building. As gaming continues to evolve into a lifestyle, not just a hobby, brands that align with this culture can build lasting connections with Gen Z and millennial audiences.

Looking ahead, we can expect to see:

• More gamified fitness content
• Tech-enhanced activewear designed for comfort during long gaming sessions
• Collaborative product drops featuring esports personalities or teams
• Growth of a new fitness-meets-gaming subculture powered by Indian brands

Brand-by-Brand Breakdown: CAPEX, Franchise Fee & ROI

Here's a breakdown of the franchise opportunities offered by each brand:

• Puma India:
  • CAPEX: ₹50 lakhs to ₹1 crore
  • Franchise Fee: ₹20 lakhs to ₹50 lakhs
  • ROI: 20-25% per annum
• Skechers:
  • CAPEX: ₹30 lakhs to ₹70 lakhs
  • Franchise Fee: ₹15 lakhs to ₹30 lakhs
  • ROI: 25-30% per annum
• ASICS:
  • CAPEX: ₹40 lakhs to ₹90 lakhs
  • Franchise Fee: ₹25 lakhs to ₹50 lakhs
  • ROI: 20-25% per annum
• Reebok:
  • CAPEX: ₹30 lakhs to ₹60 lakhs
  • Franchise Fee: ₹15 lakhs to ₹30 lakhs
  • ROI: 20-25% per annum
• HRX:
  • CAPEX: ₹20 lakhs to ₹40 lakhs
  • Franchise Fee: ₹10 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs
  • ROI: 25-30% per annum
• CultSport:
  • CAPEX: ₹30 lakhs to ₹50 lakhs
  • Franchise Fee: ₹15 lakhs to ₹25 lakhs
  • ROI: 20-25% per annum

These figures are approximate and may vary depending on various factors, including location and market conditions. If you're interested in partnering with any of these brands, it's essential to do your research and understand the requirements and expectations of each brand.

Conclusion

Franchise of a sportswear brand in India isn’t just a retail investment—it’s a bet on the country’s fitness-driven future. With global brands expanding aggressively and Indian players innovating fast, 2025 offers a rare window of opportunity to get in early.

If you’re ready to tap into this momentum, evaluate your preferred brand based on location, capital, and customer base, and align with a partner that matches your vision.  

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this blog are the recommendations provided by the author. FranchiseBAZAR does not claim to work with these brands / represent them / or are associated with them in any manner. Investors and prospective franchisees are to do their own due diligence before investing in any franchise business at their own risk and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to the information provided in this blog.