Impact of Adidas' Collaboration with the Sports Science Institute of the General Administration of Sport of China on Its Competitive Position in the Chinese Market

On December 22, 2025, Adidas announced a deep technical collaboration with the Sports Science Institute of the General Administration of Sport of China. The two parties will focus on the field of children’s sports health and equipment optimization, conducting biomechanical research, technical evaluation, and shoe last optimization for Adidas’ “LIGHTDART” series of children’s sports shoes [1]. In the competitive landscape of China’s sports goods market, local brands such as Anta and Li-Ning hold major market shares, while Adidas ranks sixth as an international brand [2]. The size of China’s sports goods market is expected to reach 300 billion yuan in 2025, a year-on-year growth of about 15%, among which the children’s sports equipment segment is showing rapid growth due to parents’ emphasis on children’s sports health [2].

This collaboration is an important measure for Adidas to promote its localization strategy in the Chinese market, but currently, the collaboration only targets the children’s sports shoes segment, so its impact scope is limited. If Adidas can deeply understand Chinese consumers’ needs through this collaboration and convert scientific research results into products that better fit Chinese children’s foot shapes and sports habits, it may gradually enhance its competitiveness in the children’s sports equipment segment.

Regarding opportunities: the children’s sports equipment market is growing rapidly; by collaborating with an authoritative institution to improve product technology content and localization adaptability, Adidas is expected to gain growth opportunities in this segment. Regarding risks: China’s sports goods market is highly competitive; local brands have advantages in channels and consumer awareness. Adidas needs to effectively convert the collaboration results into market competitiveness to achieve long-term growth.

Adidas’ collaboration with China Institute of Sport Science focuses on the children’s sports shoes segment; its short-term impact on Adidas’ overall competitive position is limited, but if it can convert scientific research results into products that better meet Chinese consumers’ needs in the long run, it is expected to enhance its competitiveness in the children’s sports equipment market. China’s sports goods market continues to grow, and the children’s sports equipment segment is an important growth area.