Shaping the Next Decade for Inclusivity in Sports
By Christopher D. Silbernagel
The adapted sport movement in the United States is quickly shifting into a new era that is defined by measurable growth and economic power. According to a new study released by All InSport Consulting, the total economic impact of adapted and para sporting events nationwide reached nearly $164millionin in 2024, marking a 14-percent increase over the previous year. Conducted in partnership with Stitch Marketing Research and Huddle Up Group, the study represents the most comprehensive snapshot yet of a movement that is reshaping both communities and commerce.
“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 CEO of All In SportConsulting.“ 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.”
Debuting at the 2025 Adapted Sport Leadership & Business Symposium (LABS), the findings emphasized what attendees at the two-day event were already discussing: adapted sport evolving from a community cause into a cornerstone of the United States’ sports economy. In its sixth year, the virtual conference brought together insight from the U.S. Olympic& Paralympic Committee, academic researchers, sports commissions, and accessibility advocates focused on how inclusion is transforming infrastructure, talent development and more.
Economic evidence meets institutional change
The latest data from LABS highlights how far the adapted sports sector has come since 2019, when its estimated annual impact ranged from $80 million to $134 million. Even after the slowdown in 2020–21, the rebound has been consistent with an increase to $139 million in 2023 and climbed to $163.97million in 2024. This year’s study included responses from over 230 events and 94,000 participants—achieving a 20-percent increase in survey completion. Nearly three-quarters of respondents expect revenue growth in 2025, while more than 80 percent anticipate new participation fueled by LA28.“
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.”
That community investment begins with people. During LABS’s opening session, Kyle McKinnis, director of Paralympic performance for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, explained that true integration means national governing bodies now make decisions with Team USA’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
“The development pipeline is squarely in the wheelhouse of NGBs, while grassroots and introduction to sport is best with other partners,” said McKinnis.“ None of this can be done alone or in silos, so there is work to be done to create a lasting pipeline.”
Who are those partners? Communities and fans as catalysts
McKinnis’ emphasis on collaboration and equitable planning reflects a growing recognition that inclusion is strategic. During one LABS session, leaders from Buffalo, New York, and Fort Wayne, Indiana, among others, described how hosting major adapted tournaments has fueled new investments in accessibility, volunteerism and even civic pride. Their examples mirrored the study’s numbers, where when destinations build for inclusion, they generate both measurable ROI and lasting community value.
That ripple effect is reaching fans, too. Research by Sports Innovation Lab, part of Genius Sports ,shared with attendees of LABS 2025, revealed that 32 million U.S. adults with disabilities identify as sports fans. That’s a market segment spending 2.5 times more per person on college sports and 27 percent more likely to subscribe to live-sports streaming platforms than the general population.
The movement becomes mainstream
For destinations and event planners, adapted sport is an engine of economic and social progress that demands long-term investment, not occasional participation. As Callahan observed, this year’s findings“ solidify adapted sport’s position and potential in the greater sport economy.” If the collaboration on display at LABS is any indication, the next decade will be remembered for the communities and fans who made the movement mainstream along with the milestones and medals.
