Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi explain how 3D printing is revolutionizing the sports industry, enhancing performance, customization, and fan engagement across major sports like basketball, Formula One, and soccer.
The global sports industry is experiencing phenomenal growth, presenting a substantial opportunity for the 3D printing sector. With the ever-increasing demand for customized, efficient, and high-performance sports equipment, apparel, and memorabilia, 3D printing technology stands at the forefront of innovation. Examining five of the largest publicly held sports companies illustrates the potential of 3D printing to revolutionize the industry.
| Company | Description | Value (US$ Billion) |
| Madison Square Garden Sports (MSG) | Owns NY Knicks and the NY Rangers | 4.5 |
| Liberty Formula One (FWONK) | Owns Formula One auto racing business | 17.4 |
| TKO Group Holdings (TKO) | Professional wrestling and Ultimate Fighting Championship promoters | 18.3 |
| Atlanta Braves Holdings (BATRA) | Major League Baseball team spun off from Liberty Media | 2.5 |
| Manchester United (MANU) | Leading United Kingdom soccer team | 2.8 |
The 3D printing examples related to the five large sports companies are presented below.
Basketball
Basketball is one of the most popular sports worldwide, and innovations in this field are constantly evolving. Companies like Nike and Adidas have already integrated 3D printing into their product lines, particularly in footwear.
For instance, Nike’s Air series includes 3D printed elements to enhance performance and comfort. The Nike Air Zoom BB NXT is a prime example where 3D printing is used to create the intricate sole structure that provides superior cushioning and support. Similarly, Reebok’s Liquid Factory leverages 3D printing to create unique, high-performance athletic shoes.
Additionally, 3D printing has been employed to create customized basketball apparel and accessories. Shaquille O’Neal, the basketball legend, has inspired various 3D printed memorabilia, from mini figurines to keychains, showing how the technology can cater to both performance and fan engagement.
Formula One
Formula One is renowned for its technological advancements and precision engineering. 3D printing has found a significant place in this industry, especially in the manufacturing of car parts and components.
Teams like McLaren and Ferrari utilize 3D printing to produce complex engine parts, aerodynamic components, and even replacement parts on demand. This technology allows for rapid prototyping, testing, and iteration, leading to faster development cycles and on-track performance improvements. The ability to produce lightweight yet robust parts is crucial in Formula One, where every gram counts.
Furthermore, 3D printing helps in creating highly specialized tools and fixtures used during car assembly and maintenance, enhancing efficiency and precision. As the sport evolves, the reliance on 3D printing is expected to grow, underscoring its importance in maintaining competitive advantage.
Wrestling and UFC
The wrestling and UFC markets have also embraced 3D printing, particularly in the production of toy figures and other merchandise. These collectibles are highly popular among fans and serve as significant revenue streams for the organizations.
3D printing enables the creation of highly detailed and customizable action figures, which can be rapidly produced and brought to market. Companies like WWE have started to explore this technology to produce limited edition and personalized figures, enhancing fan engagement and loyalty.
Beyond toys, 3D printing is used to create promotional items and memorabilia, such as championship belt replicas, event-specific tokens, and more. This versatility makes 3D printing an invaluable tool in expanding merchandise offerings and tapping into new revenue streams.
Baseball
Baseball, with its rich history and dedicated fan base, presents numerous opportunities for 3D printing applications. From paraphernalia to performance gear, 3D printing technology is making significant inroads.
One notable example is the production of custom baseball helmets. These helmets can be tailored to fit individual players perfectly, enhancing comfort and safety. 3D printing allows for the creation of intricate designs and integrated padding systems that traditional manufacturing methods cannot achieve.
Additionally, 3D printing is used to produce various fan merchandise, including key rings, figures, and baseball stands. These items can be personalized and produced on-demand, catering to the unique preferences of fans. The flexibility of 3D printing also means that limited edition items can be created for special events or milestones, adding to their collectible value.
Soccer
Soccer, the world’s most popular sport, is another area where 3D printing is making significant strides. From equipment to fan engagement, 3D printing technology offers numerous benefits.
A great example is the creation of 3D printed soccer goals, as demonstrated by I Like to Make Stuff. These custom goals can be designed and printed to specific dimensions and requirements, providing a cost-effective solution for both professional and amateur players. The use of durable materials ensures that the goals are robust and long-lasting.
Soccer balls are also being innovated with 3D printing. Companies are exploring the production of balls with customized textures and internal structures to enhance performance and durability. This level of customization is particularly beneficial for training purposes, where different ball characteristics can be tailored to specific drills and skill development.
Moreover, fan merchandise, such as key rings, mini figurines of players, and other memorabilia, are increasingly being produced using 3D printing. This not only allows for unique and personalized items but also reduces production times and costs.
The two U.S. toy giants Mattel and Hasbro have recognized the branded product opportunity related to sports. Toy designers working on behalf of both companies have always made extensive use of 3D printing.
The Research & Development Tax Credit
The now permanent Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit is available for companies developing new or improved products, processes and/or software.
3D printing can help boost a company’s R&D Tax Credits. Wages for technical employees creating, testing and revising 3D printed prototypes can be included as a percentage of eligible time spent for the R&D Tax Credit. Similarly, when used as a method of improving a process, time spent integrating 3D printing hardware and software counts as an eligible activity. Lastly, when used for modeling and preproduction, the costs of filaments consumed during the development process may also be recovered.
Whether it is used for creating and testing prototypes or for final production, 3D printing is a great indicator that R&D Credit eligible activities are taking place. Companies implementing this technology at any point should consider taking advantage of R&D Tax Credits.
Conclusion
The intersection of sports and 3D printing holds immense potential. From improving athlete performance to enhancing fan engagement, 3D printing technology offers numerous benefits that are only beginning to be realized. As the global sports industry continues to grow, 3D printing will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping its future, driving innovation, sustainability, and accessibility. By embracing this technology, sports companies can stay ahead of the curve, delivering superior products and experiences to athletes and fans alike.
