Selkirk Sport, best known for its pickleball paddles, has acquired competitor Bread & Butter Pickleball Company in a move to help Selkirk “reach a broader and increasingly diverse base of pickleball players.” With the inclusion of Bread & Butter, Selkirk “expands its portfolio with a differentiated brand that speaks to a distinct consumer segment.” The acquisition also enhances both companies’ platform of services as they scale internationally.

U.S. high-end outdoor sports equipment brand Yeti's wholesale sales grew by 19% in Q1 2026, the company raised its full-year earnings and sales outlook regardless. CEO Matthew Reintjes characterized Yeti’s competitive advantages as “durable and defensible,” pointing to brand trust, scalable product platforms and a diversified global omnichannel model.

UFC GYM is entering the Pakistani market with two new locations in Islamabad and Lahore. The expansion is led by Premier Sports Group, the official master franchisee, which was recently established to bring global sports and fitness brands to the country. The initial plan includes a premium venue in Islamabad and a flagship club in Lahore.

on May 17: Information from the China National Intellectual Property Administration shows that Shua Sports has applied for a patent titled “倒蹬挂片训练器” with authorization announcement number CN309985121S, and the authorization announcement date is May 15, 2026. The application number is CN202630185661.X, the publication date of the application is May 15, 2026, and the filing date is April 20, 2026.

The 43rd China Sport Show in 2026 will be held from May 21 to 24 at the Xiamen International Conference & Exhibition Center. This year’s exhibition will cover more than 200,000 square meters, with over 2,000 participating enterprises, both figures reaching record highs. Among them, the APFIT Asia-Pacific Fitness and Healthy Lifestyle Zone is the core section of the fitness equipment sector, bringing together leading domestic fitness equipment manufacturers. On May 16, the China Sporting Goods Federation announced that all preparations had been completed.

Escape Fitness Limited, the Peterborough-based functional fitness equipment supplier operating across 80 countries with over 1,000 global clients, has entered administration as of April 27, 2026, marking an alarming end to its 25-year legacy in the commercial fitness industry.

The fitness equipment factory Zhejiang Qiaodeng Industry and Trade Co., Ltd. will launch new products at the 2026 China Sports Expo, including exercise bikes, treadmills, and mini steppers.

Life Time Fitness, a high-end U.S. fitness chain, has announced that it will expand the size of its clubs to accommodate more premium facilities and services. This strategic adjustment reflects the broader trend in the fitness industry toward “experience-based” and “lifestyle-oriented” models. Life Time plans to use larger spaces to integrate more functional areas, including boutique studios, recovery facilities, food and beverage services, and collaborative workspaces, in order to meet members’ diverse health needs.

Amazon is recalling approximately 2,900 sets of Amazon Basics 55-lb. adjustable dumbbells due to safety concerns. Users are advised to stop using the product immediately and follow Amazon’s instructions for return or replacement. Amazon says it has received at least eight reports of the weight plates failing to lock properly during weight adjustment and dislodging, though no injuries were reported.. but the recall highlights the importance of checking exercise equipment for defects.  

Virgin Active has announced that it will reopen its club in Mayfair, London, in July 2026 as the brand’s first “Social Wellness Club” in the UK. The new concept goes beyond the traditional gym model by integrating private meeting rooms, a coffee bar, recovery spaces and boutique training zones, and will be locally tailored to the characteristics of the UK market. Virgin Active plans to roll out this concept across other parts of the UK and into developed markets worldwide.

Xiamen Mydo Sports will showcase three original new products at the 2026 China Sports Show.

Japanese track and field equipment brand ASICS reported its strongest quarterly performance ever on May 13, with growth across all product categories and regions. U.S. sales increased by 19%. However, the stock fell 6% despite the strong results, as the company did not raise its full-year guidance.