Other Spectator Sports — Business Survival Rate
An estimated 53% of other spectator sports businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 11.8%.
Is Other Spectator Sports a Good Business to Start?
With a 53% five-year survival rate, other spectator sports is near the national average (~50%). This means roughly half of new entrants will still be operating after 5 years — typical business risk that rewards solid planning and execution.
The annual exit rate of 11.8% indicates moderate turnover. Success depends on differentiation, location, and operational efficiency rather than inherent industry advantages.
Entry vs. Exit Rates
Annual rate of new businesses opening versus existing businesses closing.
Net positive: more businesses opening than closing (+3.2 pp spread).
Job Creation & Destruction
The industry is adding jobs faster than losing them — a positive sign for both workers and new business owners looking to hire. Total employment: 142,235 workers across 3,933 firms.
Want to know how much other spectator sports businesses actually make?
See full revenue benchmarks for Other Spectator Sports →Frequently Asked Questions
- What percentage of other spectator sports businesses fail?
- Approximately 47% of other spectator sports businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 11.8%, with 408 firms closing permanently in 2023.
- Is the other spectator sports industry growing or shrinking?
- The other spectator sports industry is currently growing with a net job creation rate of +12.5% per year. New businesses are entering at 14.9% while 11.8% close annually.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (2023). Survival rate estimated from annual exit rates.