Business Model Innovation Analysis of Adidas from the Perspective of the Business Model Canvas

Main Article Content

Yisheng Xu

Keywords

Adidas, business model innovation, business model canvas

Abstract

In today's increasingly competitive global sports industry and amid constantly evolving consumer demands, traditional sportswear brands are facing the need for transformation and innovation in their business models. This paper takes Adidas as a case study, using the Business Model Canvas as an analytical tool. By integrating information on Adidas' development history, current core businesses, and industry position, it examines the company’s current status through the lens of the Business Model Canvas, conducts an in-depth analysis of its innovative aspects in business model design, and discusses existing challenges and issues. Furthermore, it offers valuable references and recommendations for traditional sportswear companies seeking to build or optimize their own business models. The article concludes that although Adidas is facing challenges from competitors, based on sufficient channel, partners, resources and promotion events, Adidas still could optimize its brand and product matrix, strengthen operational capabilities, and ensure the ongoing refinement of its business model. This article may provide solid business model support for business model research, especially for sportswear industry.

Abstract 28 | PDF Downloads 26

References

  • [1]Adidas. (2026). Histroy. https://www.adidas-group.com/en/about/history
  • [2]Adidas. (2026). Annual Report 2025. https://report.adidas-group.com/2025/en/
  • [3]Adidas. (2023). Annual Report 2022. https://report.adidas-group.com/2022/en
  • [4]Osterwalder, A., & Pigneur, Y. (2013). Business model generation: a handbook for visionaries, game changers, and challengers. John Wiley & Sons.
  • [5]Adidas. (2026). About. https://www.adidas-group.com/en/about
  • [6]Smart, B. (2018). Consuming Olympism: Consumer culture, sport star sponsorship and the commercialisation of the Olympics. Journal of consumer culture, 18(2), 241-260.
  • [7]Tang, Y. (2025). Yongyuan Road Transformed into “Superstar Block”: Why International Fashion Brands Are Bringing Runway Shows and Pop Ups to Small City Streets. Shanghai Observer. https://export.shobserver.com/baijiahao/html/871702.html (in Chinese)
  • [8]Chen, T., Li, L., & Zheng, J. (2023). A study on the brand culture of avant-garde clothing with Yohji Yamamoto as an example. In Proceedings of the 2022 International Conference on Science Education and Art Appreciation (SEAA 2022) (pp. 88-95).
  • [9]O’Sullivan, M. (2022). From Gucci to Khaite, 10 Adidas Sneaker Collaborations to Know and Shop. Vogue. https://www.vogue.com/article/adidas-sneaker-collaborations