Sport Industry Group

The client

Sport Industry Group (SIG) produces the annual Sport Industry Report, a key publication exploring trends, insights and data across the UK sports sector. The report plays a central role in SIG’s wider platform, sitting alongside its website, events and digital content.

The brief

The brief was to create a new design concept for the 2026 Sport Industry Report. This involved developing multiple creative routes that explored format, cover design, internal layouts, typography, imagery and data visualisation.

The concepts needed to align with the evolving SIG website while remaining flexible enough to support both print and digital formats.

A mock-up of the Sport Industry Report 2026 spread titled 'a new era of football' a orange background.

A mock-up of the Sport Industry Report 2026 front cover and spread on a orange background.

Our approach

We structured the project around exploration and alignment, developing distinct creative routes while ensuring the final direction could scale across platforms and formats.

A mock-up of the Sport Industry Report 2026 front cover and spread on a dark blue background.

Research & reference

Working closely with the SIG team, we reviewed a wide range of publications both within and beyond the sports industry. This research informed early decisions around format, tone and visual direction.

A mock-up of the Sport Industry Report 2026 spread on a orange background.

Selected design direction

The simplified concept was selected. It featured a heatmap-style gradient and an abstract arrow motif inspired by SIG’s digital iconography. Internally, a flexible six-column grid and increased white space were used to bring clarity and balance to content-heavy pages.

Developing concepts

Two core concepts were developed. One took a simplified, graphic-led approach, while the other explored a more abstract direction using layered sporting imagery. Both routes considered colour, layout, typography and data presentation.

A mock-up of the Sport Industry Report 2026 fan experience spread on a dark blue background.

Data & visual language

A vibrant RGB-inspired blue was introduced alongside SIG’s core navy and orange. Gradient-led infographics were developed to help present data clearly and consistently throughout the report.

“From our initial conversations through to launch, working with The Graphic Design House on The Sport Industry Report 2026 was an absolute pleasure. Their attention to detail and the precision of their work were second to none, and their clear, concise communication made collaboration between our organisations seamless. The final output met every requirement, and I would gladly recommend TGDH’s services for any upcoming project.”

Stewart White
Content & Marketing Manager
The Sport Industry Group

A photo of the Sport Industry Group's 2026 report full page image in the Bishops Printers factory on a pallet.

A photo of the Sport Industry Group's 2026 report full page image in the Bishops Printers factory.

A photo of the Sport Industry Group's 2026 report in the Bishops Printers factory on a pallet.

Results

The report is set to launch at the 2026 Sport Industry Report Event at EY’s London Bridge offices and will be available in both print and digital formats. Supporting graphics and animations were also developed for the launch event and website, ensuring a cohesive visual system across all touchpoints.

Ready to redefine your identity?

Our work in action

AFC Wimbledon

A long-standing partnership delivering AFC Wimbledon’s matchday programme, combining clear information, strong storytelling and evolving design.

Badminton England

A bold rebrand for the National Badminton League, redefining elite badminton through high-energy visuals and digital-first storytelling.

Circomedia

Discover how we refreshed Circomedia’s brand identity to better reflect their inclusive arts ethos and vibrant community spirit.

Design a report built for
every platform

If your organisation publishes flagship content that needs to work across print, digital and live touchpoints, we can help. From concept development and editorial design to data visualisation, motion assets and launch graphics, we create design systems that feel connected, contemporary and ready to scale.

Let’s shape a publication your audience looks forward to every year.

Get in touch