If you think sports and the sports sector could be a big theme in the future, the ASX offers a number of companies that you could invest in to follow that theme. We even have a few newer stocks recently listed on the ASX you may not know about.
New listing Skydive the Beach Group Limited (ASX: SKB) is following on the heels of Indoor Skydive Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IDZ), which listed in January 2013. Skydive the Beach expects to list on the ASX on March 30, and investors will likely be hoping it has similar results to Indoor SkyDive. It was the best performing IPO of 2013/2014 with a 175% return.
Then we also have the existing players, Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) – and its Rebel Sports and Amart Sports stores, Avanti Fitness and Workout World – the latter two acquired in 2013. While the company's latest results weren't exactly stellar, Super Retail is expanding its core competencies such as Automotive and Sports into other similar businesses, which could pay off in the long term.
Catapult Group International Ltd (ASX: CAT) which provides sports teams and athletics associations with hardware and software to analyse performance, monitor rehabilitation, optimise training etc. Catapult already supplies most of Australia's highest-profile sporting teams, including Wallabies, Kangaroos and the Australian Cricket team and has a number of contracts with international teams. We've covered Catapult in more detail here.
Follow the NRL? What about the Brisbane Broncos? Yes, you can invest in the company, Brisbane Broncos Limited (ASX: BBL). The company generates revenues from numerous sources including merchandise sales, game tickets and sponsorship revenues and is primarily concerned with the operations of the Brisbane Broncos NRL team.
Last, but not least, Ardent Leisure Group (ASX: AAD) has its Goodlife gyms and Kingpin and AMF bowling alleys. But the gyms business is struggling, primarily as smaller operators open 24-hour gyms in direct competition with Goodlife.
For my money, I'd consider Catapult first, followed by Ardent Leisure and others bringing up the rear.
