SportsNL
The Netherlands aims to be a global partner for inclusive, sustainable, and innovative top-level sports experiences. SportsNL helps similar organisations work together for a sustainable future in sports. It assists Dutch sports entrepreneurs to build valuable connections in the Netherlands and abroad, facilitates international missions and events, hosts local seminars on sports markets, and commissions studies on sports worldwide.
Partners
SportsNL is a public-private partnership that connects stakeholders in the Dutch sports sector, including:
- government agencies such as the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sports;
- companies such as Signify, the Johan Cruijff ArenA, and Greenwave;
- academic instutions such as the Knowledge Centre for Sport and Physical Activity Netherlands;
- social organisations such as the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB), the Dutch Olympic Committee*Dutch Sports Federation (NOC*NSF), the Royal Association MKB-Nederland, SportInnovator, and the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW).
Vision, mission and activation
Understanding the important role of sport in sustainable development, SportsNL promotes tolerance and respect. Sport also helps with economic growth, social inclusion, and protecting the environment, ensuring no one is left behind. All activities organised by SportsNL follow the below vision, mission, and activation.
By 2030, the Netherlands will be recognised globally as a (trade) partner for inclusive, sustainable, and innovative sports experiences.
To harness the power of sport for international trade, diplomacy, knowledge, innovation exchange, and social programmes.
SportsNL will connect businesses, government institutions, sports organisations, social organisations, and knowledge centres. It will do so by engaging shared priorities and establishing long-term public-private partnerships, focusing on diverse inbound and outbound activities.
Showcases
Elis Ligtlee from the Netherlands competing against Rebecca James from the United Kingdom in the Women’s Sprint Semifinal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Public-private partnerships help develop infrastructure and create positive experiences in the Dutch sports sector. Here are some examples that highlight this collaboration:
- The Sport for Development Programme uses sports to support community development, helping vulnerable groups such as disadvantaged children.
- Cruyff Courts provide safe play areas where children can learn valuable life skills.
- The Active Esports Arena uses Virtual Reality to make gaming more physical.
- Signify's 'Trulifi LiFi' system offers sustainable lighting and fast internet for a better fan experience.
Reports
These market reports offer valuable insights for Dutch entrepreneurs and organisations in the sports sector:
- Germany: Commercial Potential of Digitalisation in the German Sports Business
- France: A market study on sports and innovation (fill in the Dutch form to request the report)
- Opportunity seminar Sport & Innovation: Italy 2026 Winter Games
- US Sports Innovation Market Report (fill in the Dutch form to request the report)
More information
- Follow SportsNL's LinkedIn to stay updated on exciting projects, partnerships, innovations, and more.
- You can reach out to SportsNL by sending an email to sport@rvo.nl.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport
