Sports Direct

Sports Direct is owned by Frasers Group.

Sports Direct's rating applies to the Sports Direct house apparel brand only and doesn’t apply to other product categories. Check the individual ratings to learn about the other brands that Sports Direct stocks.

Our “Planet” rating evaluates brands based on the environmental policies in their supply chains, from carbon emissions and wastewater to business models and product circularity. Here we rate Sports Direct “Very Poor”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It follows an unsustainable fast fashion model due to its consistently low price points and regular heavy discounts.
• There’s no evidence it uses any lower-impact materials.
• It’s set a science based target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in both its direct operations and supply chain but there’s no evidence it is on track.
• There’s no evidence it’s taking meaningful action to reduce water use.
• There’s no evidence it’s taking actions to protect biodiversity in its supply chain.

Workers’ rights are central to our “People” rating, which assess brands’ policies and practices on everything from child labour to living wages and gender equality. Here we rate Sports Direct “Very Poor”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It doesn't disclose where its final production stage occurs.
• Some of its final stage is located in low risk countries or certified facilities, however it does not publish an aggregate breakdown of suppliers.
• There’s no evidence it has a Code of Conduct.
• There’s no evidence it provides financial security to its suppliers, which can result in poor working conditions and wages.
• There’s no evidence it supports diversity and inclusion in its supply chain.
• The brand claims to audit some of its supply chain but doesn’t specify what percentage.
• There’s no evidence it ensures workers are paid living wages in its supply chain.
• During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, it did not disclose adequate policies or safeguards to protect workers in its supply chain from the virus.

Brands’ animal welfare policies and, where applicable, how well they trace their animal-derived products are the focus of our “Animals” rating. Here we rate Sports Direct “Good”. It doesn’t appear to use animal-derived materials but doesn’t claim to be a vegan brand.

Based on all publicly available information we’ve reviewed, we rate Sports Direct “Not Good Enough” overall.