Reebok has confirmed that the much-anticipated UK and EU launch of its golf range has been delayed until the Fall/Winter 2025 season. This marks a significant shift from the original launch window of March 2025, which GolfTimes first reported earlier this year.
While the brand’s golf collection is already available in the United States, European fans will now have to wait several more months. The company has not cited specific supply chain or regulatory issues, but many industry insiders are questioning the timing of the move.
A Reebok spokesperson told GolfTimes: “The shift in launch timeline is not related to recent tariff changes.” However, fresh insight from a global supply chain specialist suggests the full picture may be more complex.
Not Just About Tariffs – But Still a Factor
The Reebok Golf UK launch delay confirmed story lands against the backdrop of rising concern over Trump-era tariff policies. Several sportswear giants, including Adidas, have warned of price increases as a result of tariffs on imported goods from key manufacturing regions like Vietnam and South Africa.
An anonymous former supply chain executive who has worked at a global fashion and sports brand told GolfTimes:
“While tariffs may not be the sole reason for the delay, they’ll definitely be part of the picture. Most performance footwear is imported into the US, and brands can’t simply pass those rising costs on to customers. So they’ll be rethinking pricing models, holding back budgets, and prioritising proven bestsellers over niche categories like golf.”
David Swartz, senior equity analyst in consumer research at Morningstar, put it even more starkly. “It (tariff’s) almost feels intentionally directed at the [performance footwear] industry,” he said, describing the tariffs as “potentially disastrous” for the sector in a recent investor report.
Distributor List Still Unconfirmed
Another potential reason behind the delay is the lack of clarity around Reebok’s UK and EU distribution plans. The brand has yet to confirm which retailers or third-party distributors will carry the range in these markets.
Without a confirmed distributor list, activating a full-scale launch could prove challenging, especially when navigating different market regulations and pricing models. Sources close to the rollout suggest that until this critical infrastructure is finalised, a launch would be premature.
It adds yet another layer of complexity to a release already shaped by cost pressures, trade tensions, and shifting priorities.
DeChambeau Leads US Push While Europe Waits
In the US, the Reebok Golf campaign has already teed off, led by Bryson DeChambeau. The LIV Golf star headlines a bold return to golf for the brand, bringing strength and swagger to Reebok’s performance comeback.
His front-and-centre role has generated strong buzz across social media and golf channels, helping establish the new line’s credentials. But for EU and UK consumers, the wait to access the same products continues.
The contrast between the US campaign and the delayed European rollout has only intensified speculation about the brand’s global priorities.
Golf Seen as a Niche, Lower Priority
Despite excitement around Reebok’s return to golf, industry analysts close to the brand suggest it is still seen as a niche sport within its global product portfolio. Compared to mainstream categories like running, training, and lifestyle, golf remains relatively untested in terms of ROI for Reebok.
That makes it more vulnerable to delays when external factors like tariffs, logistics, and shifting budgets come into play. “Golf is not going to be the top priority when margins are tight,” our supply chain insider added.
With those margins under pressure and questions still hanging over long-term trade policy, pausing the EU launch may be seen as the cautious – and cost-effective – option.
Reebok’s Return to Golf Still On Track Despite Delay
Despite the setback, Reebok remains committed to its long-term golf ambitions. The range – including footwear, apparel, and accessories – is still expected to land in UK and EU stores before the end of 2025.
The product line blends retro design cues from Reebok’s 90s heyday with modern golf tech and styling. Many in the golf industry were excited to see the brand bring something fresh to the course.
Marketing plans and influencer partnerships prepared for the spring launch are now expected to be rescheduled for later in the year.
A Strategic Pause – Not a Cancellation
With the Reebok Golf UK launch delay confirmed, the decision appears less like a disruption and more like a strategic pause. Reebok, now owned by Authentic Brands Group, is thought to be focusing resources on markets with more immediate commercial return.
As tariffs and trade conditions continue to shift, so too does brand planning. “They’ll be watching closely to see how things evolve before throwing more money into an untested market,” our supply chain source concluded.
For UK and EU golf fans, that means more waiting – but not forever. Reebok’s golf range is still coming, just not as soon as originally hoped.
GolfTimes Will Keep You Updated
We first reported on Reebok’s re-entry into golf back in January, with a target UK launch date of March 2025. That timeline is now out the window, replaced with a tentative Fall/Winter 2025 window.
With tariffs, budgets, and priorities all in flux, the launch has become a case study in how global economics shapes even the sportiest of product plans.
