Top 10 Sports Lighting Manufacturers in the World (2024)

With so many options available in the lighting sector, choosing the right lighting company can be a hassle. 

In this article, we’ll talk about the top sports lighting companies worldwide, the type of lights ideal for sports arenas, and how to select the best lighting company based on your specific needs and venue requirements.

Two Major Types of Sports Lighting Companies

The sports lighting industry is made up of two fundamental types of companies. One is focused on the design and manufacturing of sports lighting systems, while the other is focused on the distribution. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right sports lighting partner for your specific needs. 

1. Sports Lighting Manufacturers and Designers

These stadium lighting companies are responsible for designing and manufacturing the sports lighting systems in their own factories. Customization is key for them as different sports require different lighting intensities and angles.

With the help of engineers and architects, manufacturers work directly with stadiums, arenas, and sports venues to design lighting that can be personalized specifically for that place in terms of visibility and the overall experience.

2. Sports Lighting Distributors and Contractors

Distributors and contractors focus on delivering and installing sports lighting systems. They don’t manufacture the lights. Instead, they work with multiple manufacturers to provide various options and are responsible for lighting installation.

They collaborate with manufacturers and offer unbiased advice regarding your sports lighting project. Along with installation, they provide ongoing maintenance, repairs, and upgrades to ensure the best customer experience.

Top 10 Sports Lighting Companies to Illuminate Your Next Match

We have compiled a list of the world’s top sports field lighting companies based on product quality, service, availability, and experience. The order of these companies does not define their rank.

1. Musco Lighting

Musco Lighting is a privately held company that specializes in the design and manufacturing of sports lighting systems, transportation lighting, infrastructure lighting, automated sports broadcasting, and modular sports venue products.

They’ve been a key player in the sports lighting industry for over 40 years. They are best known for their Total Light Control (TLC) for LED™ system, which is designed to provide precise outdoor sports lighting and large entertainment venues.

Musco Lighting has had the privilege of providing services for numerous high-profile events and arenas like Yankee Stadium, AT&T Stadium, The Super Bowl, and The Statue of Liberty. 

They are known for delivering high-quality and durable products that can withstand any environmental conditions, making them ideal for outdoor environments.

Their systems are designed to reduce light pollution while ensuring optimal visibility for both the players and spectators.

Key Products

• Outdoor Lighting
• Indoor Lighting
• Special Effects Lighting
• Lighting Monitoring System
• Testing & Maintenance Services

Company Advantages

• Major Presence in the US
• Experience in Lighting Iconic Landmarks
• Excellent Customer Services

2. Philips Lighting

Philips (now Signify) has been a global leader in sports lighting products and electrical home appliances since 1891, with a strong presence in sports lighting. They are known for high-performance and sustainable solutions. 

The company designs advanced lighting products that illuminate stadiums and sports arenas worldwide. Signify products carrying the Philips brand cover the complete range of lighting applications, from home, office, and industry to street lighting, horticulture, sports, and more.

With a strong emphasis on IoT, innovation, and sustainability, Philips is at the forefront of smart and energy-efficient sports lighting, helping venues achieve long-term savings and exceptional lighting quality.

Philips’ systems have illuminated iconic venues like Wembley Stadium and Maracanã Stadium during the Olympics, establishing their reputation for reliable, eco-friendly, and visually dynamic lighting.

Key Products

• Indoor Luminaires
• Outdoor Luminaires
• LED/Conventional Lamps and Tubes
• Lighting Controls

Company Advantages

• Global Customer Support Network 
• Century of Lighting Experience.
• High-Quality Light Fixtures
• Sustainable Practices

3. RC Lighting

RC Lighting is one of China’s leading LED lighting manufacturers and suppliers, specializing in high-quality, customizable lighting solutions for different applications, including sports, commercial, architectural, and landscape lighting. 

They are known for their energy-efficient LED technology and precision manufacturing. RC Lighting is also ISO 9001 approved, offering products catering to functional and aesthetic needs in a sports lighting project. 

The company’s products are CE, RoHS, and UL/ETL certified, and the team consists of professional engineers for R&D. Over the past seven years, they have developed 32 patents and successfully worked with a multitude of international companies.

RC Lighting‘s LED outdoor lighting systems are made by following strict quality protocols. They can be your OEM partner by offering custom designs, manufacturing, full-color packaging, and door-to-door delivery. Whether it’s the size, style, color, or setting, RC lighting has got you covered.

Key Products & Services

• Architectural Lighting
• Landscape Lights
• LED Fountain & In-Ground Lights
• Solar Bollard & Path Lights
• Emergency Lights

Company Advantages

• Fast Delivery
• Low Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ)
• OEM & ODM Services
• Exceptional Customer Service
• Broad Range of Sports Lighting Solutions

4. Acuity Brands

Acuity Brands, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is a major player in the lighting industry that provides innovative and energy-efficient solutions in professional sports stadiums across North America. They were established in 2001 as a spin-off from National Service Industries.

The company acquired several companies specializing in LED lighting, controls, and IoT technologies, including eldoLED for LED drivers, Distech Controls for building automation, and Lucid Design Group for smart building management solutions. 

Acuity Brands’ high-performance LED sports lighting solutions and reliable control systems provide a comprehensive solution that meets the evolving needs of sports facilities, ensuring excellent lighting quality and energy efficiency for years to come.

With projects across major sports stadiums, universities, and community fields, Acuity has a strong reputation for quality and durability, making it a preferred choice for your sports lighting needs.

Key Products

• Indoor and Outdoor Domestic Lights
• Industrial and Commercial Lights
• Lighting Controls and Components
• Horticulture and Emergency Lights

Company Advantages

• Diverse Product Range 
• OEM Services 
• Excellent Customer Support 
• Vast Technical Resources

5. Trilux Lighting

TRILUX Lighting was founded in 1912 by Wilhelm Lenze in Menden, Germany, initially producing gas and electric lighting components. However, with time, the company started to focus on specialized lighting for industrial, medical, commercial, and domestic applications.

By the 1950s, it had established an extensive distribution network across Europe and became one of the top competitors in technical lighting. The company has continued to grow through beneficial acquisitions and partnerships, like BAG Electronics and Oktalite.

Today, the company operates internationally in 50-plus countries, with headquarters in Arnsberg, Germany. Having more than 5000 employees worldwide and 30 business partners and subsidiaries, TRILUX has become a leading lighting manufacturer in the European market.

TRILUX offers a wide portfolio of technologies and high-performance partners within the TRILUX Group. It unites single components to create custom-designed solutions that are always perfectly matched to customer requirements and specific applications.

Key Products

• Domestic and Commercial Indoor Lighting
• Sports and Industrial Outdoor Lighting
• Lighting Management Systems
• Specialized LED Luminaries

Company Advantages

• Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness Focus
• Global Reach and Comprehensive Solutions
• Excellent Online Technical and Customer Services
• Diverse Product Range

6. Zumtobel Group

The Zumtobel Group is an Austrian company specializing in lighting headquartered in Dornbirn, Austria. It was established in 1950 and has been a reliable lighting partner for many. The company operates under three premium brands: Zumtobel, Thorn, and Tridonic. 

Zumtobel provides architectural lighting focusing on aesthetics and functionality for indoor spaces. Thorn is focused on robust outdoor lighting for sports fields and urban areas with efficiency and minimized light pollution. Lastly, Tridonic focuses on smart, IoT-enabled lighting that optimizes energy use and performance.

The group operates ten production facilities on three continents as well as sales and partner companies in nearly 90 countries.

The parent company is well-recognized around the world, with a respectable distribution network across Europe, Asia, and North America. It targets clients seeking high-end lighting solutions focusing on architectural design and innovation.

 Key Products

• Architectural Lighting
• Durable Lighting for Outdoor Sports 
• Lighting Systems that Monitor Energy Usage
• Controls and Emergency Lighting

Company Advantages

• Massive Product Range and Services
• Partnerships with Other Lighting Manufacturers
• Emphasis on Eco-friendly Practices
• Global Presence and Operations

7. Ecolite LED

EcoLite LED Lighting was founded to deliver high-quality, sustainable lighting solutions for outdoor and industrial applications. The company’s commitment to energy-efficient LED technology has established it as a trusted name in the industry. 

The company has collaborated with several reputable lighting manufacturers in China and has local partnerships in that region. Their North American team develops and innovates every LED light they sell alongside exclusive LED manufacturing partners in the U.S. and Asia.

EcoLite LED is known for its commitment to sustainability and offers products that combine high brightness with low energy consumption, resulting in cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint.

Key Products

•  LED Floodlights for Sports Facilities 
•  Downlights and Pendant Fixtures
•  LED Wall Packs 
• High Mast and High Bay Lighting

Company Advantages

• Collaboration with Large-scale Manufacturers
• Highly Credible R&D Team
• Exceptional Product Warranties

8. LEDLUCKY 

LEDLUCKY Lighting is a Chinese manufacturing company established in 2010. Its headquarters are in Shenzhen, China. They specialize in indoor and outdoor LED lighting with a wide range of applications, from industrial and commercial spaces to sports facilities and roadways.

The company operates extensive, ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturing centers that do their own R&D, testing, advanced manufacturing, and distribution across China and internationally. 

The manufacturing center boasts 380 employees, 61 engineers, an 1800 sqm intelligent showroom, a 2000 sqm CNAS Laboratory, and a 70,000 sqm manufacturing workshop with advanced CNC, Lathe, Milling, Die-casting, and Bending machines.

LEDLUCKY has completed noteworthy projects across the world. Having 260 plus patents, the company’s combination of innovation, flexibility, and quality manufacturing makes it a top choice for reliable LED lighting globally.

Key Products

• High-bay LED Lights
• LED Panel Lights
• LED Linear and Flood Lights
• Solar LED and Street Lights
•  LED Stadium Lights

Company Advantages

• Customer-Centric Designs and Customizations
• International Manufacturing Standards Compliance
• Global Reach and Versatility
• Extensive ISO 9001 Certifications

9. Thorn Lighting

Thorn Lighting, a subsidiary of the Zumtobel Group, is a global supplier of both outdoor and indoor luminaires and integrated controls. Thorn Lighting Ltd. Zumtobel is a premium brand focused on high-end lighting, while Thorn is focused on commercial, domestic, outdoor, and industrial lighting.

Sir Jules Thorn started The Electric Lamp Service Company Ltd in 1928, from where the company was founded. In 1948, it became the first British lighting company to mass-produce fluorescent tubes.

The company’s growth led to them supplying lighting for major projects, such as the UK’s motorways and international airports. After the acquisition by the Zumtobel Group, it expanded its technology and R&D capabilities.

Thorn Lighting has allowed itself to broaden its horizons in terms of industry expertise, research, and innovation. Having decades of expertise and innovative technology has made this company the best the UK has to offer in the lighting industry.

Key Products

• Floodlights for Sports and Outdoors
• Surface Mounted Architectural Lighting
• Road, Urban, and Tunnel Lighting
• Indoor and Industrial Lighting

Company Advantages

• Diverse Range of Products
• Specialized Designs for the Outdoors
• Commitment to Sustainability and UN SDGs

10. Sylvania Lighting

Sylvania Lighting is a global lighting brand with a rich history that was established in the early 1900s and immediately became an innovator in the lighting industry.  Initially focused on lighting in North America, the company was acquired by Osram in 1993 and became a global competitor in the lighting market.

In 2015, Shanghai Feilo Acoustics acquired Sylvania’s parent company, rebranding it as Feilo Sylvania, and set up headquarters in Budapest, Hungary. Later, in 2017, Inesa (Group) Co. Limited, a Shanghai-based and state-owned enterprise, became the owner of Feilo Sylvania.

Sylvania focuses on high-quality, energy-efficient lighting solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.  They have multiple successful case studies across Europe, namely Volvo Showroom, Autographe SA, The Design Museum and La Source.

The brand is known for its commitment to sustainable lighting through initiatives like SylSmart Energy that can monitor and control energy consumption, reducing carbon footprint. Adhering to EU Single Lighting Regulations, Sylvania has replaced plastics with fully recyclable packaging.

Key Products

• Durable Outdoor LED lighting.
• Smart Lighting Controls
• Residential Indoor Lighting
• Indoor and Outdoor Industrial Lighting

Company Advantages

• Century’s Experience in Lighting.
• Worldwide Presence and Support Network
• Winner of Multiple Accolades
• Broad Product Range 

4 Benefits of LED Sports Lighting Solutions

LEDs have lots of benefits compared to conventional incandescent bulbs in professional stadiums. Today, we are going to look at the four biggest ones. 

1. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

One of the biggest advantages of LEDs in professional sports stadiums is that they are energy-efficient lights. LEDs consume less power and emit a very trace amount of infrared light. Less power means less energy waste and lower electricity bills.

LED sports lights reduce costs, especially for large sports stadiums that use lighting in excess. In comparison, incandescent bulbs release 90% of their energy as heat, and CFLs release about 80% of their energy as heat.

2. Better Quality

Along with energy savings, LED lighting technology offers better brightness consistency and color rendering, making them perfect for sports fields where visibility is key. Also, LEDs provide better lighting to help digital cameras capture a clearer image, which means better quality TV & online broadcasts.

Another advantage is that LEDs can be turned on and off instantly, unlike metal halide lights, which take time to reach full brightness and power down. This makes LEDs perfect for sports events, where quick lighting is needed.

3. Durable and Long-lasting

LED sports lighting is durable and made for extreme weather. This is especially important for outdoor sports, where lights are exposed to heavy rain, wind, and snow. They have low-cost components that can be repaired easily compared to other lights.

When compared to traditional lights, LEDs have a much longer lifespan. This means fewer replacements and reduced maintenance costs, making them an excellent long-term investment for sports facilities.  

4. Customization

LEDs can be customized in color and brightness using smart controllers. They can be manufactured in any shape or with specific controls for different venues like industrial, commercial, domestic, or recreational bars. 

Customizable setups like addressable RGB LEDs give greater control over individual LEDs, including color, brightness, and pattern. RGB LEDs have a higher price tag, but the controllable colors are well worth the cost.

5 Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Sports Lighting Company

When selecting the right sports lighting company for your facility or stadium, the following 5 factors should be taken into account:

1. Experience in the Industry

You must look for companies with a proven track record in sports lighting. Experience matters when it comes to delivering reliable and high-quality lighting that meets the specific needs of a sports venue.

Companies like Philips, RC Lighting, and Musco Lighting, which have decades of experience in the field, are some safe options for you.

2. Product Quality

Look closely at the quality of the products offered by each company. A good company offers products that are eco-friendly, durable, and designed to meet the unique and challenging environments of outdoor sports arenas and stadiums.

You can research it by reading the customer reviews on their products and product warranties. This can help you understand the reliability of a company’s products.

3. Customization Options

Not all sports stadiums or arenas are the same, so choose a company that offers customizable lighting products.

Customization can be achieved if that company has its own manufacturing plant or has access to one. Whether you need a system for a small community field or a large professional stadium, the lighting’s personalization ability is crucial.

4. Energy Efficiency

Energy-efficient lighting is essential for long-term usage and environmental sustainability. As discussed above, LED lighting systems are generally the better option when it comes to sports lighting, so look for companies that specialize in LED lighting manufacturing and distribution.

RC Lighting, Thorn, Philips, and LEDLUCKUY are some of the companies that extensively focus on LED manufacturing and energy cost reduction.

5. Customer Support and Maintenance Services

Having excellent customer service and technical support is critical. Post-installation support is vital for maintaining the longevity of your sports lighting system.

Choose a company that offers comprehensive customer support and maintenance services to ensure the best performance of your lighting system. Otherwise, you’ll just be at square one after a couple of years when your lights start to falter. 

FAQs

1. What is the best sports lighting company for LED systems?

All the above-mentioned companies provide various lighting solutions and have shown success in large-scale projects. Choose the one that meets your specific lighting requirements.

2. How much does it cost to install sports lighting?

The cost depends on the size of the venue, the type of lighting used, and the installation requirements. LEDs have a higher initial cost but offer long-term energy savings and durability for long-term usage.

3. Are LED lights better for sports venues?

Yes, LED lights provide better visibility, are more energy-efficient, and have a longer lifespan compared to conventional lighting. They’re also more durable and customizable.

4. How do I choose the right lighting for my sports facility?

Consider the size of your venue, your budget, and the specific lighting requirements for the sports being played. Review our ‘5 Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Sports Lighting Company’ section for better clarity. 

Conclusion

LEDs have had a proven track record in sports lighting in terms of performance and reliability. Almost every major lighting manufacturer has shifted to an LED only business model. The top sports lighting manufacturers have customizability, sustainability, and global reach in common, which shows an industry trend.

Choosing the best fit depends on your project’s size, location, and specific needs, but rest assured that this list represents reliable lighting solutions that are ready to brighten any stadium or arena. 

Illuminate Your Sports Arena with RC Lighting

RC Lighting, one of China’s leading manufacturers of LED lighting, offers premium lights for indoor and outdoor applications. Their 12 years of experience in the lighting field speaks for itself.

Having an ISO 9001-certified production facility and a guarantee of quality, RC Lighting ensures customers end up with reliable and long-lasting fixtures.

Discover your perfect lighting solution with RC Lighting. Choose from a wide range of adjustable options, including wattage, beam angles, and fixture sizes, to meet your specific needs. Contact Us Now!