To succeed in sports, it is not always necessary to be gifted with athletic talents.
Some of the greatest coaches weren’t the best players and some never played at all.
To that end, there are plenty of sports-focused business opportunities that don’t necessarily require you to be able to run fast, shoot the basketball better than anyone else, or even land a 10-foot golf putt. But that doesn’t disqualify you if you’re good at sports. There are chances of turning this talent into a lucrative business or even a dynamic side business.
Business ideas for athletes
Here is a list of 25 startups for those who love sports.
Open a sports store
No matter where you live in the country, people play sports. It’s important to take the extra time to make sure your sports store idea fits into the local culture. For example, offering beach volleyball supplies works better in Malibu than a ski shop.
Become a coach
If you’ve been an athlete, you probably want to pass on some of your knowledge and experience. Getting involved in coaching at the high school level usually means meeting certain educational requirements.
Become a sports blogger
Starting a blog as your sports business requires very little capital. You can blog about the sport you were involved in or choose a broader area. Inside information from colleagues with athletic backgrounds will position your blog in the right place.
Become a sports photographer
Some of these ideas will compel you to add to your athletic experience. Some sports photography jobs you might apply for will require you to use both manual and digital cameras.
Start a Public Relations Business
Athletes have an inside scoop on relationships with people currently playing games. Starting a PR business to manage sports personalities is another idea. You will need to understand how to research offers and advertise while managing your customer’s reputation.
start a magazine
Some of the best applications for creating your own publication include Adobe Digital Publishing Suite. You can monetize the post by contacting former colleagues and selling ads.
Open an academy
If you want to help develop young talent, this is one way to go. Remember to put together a solid business plan so you can get a loan.
Become a scout
Seeking new talent for an organization in the sport you play or have played in is another option. Be warned here. This company is not for a homebody since you will be spending a lot of time on the road.
Start a sports betting site
It’s a growing industry that can certainly be helped with past sports experience. You will need to find the right type of software and keep up to date with the requirements of the jurisdiction in which you are setting up the website.
Become a YouTube trainer
Enjoy the ease with which it is possible to create and download a YouTube video. You may need to buy a professional camera, but your initial outlay should be low. A series of short training videos can be directed to a website where you offer full courses.
Open a gym
Remember that being a boxer is a good thing if you are looking to open a gym. However, you will also need a trading punch. You will need to find out about financing and choose a good location. Also, don’t forget to get the right insurance.
Start a Sports Radio Station
The internet makes this easy. All you need to get started is a computer, a good internet connection, and the right software. If you’re looking to cut costs, consider the open source software available.
Start a Jersey Customization Business
Everyone wants to wear the name and number of their favorite athlete. Make sure all vendors are duly authorized. A good graphic designer is another must-have for this idea.
Start a sports promotion business
Before jumping into a particular niche, it’s a good idea to research the competition. Having a good business plan is a prerequisite. These cover everything from describing the target market to marketing essentials.
Produce sports video games
Game designers all say that designing believable people for their games is a big challenge. People with athletic backgrounds are excellent consultants to help achieve this goal.
Sell sports memorabilia
You should have the inside track here, especially in whatever sport you’ve been playing. These types of trinkets are big sellers at events and festivals. Renting a table can be an alternative to opening a physical store or even creating a website.
Open a sports bar
Build on the theme of the sport in which you played or currently play. One way to make the place unique is to add memorabilia from your career.
Open a Sports Camp
Be sure to bring other coaches and athletes so campers get a balanced perspective. If you can get the endorsement of a local sports personality, great. Scale is important here. If your camp lasts several weeks, you will need more staff.
Become a golf teacher
The capital you might need to start a business like this is smaller than you might think. An online golf instructor can easily upload videos to YouTube. You really only need a good video camera or a GoPro to get started.
Become a lifeguard
Your municipality more than likely has courses you need to take to obtain a permit. If you’re an athlete looking to stay in shape, this is a great way to do it, earn money, and help people in your community.
Become a Referee
Want to test your knowledge of your sport? Being a referee is one way to do that. Keep in mind that you will need to be accredited by the local sports organization.
Become an athletic therapist
You’ll more than likely be part of a bigger team of coaches and doctors if you get along well with a team. Of course, the other route is to open your own business and serve individual athletes.
Become a sports equipment manufacturer
If you’re going to start small and have an online presence, be sure to offer multiple payment methods and discounts.
Develop sports applications
Building mobile sports apps is big business. Remember that the most successful applications are easy to use. They should also have what is called a finger-friendly design.
Sell tickets to sporting events
Having the right strategy is important here. A pre-post calendar for members is a good option for attracting a clientele.
Related Reading: 51 Business Ideas for 2020
Football training photo via Shutterstock
