Slow and steady wins the race. While I love a good overnight success story, the fact is that many successful and game-changing businesses have taken years to build, taking traction after years of thoughtful and strategic planning. Athletes are built for success—not just in sports, but in business too. Whether you’re a college athlete looking to make extra cash, or a former athlete with a full-time job who wants to build a business on the side, the right side hustle can start small and grow into a serious income stream over time. Here are 10 low-risk, high-potential side hustles in the sports space to consider if you’re thinking about launching a business that will grow over time.
10 Side Hustles Ideas to Make Money Over Time
1. Personal training or coaching. If you love the game, why not monetize your skills? Offer one-on-one or group training for younger athletes in your sport. You can start with just a few clients and grow by word of mouth, social media, or partnering with local sports programs.
2. Social media content creation. Athletes have a unique perspective that fans and aspiring players love to see. Whether it’s YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, you can share training tips, behind-the-scenes content, or even life advice. As your audience grows, you can monetize through brand deals, ads, or selling your own products.
3. Sports officiating or refereeing. Refereeing games at the youth, high school, or even recreational level is a flexible way to earn money while staying close to the sport you love. Over time, you can move up to higher-paying leagues or become a certified official in your sport.
4. Selling digital products. Create and sell digital products like e-books, workout plans, nutrition guides, or sports playbooks. Platforms like Gumroad and Shopify make it easy to start selling with little to no upfront costs.
5. Reselling sneakers, jerseys, or sports gear. If you know the market for sneakers, jerseys, or athletic gear, you can buy and resell for a profit. Start small by flipping items locally or through platforms like eBay, StockX, or GOAT.
6. Freelance writing or blogging. If you enjoy writing, start a blog or freelance for sports websites. You can cover topics like training, college recruiting, or life after sports. Over time, your writing can attract sponsorships, ad revenue, or even lead to bigger media opportunities.
7. Podcasting or hosting a YouTube show. Start a podcast or YouTube channel discussing topics like sports, personal development, NIL or business. With consistency, you can build an audience and monetize through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and ad revenue.
8. Virtual coaching or consulting. Offer virtual coaching for young athletes or consulting for brands looking to work with athletes. You can start by offering free sessions to gain testimonials and gradually charge for your expertise.
9. Selling merch or custom apparel. Create and sell your own merch, from hoodies to motivational t-shirts. With print-on-demand services like Printful or Teespring, you don’t need upfront inventory—just great designs and marketing.
10. Running sports camps or clinics. Organize one-day or weekend camps for kids in your sport. Start small with local sign-ups, and as your reputation grows, you can expand into larger events, team partnerships, or even online training programs.
A great side hustle doesn’t require huge upfront investments—it just needs consistency, passion, and a willingness to learn. Whether you’re an athlete still competing or a former athlete balancing a 9-5, these ideas can start small and turn into serious money-making ventures over time.