The great thing about passive income is that it allows you to earn money with minimal ongoing effort—perfect for those juggling busy schedules, workouts, or careers. As NIL continues to evolve, athletes, former athletes, and even coaches have the opportunity to explore creative ways to turn their personal brands into passive income streams. If you’re looking for ways to capitalize on NIL opportunities or earn more income in 2025, here are some passive gigs to consider.
Top Passive Income Ideas for Athletes in 2025
1. Monetize YouTube Content. If you enjoy sharing your stories, workouts, or insights on video, it’s time to create a YouTube channel. With consistency, over time those videos can earn passive income through ad revenue and sponsorships. Even older videos can generate income as long as they continue to get views, making it a sustainable long-term gig.
2. Sell Digital Products. You can create digital products like e-books, training guides, or meal plans that reflect your expertise. For example, if you’re a former college basketball player, you could develop a “30-Day Dribbling Challenge” e-book or a guide on maintaining athletic performance during the off-season. Once created, these products can be sold repeatedly with little to no additional effort, making them a great source of passive income.
3. Sell Merchandise. Custom apparel and merchandise branded with your name, logo, or motivational quotes can appeal to fans and supporters. Using platforms like Printful or Teespring, you can design and sell products without worrying about inventory or shipping. Every sale becomes passive income after the designs are uploaded.
4. Rental Income from Equipment. If you own sports equipment, gym space, or training tools, consider renting them out when they’re not in use. For instance, a coach could rent out batting cages or pitching machines, while an athlete might rent out training facilities during off-seasons. This low-maintenance option lets your assets generate income for you.
5. Launch a Subscription-Based Community. Platforms like Patreon or Substack allow athletes to monetize their expertise through exclusive content. You can set up a subscription model where fans or aspiring athletes pay for access to monthly Q&A sessions, workout videos, or behind-the-scenes insights into your life. Once the system is set up, the ongoing maintenance can be minimal while providing consistent income.
6. Invest in Licensing Your Name. Licensing your name and likeness for use in video games, collectibles, or merchandise can be a lucrative avenue for passive income. For instance, college athletes might appear in EA Sports’ NCAA video games or collaborate with brands to sell signed digital trading cards (NFTs). While some of these opportunities require upfront agreements, the income generated often rolls in passively over time.
7. Affiliate Marketing. Affiliate marketing involves partnering with brands and promoting their products through a unique link. You can earn a percentage of each sale made through their link, whether it’s for fitness gear, supplements, or lifestyle products. This can be as simple as posting about the product once on social media and letting the commissions add up.
8. Write and License a Children’s Book. Storytelling is a powerful tool, so another idea could be to create children’s books based on lessons you’ve learned through sports. Once written, these books can be sold on platforms like Amazon Kindle, generating passive royalties for years.
Passive NIL gigs are ideal for athletes and coaches who want to boost their income without compromising their busy schedules. By leveraging your expertise and personal brand, you can tap into income streams that work for you long after the initial effort. Whether it’s digital products, affiliate marketing, or YouTube content, these ideas can set you up for long-term financial success in 2025 and beyond.