In my lifetime, technology has changed so often and so quickly. With recent advancements in AI, I’ve been thinking a lot about the amazing opportunities that current and former athletes have to build their brands, create businesses, and thrive in professional careers outside of sports. While NIL deals often dominate headlines, the reality is that most athletes won’t make millions from them. However, tech tools and platforms offer cost-effective ways for athletes to level the playing field, giving them access to resources that were once reserved for those with deep pockets. Below are a few innovations in tech and how athletes can use them to their advantage— without breaking the bank.
Tech Tools to Build Your NIL… on a Budget
- NFTs: Monetizing Your Legacy Without Big Investment. Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) offer an affordable way to monetize your brand and unique moments. For instance, athletes can create NFTs of milestone moments—like a game-winning shot or exclusive behind-the-scenes content—with minimal upfront costs. Platforms like OpenSea and Rarible allow users to create and sell NFTs with low fees. Athletes can offer digital collectibles tied to personal milestones, like motivational quotes or career highlights. Tools like Canva (with free design options) can help create stunning visuals for these NFTs, eliminating the need to hire designers.
- AI in Marketing: Low-Cost Tools for High-Impact Branding. AI tools like ChatGPT (free version available), Jasper, or Canva’s AI features are budget-friendly options to create engaging content. From crafting social media captions to designing graphics, these tools make high-quality marketing accessible to everyone. For athletes building a side hustle or transitioning into a career, free versions of HubSpot or Buffer integrate AI to analyze audience engagement and recommend strategies. Using these tools saves time and eliminates the need for costly marketing consultants.
- Social Media Automation: Save Time Without Spending Big. Managing a personal brand doesn’t have to consume your day—or your wallet. Free plans from tools like Buffer and Later allow you to schedule posts, track basic engagement metrics, and maintain a consistent online presence. Want to do more? Zapier (free for basic automations) connects your social accounts to other platforms, automating repetitive tasks like sending thank-you emails or updating spreadsheets. These solutions streamline operations, letting you focus on growing your brand.
- E-Commerce Platforms: Start Small, Scale Big. Starting an online business no longer requires a big budget. Platforms like Etsy or Gumroad (which only charge small transaction fees) let athletes sell products or services with virtually no upfront costs. Whether it’s digital workout plans, custom merchandise, or nutrition guides, these platforms make it easy to test your ideas without committing large amounts of money. For those ready to take the next step, Shopify offers affordable starter plans with built-in analytics, making it simple to grow your business when you’re ready.
- Free or Low-Cost Productivity Apps for Career Growth. Athletes transitioning to the professional world can stay organized with free tools like Notion, Trello, and Asana. These apps help manage projects, set goals, and streamline workflows—all essential for success in a 9-5 or entrepreneurial setting. Pair these with productivity boosters like Google Workspace (free for personal use) or RescueTime, which tracks your screen time and helps you focus, making it easier to stay disciplined without hiring a coach or assistant.
- Build Community Without Spending a Dime. Networking is critical for life beyond sports, and platforms like LinkedIn, Slack, and Discord offer free ways to connect with professionals, mentors, and like-minded individuals. For example, joining LinkedIn groups for former athletes can lead to mentorship and business opportunities. Discord, originally a gaming platform, has expanded into broader communities. Athletes can create their own servers to engage with fans or join existing ones to connect with peers—all at no cost.
Technology is a powerful equalizer, especially for athletes navigating life after sports. With budget-friendly tools like NFTs, AI-driven marketing platforms, automation tools, and e-commerce sites, success is no longer reserved for the elite few. Whether you’re building a side hustle, growing your personal brand, or transitioning to a new career, these tools provide the opportunity to innovate, connect, and thrive—without breaking the bank.