19 Business Ideas For Sports [2024]
Are you passionate about sports and looking for ways to combine that with entrepreneurship in 2024? There are numerous business opportunities waiting for you that cater to your sports interests and entrepreneurial drive. In this article, you'll discover various ideas that could turn your passion into a profitable venture.
From launching a state-of-the-art sports training facility to exploring new sports tech innovations, the possibilities are vast. You could start your own athletic apparel brand or dive into the world of sports analytics. Each idea presents unique opportunities to make an impact in the sports industry.
Whether you're considering a community-based fitness initiative or a specialized sports consultancy, there's a niche for everyone. Let’s delve into these business ideas to help you find the perfect fit for your goals and aspirations in the world of sports.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other sports businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Starting a health and wellness app as a sports-focused business could offer you a versatile avenue to tap into the growing health-conscious market. By creating a platform that delivers personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, mental well-being exercises, and progress tracking, you could meet the increasing demand for holistic health solutions. Think of it as giving your users a virtual coach in their pocket, guiding them towards achieving their health and wellness goals step by step.
Building this app involves various elements like market research, collaboration with health experts, app development, and effective marketing strategies. However, the potential to make a meaningful impact on people's lives while generating additional income or even creating a full-fledged business is substantial. If you’re passionate about health and wellness, this could indeed be the right entrepreneurial path for you learn more.
Why start a health and wellness app?
- The growing demand for holistic health solutions presents a lucrative opportunity.
- Personalized digital coaching adds immense value to users, fostering loyalty and engagement.
- Creating an app allows you to leverage technology to make a positive impact on people's health and well-being.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
2. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Creating a YouTube channel could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even establish a full-time business dedicated to sports. By sharing your expertise, whether it's through how-to guides, sports analysis, or fitness routines, you can attract a dedicated audience. Monetization opportunities arise through ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise sales, all while creating content that resonates with your passion for sports. For more insights on profitability, consider checking out this link.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You could leverage your unique knowledge and passion for sports to create compelling and engaging content.
- Diverse monetization streams such as ads, sponsorships, and merchandise can provide substantial income.
- Engaging directly with your audience allows for personal brand building and community growth, which can lead to expanded opportunities.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
3. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
Creating and selling online courses in the sports niche presents a compelling opportunity for entrepreneurial individuals. As someone who's passionate about sports, you could transform your knowledge and expertise into a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture. Imagine teaching techniques, training regimens, or even sports psychology insights to a global audience, all from the comfort of your home.
The e-learning market is booming, projected to be worth over $645 billion in the next few years, making this a timely opportunity. Whether you excel at coaching, fitness training, or sports analytics, the demand for high-quality online sports courses is substantial.
Why start an online course sales business?
- The e-learning market is expanding, providing a growing audience for your sports courses.
- Leverage your sports expertise to create passive income streams by selling your knowledge.
- Help others achieve their sports goals, enhancing their lives while generating revenue.
For more detailed insights and inspiration, check out some success stories and marketing ideas for online course sales on Starter Story here.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
4. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog can be a great way to engage with a passionate online community by sharing your expertise on a specific sports-related topic. By identifying a profitable and underserved niche within the sports realm—be it equipment reviews, training tips, athlete interviews, or sports news—you could create unique and informative content. This venture could open up multiple streams of income through affiliate marketing, brand partnerships, and ad revenues.
To make the most of this opportunity, you'll need to focus on creating engaging content and regularly interacting with your followers to build a loyal audience. Look into how other niche blogs have succeeded by exploring examples on Starter Story to get inspired and understand what works best.
Why start a niche blog about sports?
- You could turn your passion for sports into a profitable venture by sharing your insights and expertise.
- Engaging content on a niche topic could attract dedicated followers, providing avenues for income through ads and affiliate links.
- Collaborations with brands and participation in sports events could further boost your blog's visibility and income potential.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
5. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business is an excellent way for sports enthusiasts to supplement their income, make extra money, or even develop a full-fledged business. You can create and sell customized sports-themed products like apparel, accessories, and home goods without the need for upfront inventory costs. By utilizing platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, you could reach a wide audience and monetize your passion for sports with minimal startup effort. For more details on starting a print on demand business, check out successful sports-themed ventures.
Why start a print-on-demand business? - It allows you to design and sell unique sports-themed merchandise with little to no upfront investment. - You could capitalize on your sports knowledge to create niche-specific products that resonate with fellow fans and athletes. - The flexibility of working from home lets you pursue this business at your own pace, fitting it around your existing commitments.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
6. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business could be a lucrative and fulfilling opportunity for anyone with a passion for sports. By curating and sending a niche set of sports-related products to customers on a monthly basis, you could capitalize on the ever-growing demand for personalized and high-value customer experiences. With the right approach, you could provide exclusive sports gear, apparel, nutritional supplements, or fan merchandise that not only satisfies but also delights your subscribers. To see real-world examples, explore the success stories.
Why start a subscription box business?
- High demand and profitability: Subscription boxes add significant value to customer service, making them highly desirable and profitable.
- Passion-driven business: Turning your love for sports into a business means you get to share that passion with others while earning income.
- Subscription model benefits: The recurring revenue from subscription plans provides a reliable income stream and helps build customer loyalty.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
7. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Starting a social media automation business presents an exciting opportunity to supplement your income, make extra money, or even begin a side business in the sports industry. Imagine managing multiple social media accounts effortlessly while driving engagement and growth. This involves creating tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data across various platforms, helping sports-related businesses, athletes, and influencers enhance their online presence without the added time commitment. Given the growing need for consistent and strategic social media engagement, there’s a significant demand for automation in sports social media. For those with a knack for technology and marketing, this can be both a lucrative and fulfilling endeavor. Discover more about what it takes to start a social media automation business here.
Why start a social media automation business? - The sports industry thrives on constant engagement, creating a high demand for reliable automation tools. - You’ll help sports teams, athletes, and brands maintain a strong and active online presence without overwhelming time investments. - Leveraging your understanding of sports, you can tailor your services to specific needs, making your business indispensable.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
8. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business would make sense if you're looking to capitalize on the booming e-commerce market while keeping overhead costs low. As a sports enthusiast, you could focus on a niche within the sports industry, such as athletic gear, fitness accessories, or sports memorabilia, without the hassle of managing inventory. By creating an online store on platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce and selecting reliable suppliers, you can focus on marketing and customer service to drive growth and profitability.
Why start a dropshipping business?
- Minimal upfront costs: You don't need to invest in inventory, which lowers your financial risks.
- Flexibility and scalability: Easily adjust your product offerings based on market trends without worrying about excess stock.
- Niche market potential: As a sports enthusiast, you can tailor your store to specific sports communities, meeting targeted demand.
For more tips and success stories, visit Starter Story's dropshipping business ideas.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
9. Start an email marketing tool ($235K/month)
Starting an email marketing tool as a business idea could be a smart move if you are passionate about sports. By leveraging your knowledge in sports, you could target specific audiences such as fitness enthusiasts, sports fans, or even local sports teams, offering tailored email marketing solutions they need. This venture not only allows you to generate additional income but also helps you dive deep into a scalable and lucrative market, forecasted to reach $2.53B by 2028.
For more insights, check out this profitability guide on starting an email marketing tool.
Why starting an email marketing tool?
- The email marketing industry is booming, offering endless opportunities for growth.
- You could provide value to sports-related businesses, creating targeted email campaigns for specific audiences.
- It's a scalable business model with the potential to generate substantial passive income while working on other projects.
How much you can make: $120 — $2,083,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 170 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
10. Become a corporate photographer ($23.4K/month)
Starting a corporate photography business can be a great way to leverage your photography skills while tapping into the ever-growing corporate market. Corporations always need professional images for marketing materials, website updates, events, and various other business needs. This business allows you to showcase your creative side while also understanding and aligning with corporate branding and vision.
Your ability to network with businesses and market yourself through social media can significantly boost your chances of attracting clients. Building a robust portfolio that showcases your photography skills and style is also key to gaining credibility. For more insights and resources on how to start a corporate photography business, you can check out these success stories, startup costs, and marketing ideas from Starter Story.
Why becoming a corporate photographer?
- The growing need for corporate visual content provides a steady stream of opportunities.
- You can combine your artistic talent with business acumen to create a unique value proposition.
- You have the potential to form long-term partnerships with recurring revenue from loyal corporate clients.
How much you can make: $8,300 — $50,001/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of an Indian first-generation entrepreneur who built Studio 31, a profitable and award-winning wedding photography and film company capturing over 350 weddings annually, with a unique focus on customer experience and organic marketing, serving more than 90% NRI clients and generating an annual revenue of about a million dollars.
11. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Thinking about creating a mobile app as a Sports enthusiast opens up myriad opportunities to supplement your income, make extra money, or even kickstart a thriving side business. Developing a mobile app allows you to tap into the ever-growing mobile user market, offering solutions tailored to fitness tracking, real-time game updates, or virtual training sessions. With platforms like iOS and Android providing easy access to millions of users, a well-executed app could bring significant traction and revenue.
Starting a mobile app business in the sports niche requires a clear vision, capturing user experience, and sometimes, basic coding skills or the ability to hire a developer. You’ll be involved in planning engaging interfaces and ensuring smooth functionality through thorough testing. Marketing your app effectively is crucial to gaining visibility and attracting downloads. For inspiration and resources, check out some successful mobile app stories on Starter Story here.
Why consider creating a mobile app?
- Mobile apps provide a scalable platform to reach a wide audience, from local sports fans to international users.
- You can monetize the app through various revenue streams such as ads, subscriptions, and in-app purchases.
- The sports industry is ripe with opportunities for innovative solutions, from fitness tracking to live sports streaming, ensuring your app holds unique value.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
12. Start an online furniture business ($204K/month)
Starting an online furniture business offers a compelling blend of creativity and entrepreneurship, perfect for those looking to supplement their income or launch a side hustle. Picture establishing a virtual store where customers can find high-quality, unique furniture pieces with just a few clicks. With the growing trend of online shopping, this venture could be both rewarding and profitable, provided you dedicate yourself to market research and smart operational management.
For instance, you could tap into niche markets like eco-friendly furniture or customizable pieces. Crafting a robust ecommerce platform, streamlining logistics, and leveraging digital marketing strategies are key components to success. Learn more about the opportunities and startup costs involved in launching an online furniture business here.
Why start an online furniture business?
- You will cater to the growing trend of online shopping, increasing your market reach.
- You could specialize in niche markets like eco-friendly or custom furniture to stand out.
- Running an online store allows for flexible hours and can be managed as a side business.
How much you can make: $15,000 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Branch Office Furniture offers a new approach to the office furniture industry, selling high-quality furniture directly to businesses with space design, delivery, and installation included at one-third to one-half of the price of comparable quality products, resulting in over $1M in sales since launching in Q1 of 2019.
13. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)
Starting an online survey tool could be a great business opportunity in the sports industry, especially if you’re looking to supplement your income or create a new side business. By developing and offering an online survey tool, you could help businesses within the sports sector collect valuable feedback from their customers, improve their products and services, and make data-driven decisions. Given the increasing demand for data collection, there is significant potential for growth and profitability.
Typeform, for example, saw their annual recurring revenue surpass $70 million in 2021, showcasing the financial potential of this market. With features like a survey builder, data collection tool, and reporting system, an online survey tool targets a wide array of business needs, making it a versatile option.
Why developing an online survey tool?
- Online survey tools are in high demand as businesses look to collect more customer data to make better decisions.
- Working in the sports industry, you understand the unique insights and feedback that can help improve products and services.
- The market is growing, evidenced by companies like Typeform, offering substantial revenue opportunities and the ability to re-invest in further innovation.
How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.
14. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
Considering a focused online business that offers both creative freedom and potential revenue? Building a niche website tailored around sports can be a game-changer. This specialized platform allows you to serve a dedicated audience with targeted content, showcasing insights, tips, and products related to sports you are passionate about.
Starting this venture involves selecting a sports niche you're knowledgeable in, creating engaging content, and using SEO strategies to attract a loyal following. With options to monetize through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products, your specialized content can generate consistent income.
Why start a niche website?
- A niche website can become a reliable source of passive income once established.
- You could become a go-to resource for sports enthusiasts, building a community around your passion.
- Monetization options like ad placements and affiliate marketing offer varied revenue streams.
For inspiration and detailed examples, check out niche website success stories on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
15. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
Starting a WordPress plugin business could be an excellent side hustle or even a full-time venture for someone interested in sports. If you've used WordPress, you know how indispensable plugins are for running a successful website. By developing plugins that address specific issues, especially those related to sports (e.g., scheduling games, managing team rosters, tracking stats), you could create a reliable income stream. You can sell your plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon or even on your own website.
Why start a WordPress plugin business?
- You could solve real problems. Sports teams and enthusiasts often need specialized features that mainstream plugins may not offer.
- There's a ready market. Many sports-related WordPress sites are in need of niche plugins, and you could fill that gap.
- Scalability. Once developed, your plugins can generate passive income as more users download and utilize them.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
16. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
If financial markets ignite your entrepreneurial spirit, starting a stock investing business could be an excellent avenue to explore. This venture involves buying and selling stocks to generate profit by analyzing market trends, making informed decisions, and executing trades with precision. For those who are passionate about finance and numbers, this business offers a unique opportunity to turn passion into profit.
Educational resources and trading platforms equip you with the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed in this field. However, the journey requires dedication, continuous learning, and a keen eye on market movements. By delving into market intricacies and developing a solid strategy for long-term growth, stock investing can be a rewarding entrepreneurial journey.
Why start a stock investing business?
- The potential for high returns: With the right strategy, you could significantly grow your initial investment.
- Flexibility in your schedule: You control when and where you work, making it easy to supplement your income or transition into a full-time business.
- Continuous learning: Engaging in stock investing keeps you sharp and informed about financial markets and global economic trends.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.
17. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Looking to streamline business operations with cutting-edge technology? Consider an AI-based business solution. This idea leverages artificial intelligence to optimize various aspects of business processes, from customer service and inventory management to data analysis and personalized marketing.
By integrating AI solutions, you could enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and make data-driven decisions. AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, provide valuable customer insights, and predict market trends with impressive accuracy. You don’t need a background in tech to start—many platform providers offer user-friendly interfaces and robust support systems. (source)
Why start an AI-based business solution?
- You could outperform competitors by leveraging AI to improve decision-making and operational efficiency.
- AI can help you predict market trends, giving you a significant competitive advantage.
- Many AI platforms are designed for non-tech users, making it easy to get started without a technical background.
For more information on starting an AI-based business solution, you can check out this page on profitability.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
18. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)
Starting a cold email service business could be a lucrative venture, especially if you have a talent for crafting compelling messages and a strategic mindset. This business involves creating targeted email campaigns to help companies reach new clients directly, leveraging your marketing skills and technical knowledge. As businesses always need effective lead generation, your expertise could quickly become highly sought after.
Once you get the hang of writing persuasive emails and analyzing client needs, you can scale your operations and take on larger clients as your portfolio grows. Plus, with the help of email marketing tools, you would have the ability to track important metrics like open rates and conversions to continually refine your tactics. If you're looking for an opportunity with great scaling potential, starting a cold email service business is worth considering.
Why start a cold email service business?
- The demand never wanes. Companies constantly need lead generation and client outreach.
- It's scalable. Begin with small businesses and expand as your success stories accumulate.
- High ROI potential. Effective cold email campaigns can yield significant returns for clients, making your services highly valuable.
For more details about starting a cold email service business, you could check out this guide.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $450,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 35 days (?)
GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.
19. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business can be an excellent way to supplement your income, especially if you're a sports entrepreneur looking for a flexible, low-investment option. By promoting sports-related products and services, you could earn commissions on sales generated through your referral links. This venture allows you to leverage your passion for sports while creating a sustainable side business that pays passive income over time.
To get started, it's crucial to choose the right products and brands that align with your sports niche. Consider partnering with well-known athletic gear companies or eCommerce stores that offer sports equipment or apparel. You can then utilize your knowledge and networks within the sports community to effectively market these products.
Why starting an affiliate marketing business?
- Minimal initial investment makes it accessible for anyone looking for a side hustle.
- The potential for passive income means you could earn money even while focusing on your main sports activities.
- You can leverage your sports expertise and network to effectively promote relevant products and brands.
For more tips on getting started with affiliate marketing, check out our detailed guide here.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
