By Constantinos Massonos, Contributor
The number of active and former professional athletes who try their luck in business has been growing exponentially through the years. Athletes start to venture into entrepreneurship to extend their brand beyond sports, diversify their income and eventually create a post-retirement plan that will help them sustain their lifestyle after retirement.
You can find athletes running businesses in every sector imaginable. Their special traits, their fame and their sports experience allow them to exceptionally excel in a number of sectors: the sports technology sector, the intersection between sports and technology, the media and entertainment sector where they interact with their fanbase, the fashion and lifestyle sector where they can establish their own clothing lines, shoe brands, or lifestyle products and the fitness and wellness sector where they can open gyms, endorse fitness products, or create their own fitness programs. Some athletes even utilize their sports experience by investing in sports franchises.
Entrepreneurship is a concrete option for athletes who want to build a better financial future for themselves and their families, but their business endeavors can also have a significant and diverse positive impact in promoting health and well-being of individuals and communities:
- Creating and promoting fitness products such as apparel, gear and equipment or even offering specialized workout programs can encourage people to engage in physical activity and adopt healthier lifestyles.
- Launching healthier food and beverages like energy bars or protein shakes can help people make more health-conscious choices.
- Investing in sports technology solutions and tools such as fitness apps and wearable technology can help individuals track their health metrics, receive personalized workout plans, and stay motivated to achieve their fitness goals.
- Establishing wellness retreats or experiences that can provide individuals with opportunities to focus on their physical and mental well-being through activities such as yoga, meditation, and outdoor adventures.
- Creating platforms or resources that educate the public about health and wellness, nutrition, exercise, and overall well-being through online courses, seminars, or blogs.
- Establishing fitness centers and gyms within communities provide people with access to training facilities but also create a sense of community and support for individuals striving to improve their health
- Creating apps or platforms that focus on mental well-being, supporting mental health awareness campaigns, or investing in mental health services can help address mental health concerns
- By supporting charitable initiatives related to health, such as healthcare access or disease prevention programs through their businesses, athletes can make a positive impact on public well-being.
- By emphasizing the importance of work-life balance and overall well-being in their businesses, athletes can encourage employees to prioritize their health.
Ultimately, athletes through their businesses can play a significant role in promoting health and well-being of individuals and communities by creating and endorsing products, services, and initiatives that encourage physical activity, healthy eating, and a holistic approach to wellness. Through their ventures, athletes can inspire positive lifestyle changes and contribute to the overall health of individuals and communities.
The Money Smart Athlete® Blog is established and run by the Sports Financial Literacy Academy® (SFLA). Through its education programs, the SFLA has the vision to financially educate and empower athletes of all ages to become better people, not just better athletes. For more information on our courses, our SFLA Approved Trainer Program®, and how they can benefit you and your clients, please get in touch with us at [email protected].
