The sports industry in North America has been on a steady incline since 2009, and the global market is expected to reach $599.9 billion by 2025.
Just like with fashion and beauty, people love to get inspiration about sports from their favorite social media influencers. People look up to athletes, respect them, and want to be like them. Sports influencers are certainly a great way for brands to get in front of their target audience.
If you’re looking for sports influencers to collaborate with, look no further than this list we’ve curated for you.
- Nadezhda Pavlova
- Allison Royalty
- Kevin Knowles II
- Chelsea Norris
- Stephanie Carr
- Shinya Kadono
- Jesse Owens
- Jillian Fichter
- Autumn Hausz
- Brandon Zingale
- Chelsea Rashoff
- Katie Holmquest
- Braxton Miller
- Christian Watford
Nadezhda Pavlova
Meet Nadezhda Pavlova, a powerhouse in the world of sports, design, and business! This certified triathlon coach and competitive triathlete is a true dynamo, seamlessly juggling her roles as an influencer, designer, artist, and businesswoman.
Nadezhda’s Instagram is a visual feast of her passion for cycling – from thrilling races and scenic rides to simply savoring the joy of being on her bike.
What sets her apart? Well, not only does Nadezhda rock the cycling scene, but she also owns and models her own line of stylish cycling apparel. Check out @ds_pro_apparel to ride in fashion-forward gear designed by the woman herself.
Her Instagram seamlessly weaves together the worlds of fashion and cycling, creating a vibrant tapestry that captivates her followers. If you’re in the business of Collabs, then Nadezhda Pavlova is the sports influencer you’ve been waiting for – a partnership with her is the lift your brand needs to reach new heights!
Allison Royalty
We will be staying at Florida State University for our next sports personality. FSU is the vibrant world of softball pitcher and social media influencer, Allison Royalty.
Boasting a dedicated following of over 33,000 fans on Instagram – @allison_royalty, Allison’s double-digit engagement rate speaks volumes about her content prowess. What sets her apart is the seamless blend of softball expertise, fashion flair, and a peek into her daily life.
For an unfiltered glimpse into her world, hop over to TikTok @alli.royaltyyy, where she’s authentically herself, sharing more content about herself than what you’ll find on the sports field.
Beyond the diamond, Allison emerges as a versatile collaborator, offering a potential boost to any brand fortunate enough to partner with this rising sports influencer. Allison’s Collab game is strong, aligning with major brands like Taco Bell. Buckle up for a thrilling journey through the lens of Allison Royalty, where sports, style, and a dash of Collab magic converge.
Kevin Knowles II
Kevin Knowles II, the active sports influencer and college football player, adds an exciting dimension to the sports scene. Hailing from Florida State University, Kevin not only dominates on the football field but lives and breathes a lifestyle centered around health, wellness, and fitness. @kevinknowlesii is your go-to for college football enthusiasts, offering an immersive experience into the thrilling world of collegiate sports.
What sets Kevin apart is not just his athletic prowess but also his strategic Collabs. Teaming up with Florida State University, he proudly promotes his limited edition signed trading card, showcasing a unique blend of talent and marketing savvy. Plus, his engagement rate is through the roof!
Beyond the field, Kevin embodies family values and champions equality, making him more than just a sports influencer – he’s a well-rounded personality you’d be thrilled to have on your team. Follow @kevinknowlesii for an engaging journey through college football and the vibrant life of a dedicated athlete.
Chelsea Norris
Meet Chelsea Norris, a spirited rodeo mom proudly backing her two daughters as they fearlessly conquer the bull riding and barrel racing arenas. It’s a captivating display of girl power that resonates through the @teambristol1 Instagram account. For those curious about or enamored with the world of bull riding, this is the go-to spot.
Chelsea shares the triumphs of her daughters with contagious enthusiasm, inviting everyone to witness their remarkable feats. Their accomplishments are not only a testament to their skill but also a celebration of breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport. In the realm of sports influencers, Chelsea stands out as a unique and compelling figure, representing the resilience and strength of women in rodeo.
@teambristol1 on Instagram is a vibrant hub where the spirit of rodeo and family support collide. For brands seeking a sports influencer with a distinctive flair, Chelsea Norris is the dynamic advocate you’ve been searching for. Join the journey, be inspired, and embrace the empowering world of female bull riders.
Stephanie Carr
Stephanie Carr is an incredible force balancing athleticism, engineering, and the art of baking.
During her university years, she seamlessly double-majored in engineering while dominating on the varsity basketball court. Today, this sports influencer has conquered Ironman races, sharing vivid accounts that immerse you in the thrill of the competition. You will certainly be drawn into the world of this athlete.
Beyond the world of sports, Stephanie unveils her sweet side—she’s super passionate about baking. Juggling the demands of university life, baking took a back seat, but now it’s a priority. Her blog, “Still Busy Baking,” is a canvas where she skillfully blends her love for food photography and recipe development.
Stephanie excels in both realms—breaking a sweat in athletic pursuits or crafting delectable treats. Her versatile talents make her the perfect collaborator for your brand, ensuring success and a genuine connection with your audience. Stephanie Carr: where athleticism meets the artistry of baking, a true powerhouse in every sense.
Shinya Kadono
Meet Shinya Kadono, the zestful professional soccer player hailing from California. On and off the soccer pitch, Shinya’s passion for the sport radiates through his engaging content. His Instagram page is a vibrant showcase of matchday intensity, dedicated training sessions, and a commitment to health and fitness at home.
But Shinya isn’t just a force on the field; he’s a culinary maestro too! Scrolling through his feed, you’ll discover tantalizing glimpses of his healthy food creations – a testament to his well-rounded talents.
With a natural flair for influencing, Shinya has seamlessly partnered with various brands, showcasing a wealth of experience in Collabs. If you’re looking to collaborate with a sports influencer who seamlessly blends talent with dedication, then Shinya Kadono is your go-to. Reach out to him for a partnership that promises not only professional prowess but also a touch of infectious enthusiasm. Your Collab with Shinya is destined to be a winning goal!
Jesse Owens
Meet Jesse Owens, the dynamic college student and sports influencer! With a genuine love for basketball and football, Jesse proudly declares himself a sports junkie. But it’s not just about the games – Jesse’s dedication shines through his self-proclaimed title as “the hardest working,” embodying a competitive spirit that screams, “win at all cost” in everything he does.
Specializing in basketball content, Jesse’s platform is a haven for fellow enthusiasts of the game. Dive into his world to witness thrilling moments of the game and a genuine passion that’s contagious.
Beyond the courts, Jesse’s feed is a visual feast of friendship, capturing moments of him hanging out with his buddies. If you’re on the lookout for a Collab partner with unwavering dedication and a rising presence in the sports influencer scene, then Jesse Owens is the name to remember. Don’t miss the chance to align your brand with this micro sports influencer on the ascent!
Jillian Fichter
Jillian Fichter effortlessly juggles multiple roles, seamlessly blending the fast-paced world of a race car driver with the compassion of an ER nurse and the influence of a sports personality. She wears each hat with finesse, leaving us wondering how she manages it all—though we’re taking notes.
Dive into her Instagram, and you’ll be greeted by a revving symphony of racing content: sleek cars, thrilling tracks, and more cars. Yet, amidst the adrenaline, Jillian finds solace poolside, donning chic bikinis (she loves a cute bikini and rocks them – swimwear brands, are you there) and relishing moments of pure relaxation.
Her versatility is a testament to her ability to inspire, making her a standout sports influencer you need on your team. Your brand should join this dynamic journey by inviting Jillian to Collab, ensuring your brand’s part of the excitement she effortlessly embodies. We have a feeling that this sports influencer’s star is going to keep rising, ensuring that she and your brand stay in pole position.
Autumn Hausz
Autumn Hausz, a formidable power lifter hailing from Milwaukee, embodies the perfect blend of strength and grace. With over two years of experience in the fitness industry, including coaching, she stands as a beacon of inspiration for anyone aspiring to elevate their weightlifting game.
Her social media feed is a captivating journey through powerlifting prowess, dynamic gym sessions, and charming selfies that could easily make her the poster girl for cute gym wear. What sets Autumn apart is her ability to seamlessly navigate between the robust and softer facets of femininity, proving that strength and vulnerability coexist beautifully.
If you’re seeking motivation to hit the gym and embrace the world of weightlifting, then Autumn is the sports influencer to follow. Engaging with her content is not just a fitness journey but an exploration of empowerment and self-expression. Don’t miss the chance to collaborate with this rising star in the realm of sports influencers.
Brandon Zingale
Brandon Zingale is a digital creator all about sports, lifestyle, and comedy. Born in Cleveland, Brandon is an Ohio State alum and a dog lover. Brandon is a frequent basketball player and keeps his 672,000 followers engaged with hilarious commentary on football and basketball matches.
Aside from sports content, Brandon is also a dad and often gives glimpses into his life as a parent on Instagram. He keeps his followers entertained with sports-focused posts while at the same time bringing them closer to having a more positive and fun lifestyle.
So if your brand could benefit from influencers who know how to talk sports, then Brandon will fit right in!
Chelsea Rashoff
Chelsea Rashoff is a health and wellness coach and sports influencer with 43,000 followers. She is a model and a former professional athlete with skills in athletic training, sports management, fashion, and commercial modeling.
As a health and wellness coach, Chelsea helps people make lasting behavioral changes that are the cornerstones of lifelong well-being. Her Instagram posts are focused on fitness, and leading a healthy lifestyle through exercise, sports, and nutritious food. She is also a mom to a cute rabbit with a separate IG handle, @iamtrufflebunny, posting regularly about the bunny life.
Katie Holmquest
Katie Holmquest is an IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness) Women’s Fitness Pro, NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist, and a graduate of Purdue University with a BS in Exercise Science and Sports Performance.
She is based in Florida, and her Instagram feed is filled with workout and bodybuilding videos where she inspires her 10,000 followers to get into a healthy lifestyle. She also has various guides on different workouts for her followers.
Katie is also the owner of Light and Glory Fitness — a gym that she runs “to positively influence the health, fitness, and spirit of others by empowering people with our knowledge, motivation, and passion for fitness.”
Braxton Miller
Braxton Miller is a professional football player based in Ohio who played for the Ohio State Buckeyes Football team and is now retired from the NFL.
He is passionate about the tech space and connects with entrepreneurs to learn from their experiences. This influencer shows a deep love for the game and inspires youth to take up sports.
He also owns and runs The Braxton Miller Foundation — an organization committed to turning young people into better athletes, better leaders, and better community members through youth sports camps and leagues.
Christian Watford
Based in Alabama, Christian Watford is a former college basketball player for Indiana University.
Christian enjoys sharing content about being an athlete with his over 25,100 followers on Instagram. Much of his content focuses on sports, family, and his everyday life. Besides his interest in sports and gaming, Christian also offers personalized video messages for any occasion on Cameo.
Get Your Marketing Campaign Buzzing With Sports Influencers
Brands have used professional athletes for marketing their products for a long time. In this era of influencer marketing, you can collaborate with micro and macro-influencers to put your brand in front of your target audience.
We have compiled this list of top sports influencers to help you start your marketing campaign correctly!
So, what’s next? Install the Afluencer app for Shopify — get world-class help partnering your brand with thousands of potential verified influencers.
If you’re a non-Shopify brand looking to collaborate with influencers, register here to get the ball rolling.