Sponsorships for Athletes

NxtStride – empowering niche sports

We’re fixing the broken world of sports sponsorship by connecting emerging athletes with the support they deserve.

Athlete ready to go

Sponsorship app

Mockup of NxtStride create an account
Why Athletes Are Struggling

Tailored for athletes

Major brands focus on mainstream sports, leaving a vast pool of talent untapped and underfunded. The result? Athletes are forced to juggle multiple jobs, limit their training, and struggle to reach their full potential.

85% of athletes

in niche sports receive little to no sponsorship.

Over 60%

of these athletes report financial struggles that impact their ability to train effectively.

75% of sponsorship deals

are directed towards the top 1% of athletes in popular sports.

Nearly 50%

of niche sports in general struggle to secure consistent and adequate sponsorships.

Why?

How NxtStride is changing the game

We believe every athlete deserves a fair shot at success, no matter their sport or background. That’s why we’ve developed a three-way approach to revolutionize sports sponsorship:

Niche sports

Illustration of a bike

Empowerment through visibility

We provide athletes with a platform to highlight their skills, achievements, and potential, making it easier for sponsors to discover and support them.

Personalized profiles

Tailor your profile to reflect your unique journey, from training milestones to competition victories, and attract sponsors who align with your values.

Sponsorship matchmaking

Our platform uses advanced algorithms to match athletes with sponsors based on shared goals and interests, ensuring a perfect fit that benefits both parties.

Sustainable partnerships

Build long-term, meaningful relationships with sponsors who are genuinely invested in your success.

Connect with brands

Cricket illustration

Financial stability

Illustration of a runner

Fair compensation

We advocate for fair sponsorship deals that provide athletes with a sustainable living wage, allowing them to focus fully on their sport without financial stress.

All in one

Mockup of NxtStride menu

Platform

Mockup of NxtStride
Jukkis Ahonen posing
From the founder

We know your pain

“As a lifelong competitor in niche sports – sled dog racing, climbing, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, and American football in Europe – I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges athletes in emerging sports face. Despite their talent, many athletes struggle to secure sponsorships, juggling their sport with full-time jobs just to stay afloat. In my leadership roles in national sports federations, I saw how sponsorship opportunities often favor those who can afford to prepare, rather than those with the most potential.

Brands and media often lack the resources to recognize and support emerging talent, leading to missed opportunities and diminishing returns. That’s why I founded NxtStride. We bridge the gap by verifying, validating, and connecting true athletic talent with sponsors. We do the heavy lifting, so you can focus on becoming the best athlete you can be. With NxtStride, sponsorships are no longer just for the well-known – they’re for those who truly deserve them.”

Jukkis Ahonen

Founder of NxtStride

Learn more about our mission

Embrace the future of sport

Whether you’re an athlete looking for sponsorship or a brand seeking to support emerging talent, we have the tools and expertise to help you succeed.

For athletes

Find out how you can join NxtStride and start connecting with sponsors today.

For brands

Learn how partnering with NxtStride can elevate your brand and support the next generation of athletes.

Future

Athlete posing to the camera

For federations

Discover how NxtStride can help you strengthen your federation’s role and grow your influence in the sports community.

For events

Learn how NxtStride can assist you to enhance your event’s visibility, scale, and impact within the sports world.

Blog & News

Stay informed.

Check out our blog for the latest insights on sports sponsorship, athlete success stories, and tips on making the most of your NxtStride experience.

Have Questions?

Frequently asked questions

Wonder how NxtStride can benefit you? We’ve got answers.

NxtStride aims to revolutionize the sports sponsorship landscape by providing a platform where emerging and niche athletes can connect with sponsors, secure financial stability, and focus on excelling in their sport.

To get started, simply download the NxtStride app and create a profile showcasing your achievements, goals, and interests. Our platform will help you connect with sponsors that align with your athletic journey.

NxtStride connects athletes with a wide range of sponsors, from global brands to local businesses that are passionate about supporting emerging sports. We ensure that the sponsorships align with your values and career goals.

NxtStride is committed to fairness and transparency. Our platform advocates for fair compensation based on your achievements and potential. 

Absolutely! NxtStride is designed to support athletes in all sports, especially those in emerging and niche disciplines that often go unnoticed by traditional sponsorship models. We believe every athlete deserves a fair shot at success.

Athlete sprinting
Join the movement

Reimagining sports sponsorship

Sign up and take the first step towards transforming your athletic career.