Bridging the Sponsorship Gap

In recent years, the spotlight on women’s elite sports has grown, as has awareness of the gaps that still exist between sponsorships for men’s and women’s teams. The report by Change Our Game, “The Value of ‘You Can Be What You Can See,'” highlights an undeniable truth: despite significant gains in women’s sports visibility, a substantial investment gap remains. This gap underscores the need for innovative sponsorship models that recognize athletes fairly and consistently. At NxtStride, we are addressing this need by building a platform that provides sustainable sponsorship opportunities for every athlete, regardless of gender or background.

We Are Not Tinder for Sports Sponsorship. Here’s Why It Matters

In a world where almost every transaction, decision, or relationship seems to be reducible to a swipe left or right, it’s easy to see why some believe sports sponsorship should work the same way. Match an athlete to a brand with a swipe, and voilà – instant partnership. But at NxtStride, we believe this oversimplification does more harm than good, particularly to the very people sports sponsorship should champion: the athletes themselves.

The Gatekeepers of Sports Sponsorship Are Killing the Game

Sports sponsorship needs a creative overhaul. But what everyone fails to admit is that creativity isn’t enough when the core problem is the gatekeeping that’s suffocating the very talent brands should be nurturing.

How Emerging Athletes Can Secure Sponsorships: A Guide to Getting Noticed

If you’re an emerging athlete looking to secure sponsorships, you can’t rely on your talent alone. Many athletes dream of making their sport their career but fail to take the necessary steps to be visible to potential sponsors. The reality is, sponsorships come from making yourself discoverable, approachable, and professional.

Why Can’t I Find a Sports Agency

Why can’t emerging sports athletes get sponsorships? The truth: traditional agents are creating scarcity to keep prices high – and athletes are paying the price.

The Journey to Ironman: Inside the Mind of Danyil Odynets

Born in Ukraine and now based in Austria, Danyil has carved out a name for himself through sheer determination, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Perseverance and Passion: Tyran Dixon’s Journey Through Football and Life

Tyran Dixon’s story is one of resilience, adaptation, and an unwavering love for the game of football. Born in Heidelberg, Germany, to a military family, Tyran’s early life saw him moving between states in the U.S., splitting his childhood between North and South Carolina. From a young age, football wasn’t just a game for him – it became the foundation upon which he built his dreams.

Rethinking Sports Sponsorship: A Call for Inclusivity and Authenticity

In the world of sports sponsorship, traditional models often overlook emerging athletes and niche sports. The spotlight tends to focus on a select few athletes from mainstream sports, leaving countless talented individuals without the recognition or support they need to succeed. But this doesn’t have to be the case.

Rethinking Athlete Valuation: Creating a Fair and Sustainable Sponsorship Model

Athletes in niche and emerging sports often find themselves at a disadvantage. Despite their skills and dedication, they struggle to secure sponsorship deals that allow them to compete and thrive. This post dives into the concept of athlete valuation, explaining why traditional models fall short and how a new approach, like NxtStride’s Sustainable Athlete Valuation System, can change the game.

Overcoming the Sponsorship Struggle for Emerging Sports Athletes

For many athletes in niche or emerging sports, securing sponsorship can be a significant challenge. Despite hard work, exceptional performance, and national titles, these athletes often find themselves overlooked. Why is it that while the top 1% of athletes enjoy lucrative sponsorship deals, those competing in smaller sports struggle to gain the financial backing they deserve?