“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.”
Founder of NxtStride
For Sharbel Elia, table tennis isn’t just a – it’s a way of life. From his home in Cyprus, the 20-something athlete shared his inspiring journey into the world of competitive table tennis. What began as a playful pastime alongside his older brother has transformed into a lifelong pursuit of excellence on the international stage.
Trail running isn’t just a sport for Francesco Carbone – it’s a way of life shaped by the rugged landscapes of Italy’s Aosta Valley. In this episode of The Stride, Francesco reflects on his evolution from a casual hiker to a competitive ultra-distance trail runner, offering insights into the sport, the mental and physical challenges, and the lessons learned along the way.
For Eslam Sagui, sports have always been second nature. Growing up in Tripoli, Libya, he was constantly moving, playing football, breakdancing, and doing anything else that kept him active. But it wasn’t until he moved to Malta in 2013 that he would find a sport that truly captured his heart and spirit: capoeira.
Lauri Hämäläinen’s journey in disc golf is a blend of passion, resilience, and aspiration. As he puts it, “I want to win something this season” – and his drive suggests he will keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Discover how intrinsic and extrinsic motivations shape the sports landscape, and learn about the pivotal roles each party plays in fostering a thriving environment for emerging athletes.
Sports have always played a pivotal role in human society, going beyond mere physical competition. From ancient civilizations to modern-day arenas, sports have shaped cultural identities, fostered community spirit, and, perhaps most importantly, answered one universal question: Who is the best?
Discover how sustainable sponsorships are empowering athletes in emerging and niche sports to achieve their potential with NxtStride.
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