While some companies are slashing sponsorships, OnlyFans is stepping up and doubling down.
The subscription-based platform took note of all the athletes flocking to create accounts so they can easily monetize paywalled content — something they cannot do easily on most social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Tiktok — and decided to invest in that opportunity.
While athletes have been joining the platform for years, including many Olympic athletes like Canadian pole vaulter Alysha Newman, British swimmer Jack Laugher, New Zealand rower Robbie Manson, and divers Timo Barthel and Diego Belleza Isaias, they have mostly used their accounts to connect with fans and to raise money for their training and living expenses. This is especially true for outdoor athletes that don’t get the same press coverage as say, gymnastics or basketball.
Now, OnlyFans steps in to help with actual sponsorships in addition to what an athlete may make with their own account. The sponsorship program began in 2022 by offering sponsorship deals to a number of athletes, and it has increased in number every year. The focus seems to be on athletes that are typically passed over by traditional corporate sponsors. And while some may balk at the name and notoriety that comes with OnlyFans, the platform is offering similar compensation and perks as corporate sponsors like sports brands HOKA or adidas — without the morality clauses or extra rules that many sponsored athletes have to follow.
“OnlyFans is passionate about providing opportunities for athletes in smaller, niche sports, recognizing that it is often harder for them to access funding and to reach a wide audience,” an OnlyFans spokesperson said.
Cliff diver Ellie Smart is one of those athletes. While she is sponsored by Red Bull as well, she happily announced the OnlyFans sponsorship on Instagram. “I’m beyond excited to announce I’ve joined @onlyfans as an official athlete! From insane stunts to raw, unfiltered moments, you’ll get exclusive access to my world—no limits, no holding back. Go subscribe! 🤍🦋❤️🔥”
Train runner Sabrina Stanley is the first trail runner to be sponsored by OnlyFans. The Colorado-based runner is a two-time Hardrock 100 winner, FKT record holder, and former adidas athlete and she joined the platform last year, issuing the following statement on Instagram: “I couldn’t be more excited to join the OnlyFans team of athletes and their diverse community of creators. This sponsorship allows me to share my journey in new and exciting ways while continuing to push my limits in the mountains.”
“Honestly, I’ve wanted to join OnlyFans for years. This sponsorship is about more than just racing—it lets me share my whole journey, ups and downs included, in ways I never could before,” Stanley added.
These two women join champion motorcycle racer Josh Herrin, downhill mountain biker Stefan Garlicki, and motocross racer David Pulley as officially sponsored OnlyFans outdoor athletes. It appears that the platform allows each athlete to decide how they want to use the platform. Some prefer to keep things safe for work…while others decidedly do not.