
The global sports industry is very large and is on page to make a lot of money in 2022. The sports industry is expected to be worth about $181.47 billion by the end of 2022, and as much as $272 billion by 2026. The new money will come from new sources, as new technologies emerge.
If you're interested in joining the growing and profitable field of sports businesses, we have some great business ideas for you. This list of sports business ideas is great for sports lovers and can help you get started in the sports industry. There are plenty of ideas in this article on starting a sports business, so whether you're an experienced entrepreneur or just starting out, you'll find something that's perfect for you. Let's start! We’ve compiled a list of 22 of the best sports businesses to start in golf. With each business we’ve categorized it as full or part time and the general investment needed to get started. |
Sports Business Ideas
Sports Bar
(Full time income / meaningful investment)
Every town has a local watering hole where people go to watch sports. There are also many franchises and chains in this space as well. Having a good theme, good atmosphere, and great food are important in being successful. Think about trying to host alumni groups for college games, fan clubs for professional games, be a place to host fantasy drafts, and more.
With all the things that can cause losses, be sure to get good insurance coverage. Working with an insurance broker can help ensure you are covered for any potential mishaps. We recommend Embroker as a great place to start.
Golf Simulator Business
(Full time income / meaningful investment)
Golf simulator businesses offer golfers the opportunity to play virtual rounds of golf in a controlled environment. These businesses can generate significant revenue from four main sources: simulator rental, food and beverage, merchandise sales, and lessons.
The most common way for golf simulator businesses to generate revenue is by renting out the simulators by the hour. Food and beverage service is also a significant source of revenue, especially if the business is located in a high-traffic area. Merchandise sales and lessons can also be profitable sources of revenue.
The golf simulator industry is growing rapidly, and there is no sign of it slowing down. As the technology continues to improve, golf simulator businesses will become even more popular. This is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs who are looking to start a profitable business in the golf industry.
Check out our indoor golf revenue estimator and indoor golf business plan.
Open a Gym
(Full time income / meaningful investment)
People will always need to stay in shape. If you are into fitness and have a passion for helping others, opening a gym could be a great fit for you. Make sure you understand the business very well before you commit a large amount of money to opening your gym.
It is imperative that you understand the services customers expect and what they’d pay for those services. You can then begin to understand the type of facility and equipment you’ll need to provide and what those will cost.
Mini Golf Business
(Full time income / meaningful investment)
Miniature golf is a fun and profitable business that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The low need for staff and the ease of maintenance make it a relatively simple business to run. With a good marketing plan and careful expense management, miniature golf can be a very successful venture.
The potential revenue for a miniature golf course is significant. Harris Golf reports that more than 130 million people play miniature golf every year, generating over $1 billion in industry revenue annually. At maximum capacity, a 12-hole miniature golf course with four players per hole can generate $432 per hour in revenue. Over a 12-hour day, this
translates to $5,184 in potential revenue.
Of course, the actual revenue that a miniature golf course generates will depend on a number of factors, such as location, pricing, and marketing. However, even with a modest investment, miniature golf can be a very profitable business.
Sporting Goods Store
(Full time income / meaningful investment)
There are likely a number of shops in your city or region which sell sporting goods and equipment. These retail stores sell all the necessary Sports-related essentials like bikes, helmets, balls, clubs, shoes, and clothes.
The competition can be strong, so look to find a unique angle for your business. Perhaps there is a regional sport like lacrosse that is very popular near you and would make a good area to specialize in for your store. Hire players who know lacrosse well and can guide your customers on their purchases.
Driving Range
(Full time income / meaningful investment)
Driving range businesses can be a profitable venture, but the success of the business will depend on a number of factors, including location, target market, and facilities offered.
Location is the most important factor for a profitable driving range business. Golfers will generally not want to travel far to hit golf balls, so it is important to choose a location that is convenient for golfers in your area.
Target market is another important factor to consider when starting a driving range business. Are you targeting families who want a fun leisure activity, or serious golfers who are looking to refine their technique? Once you know your target market, you can tailor your facilities and services to meet their needs.
Facilities offered at a driving range can vary depending on the size and budget of the business. Some driving ranges offer only a simple range with a few targets, while others offer a more comprehensive range with a variety of targets, practice bunkers, and even putting greens.
The cost of opening a driving range will vary depending on the size and location of the business, as well as the type of facilities offered. However, most driving ranges require an initial investment of several hundred thousand dollars.
Stadium / Playing Field Maintenance Business
(Full time income / meaningful investment)
Every grass stadium needs maintenance on a regular basis. The field maintenance involves repairing and replacing playing field assets, mowing and treating turf, eliminating weeds, and removing trash to ensure the field is in good playing conditions. Starting a stadium maintenance business is both fun and a rewarding experience.
To get into playing field course maintenance, you’ll need specialized equipment. Mowing a baseball diamond is not the same as mowing a lawn. The equipment and precision differ greatly. The specialized equipment will be a large expense and you’ll need to carefully train staff to do the job well. You may also deal with the challenges of a seasonal business and hourly staff that may be challenging to manage.
Golf Franchises
(Full time income / meaningful investment)
Golf franchises can be a great way to start a business in the golf industry. There are many different types of golf franchises available, so you can find one that fits your interests and goals.
Some of the benefits of starting a golf franchise include:
- A proven business model: Franchises have a proven business model that has been successful in other locations. This can give you a head start in the business world.
- A known brand: Franchises come with a known brand, which can help you attract customers.
- Support from the franchisor: The franchisor will provide you with support, such as training and marketing materials.
However, there are also some drawbacks to starting a golf franchise, including:
- High upfront costs: Franchises can be expensive to start. You will need to pay a franchise fee, as well as other costs, such as training and marketing.
- Royalties and fees: You will also need to pay royalties and fees to the franchisor on a regular basis.
- Limited control: You will have less control over your business than if you started your own business from scratch.
If you are considering starting a golf franchise, it is important to do your research. This includes researching different franchises, as well as talking to other franchise owners. You should also make sure that you are prepared for the high upfront costs and ongoing fees.
Start a Sports League / Put on Tournaments
(Part to Full time income / Moderate investment)
Youth and adult sports require some sort of organization to play. This is where a league or tournament come in. You can start your own Sports Organization to provide the logistics for leagues and tournaments.
You make money by charging a fee to organize the league, provide facilities to play, insurance to cover injuries and other risks, and setting schedules. Tournaments are a bonus with extra entry fees and income.
Install Backyard Putting Greens
(Full time income / meaningful investment)
The demand for golf putting greens and practice areas is growing, as more and more golfers look for ways to practice and enjoy golf at home. This trend presents an opportunity for businesses that can provide installation services.
If you are already in the landscaping or patio business, you may be well-positioned to enter this market. You will likely already have the equipment and experience necessary to install putting greens and practice areas. You may also have experience dealing with homeowners' associations (HOAs), which is often necessary when installing these types of features.
Another option is to focus on the design of putting greens and practice areas, but not the installation. If you have good design skills, you could partner with an installation service. A number of the artificial putting green manufacturers have programs that allow you to be a dealer for them in your area.
This is a growing market, and there is a good opportunity for businesses that can provide quality installation services. With careful planning and execution, you can start a successful business in this space.
Coaching / Advanced Instruction
(Part to Full time income / low to moderate investment)
If you are highly skilled in a given sport and know how to teach it there are many ways to make money coaching. You can offer one on one instruction to improve skills. Pitching coaches, shooting instruction, ball skills academies, hitting coaches are all doing this sort of thing.
Typically they will charge an hourly rate and set their own schedules. Many coaches find it rewarding to watch young players improve their skills and achieve their sports goals.
Sell Golf Carts
(Full time income / meaningful investment)
The golf cart industry is growing, with approximately 100,000 golf carts sold last year. Golf carts are not only used for golf, but also as transportation within communities, on large properties, and at resorts. As a golf cart dealer, you can sell a golf cart between \$6,000 and \$18,000 depending on the model and options. There is room to profit in this industry, as the demand for golf carts is growing.
There is also a market for used golf carts. If you are mechanical, you can buy used carts, fix them, and flip them for a profit. A guy on reddit is reporting \$800 - \$2,000 in profit for every golf cart he flips.
Here are some tips for starting a golf cart dealership:
- Do your research: Before you start your business, it is important to do your research and understand the market. This includes researching the demand for golf carts in your area, as well as the competition.
- Get the right equipment: You will need to invest in the right equipment to sell golf carts. This includes things like a truck or trailer to transport the carts, as well as tools and supplies for maintenance and repairs.
- Get the right permits: In some cases, you may need to obtain permits from your local government before you can sell golf carts.
- Market your business: Once you are up and running, you will need to market your business to potential customers. This includes creating a website, advertising in local publications, and networking with other businesses in the industry.
Online Golf Video Instruction Business
(Part to Full time income / some investment)
Online golf instruction is a growing industry, as more and more people are looking for ways to learn the game without having to commit to in-person lessons. If you are a skilled golfer with a passion for teaching, you can start an online golf instruction business.
There are two main ways to make money from an online golf instruction business:
- Selling video lessons: You can create and sell video lessons on a variety of topics, such as the golf swing, putting, and course management.
- Advertising: You can place ads on your website or videos to generate revenue.
To start an online golf instruction business, you will need to:
- Create high-quality video lessons: Your videos should be well-produced and informative.
- Market your business: You will need to let people know about your business and its offerings.
- Build a community: You can build a community of golfers around your business by interacting with them on social media and in online forums.
Start A Sports Advertising Agency or a Sports Promotions Business
(Part to Full time income / low to moderate investment)
If you are a marketing professional, you can tailor your offerings to the sports industry. There are many different ways to market sports, and you can choose a niche that fits your interests and skills.
Here are some key tips for starting a sports marketing business:
- Do your research: Before you start your business, it is important to do your research and understand the sports industry. This includes researching the target audience, the competition, and the latest trends in sports marketing.
- Build relationships: It is important to build relationships with sports teams, events, and brands. This will help you get your foot in the door and land clients.
- Be creative: Sports marketing is a creative field, so you need to be able to come up with innovative marketing campaigns.
- Be persistent: It takes time and effort to build a successful sports marketing business. Don't give up if you don't see results immediately.
Sports Equipment Repair
(Part time income / low investment)
Sports equipment can be quite expensive and replacing it every time it is impaired is not an option for everyone. Repairing helmets, baseball gloves, shoes, golf clubs, bats, tennis racquets can provide decent part time income. Since the biggest asset is your time and skill, investment can be low.
Sports Mobile App
(Part to Full time income / low to high investment)
Our phones are ever present and there is a huge market for good mobile apps. If you know your way around technology, creating a unique mobile app dealing with sports-related activities can provide a decent income. There are many apps around following youth games, equipment reviews, training, fantasy sports, scoring, and more. If you get creative, there might be room in here for a new one from you.
Open A Sports Training Academy
(Full time income / moderate investment)
If you have the ability to teach a skill or improve fitness, consider opening a training academy. You get to help athletes improve and achieve their goals in baseball, football, basketball, tennis, hockey, lacrosse and more. Like many businesses, this one requires a good set of processes and organizational skills. If you can pair that with great instruction, you could have a solid business for many years to come.
Online Gear Store / Discount Equipment Business
(Part to Full time income / Low to Moderate investment)
The demand for sports equipment online is on the rise. You can create an online store and sell baseball, lacrosse, tennis, football, basketball, etc gear online. You can create your own products to sell online. You could also get into drop shipping or FBA (fulfilled by Amazon) and only really have to focus on finding good products and marketing them.
You can look for a niche like used equipment or kids cleats to help stand out from the competition. If you are just beginning or if you have a low budget, start with a couple items and learn how it works. Once you get some sales and have some profits, you can use that money to grow your product line.
You don’t need to know how to code to start a website as services like WooCommerce and Shopify make it easy to get an online store started.
Stadium or Field Construction
(Full time income / high investment)
If you are in the construction business and have the equipment to move dirt, this might be an interesting expansion to your business. It will require full time attention, expensive equipment, large staff, good accounting, insurance, and cash-flow management. You’ll also likely need to be able to work all over the country as building field after field doesn’t typically happen all in the same place.
Personal Trainer, Sports Fitness
(Full time income / Moderate Investment)
Starting a fitness training business can be a great way to help people improve their health and well-being. If you are passionate about fitness and have the skills to train others, you can start a successful business.
Here are some steps on how to open a fitness training business:
- Do your research. Before you start your business, it is important to do your research and understand the fitness industry. This includes researching the target audience, the competition, and the latest trends in fitness training.
- Get certified. There are a number of certifications available for fitness trainers. Getting certified will show potential clients that you have the knowledge and skills to help them achieve their fitness goals.
- Create a business plan. A business plan will help you map out your business goals and strategies. It will also help you secure funding, if necessary.
- Find a location. The location of your business is important, as you will need to be easily accessible to your target audience.
- Get the right equipment. You will need to have the right equipment to train your clients. This includes weights, resistance bands, and fitness machines.
- Hire qualified staff. If you plan to hire staff, you will need to hire qualified trainers who can deliver effective fitness training programs.
- Market your business. You will need to market your business to potential clients. This includes creating a website, advertising in local publications, and networking with other businesses in the fitness industry.
Golf Club or Golf Ball Manufacturing Company
(Full time income / meaningful investment)
The golf equipment market is projected to reach $15.44 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.21%. This growth is being driven by the increasing popularity of golf, as well as the growing demand for customized and high-performance clubs.
If you have a background in engineering, design, and/or manufacturing, you may be interested in starting a golf club manufacturing business. To be successful, you will need to develop high-quality clubs that meet the needs of your target market. You will also need to have a strong marketing plan to reach potential customers.
One way to differentiate your business is to focus on a niche market. For example, you could specialize in making clubs for women, seniors, or golfers with a particular swing style. You could also focus on making clubs that are specifically designed for certain types of courses, such as links courses or courses with a lot of water hazards.
Another way to differentiate your business is to offer customized clubs. This means that you would work with each customer to create a club that is specifically designed for their individual needs. This can be a great way to build customer loyalty and generate repeat business.
The golf club manufacturing industry is competitive, but there is still room for new businesses to succeed. If you have the right skills and the right plan, you can start a successful golf club manufacturing business.
Sports Blog
(Part to Full time income / Low Investment)
Starting a sports blog can be a great way to share your passion for sports with others. If you're interested in starting your own sports blog, here are a few things you'll need to do:
- Choose a niche. What kind of sports blog do you want to create? Will it focus on a specific sport, a particular team, or a general overview of the sports world? Once you know your niche, you can start to narrow down your target audience.
- Find a platform. There are a number of platforms you can use to create a sports blog, such as WordPress, Blogger, and Tumblr. Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, so you'll need to choose one that's right for you.
- Create content. This is where you'll get to share your passion for sports with the world. Write about the latest news, analysis, and opinion pieces. You can also share videos, photos, and other multimedia content.
- Promote your blog. Once you have some content published, you need to get people to read it. Share your blog posts on social media, submit them to directories, and reach out to other bloggers.
Starting a sports blog can be a lot of work, but it can also be a lot of fun. If you're passionate about sports and you have something to say, then starting a sports blog is a great way to share your passion with others.
Sports Podcast
(Part to Full time income / Low Investment)
Starting a sports podcast can be a great way to share your passion for sports with others. If you're interested in starting your own sports podcast, here are a few tips:
- Choose a niche. What kind of sports podcast do you want to create? Will it focus on a specific sport, a particular team, or a general overview of the sports world? Once you know your niche, you can start to narrow down your target audience.
- Do your research. There are a lot of great sports podcasts out there, so it's important to do your research and see what's already been done. What are other sports podcasts doing well? What are they doing poorly? What can you do to make your podcast stand out?
- Create a plan. Once you know your niche and have done your research, it's time to create a plan for your podcast. This includes deciding on a format, a schedule, and a way to promote your podcast.
- Get the right equipment. You don't need a lot of expensive equipment to start a sports podcast, but you will need some basic things like a microphone, a recorder, and editing software.
- Start recording! Once you have your equipment and a plan, it's time to start recording your podcast. Be sure to record in a quiet place and edit your recordings before you publish them.
- Promote your podcast. Once you have a few episodes recorded, it's time to start promoting your podcast. This includes sharing it on social media, submitting it to directories, and reaching out to potential listeners.
Sports Management / Talent Agency
(Part to Full time income / Moderate Investment)
Starting a sports talent agency can be a great way to help athletes achieve their dreams. If you're interested in starting your own sports talent agency, here are a few things you'll need to do:
- Build relationships. The most important thing you can do is build relationships with athletes. Get to know them, their families, and their goals. This will help you build trust and credibility, which are essential for success in this industry.
- Develop a network. You'll also need to develop a network of contacts in the sports industry. This includes coaches, agents, and other professionals who can help you place your athletes.
- Be professional. You need to be professional in everything you do. This includes your appearance, your communication skills, and your business practices.
- Be patient. It takes time to build a successful sports talent agency. Don't expect to become an overnight success.
Starting a sports talent agency can be a lot of work, but it can also be very rewarding. If you're passionate about sports and you have the skills to build relationships, then starting a sports talent agency is a great way to help athletes achieve their dreams.
Here are some additional tips for starting a sports talent agency:
- Do your research. Before you start your agency, it's important to do your research and understand the sports industry. This includes researching the target market, the competition, and the latest trends in sports marketing.
- Get certified. There are a number of certifications available for sports agents. Getting certified will show potential clients that you have the knowledge and skills to represent them.
- Create a business plan. A business plan will help you map out your business goals and strategies. It will also help you secure funding, if necessary.
Sports Photography
(Part to Full time income / Low to Moderate Investment)
Starting a sports photography business can be a great way to combine your passion for sports with your love of photography. If you're interested in starting your own sports photography business, here are a few things you'll need to do:
- Develop your skills. The most important thing you can do is develop your skills as a photographer. This includes learning how to use different types of cameras and lenses, as well as how to capture the best action shots.
- Build your portfolio. Once you've developed your skills, you need to build your portfolio. This includes taking photos of local sporting events and submitting them to websites and magazines.
- Network with people in the industry. You also need to network with people in the sports photography industry. This includes attending industry events, meeting with sports photographers, and reaching out to sports teams and leagues.
- Market your business. Once you've built your portfolio and networked with people in the industry, you need to market your business. This includes creating a website, submitting your photos to photo agencies, and reaching out to potential clients.
Starting a sports photography business can be a lot of work, but it can also be very rewarding. If you're passionate about sports and you have the skills to take great photos, then starting a sports photography business is a great way to combine your two passions.
Here are some additional tips for starting a sports photography business:
- Be professional. You need to be professional in everything you do. This includes your appearance, your communication skills, and your business practices.
- Be patient. It takes time to build a successful sports photography business. Don't expect to become an overnight success.
- Have fun! Starting a sports photography business should be fun. If you're not having fun, then your clients won't either. So relax, have fun, and enjoy the process.
With hard work and dedication, you can start a successful sports photography business.
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Going Deeper - Starting a Sports Business:
Using a gym as an example, here is a more in depth guide ot the steps to start a business.
There are many different kinds of gyms that you can open. They range from businesses you can run out of your home to ones that have a sizeable cost to open a gym. Each of the different types of gyms will also have different revenue trends. Beyond profitability, you might want to think about what kind of customers you want to work with as a way to determine the type of gym to open. A few types of gyms you might want to consider include:
- 24 hour gyms
- Women only gyms
- Traditional Fitness Center
- Yoga
- Dance
- Pilates
- Cycling Studio
- Martial Arts
- Crossfit
- Strength Training
- Gymnastics / Cheering
- Group Training Studio
- Kickboxing
- Personal Training Business
- Jump Park
Research your gym idea to understand the market and financial opportunity
You want to make sure you understand your business very well before you commit a large amount of money to opening your gym. It is imperative that you understand the services customers expect and what they’d pay for those services. You can then begin to understand the type of facility and equipment you’ll need to provide and what those will cost.
Doing this research may seem daunting at first, but you’ll be glad you did it. Here are a few ways to make the market research a bit less daunting.
- Visit similar types of gyms and make note of the services they offer, the equipment they use, the size of their facility and the number of staff on hand. Also check out their website and see how they position themselves and how they market to customers.
- Talk to your local municipality to understand what kind of licensing, insurance and certifications are required for the type of business you plan to run.
- Read blogs and industry resources on the type of gym you plan to open to understand what they do and what they’ve learned in running the business.
- Talk to gym owners outside your area – they won’t see you as a competitor and are more likely to share information with you.
Get the paperwork right (incorporation, licensing, insurance, and certification)
Enhance your credibility by getting the right training and/or certification. While not every niche requires training or certification, it can be a good way to stand out from the crowd. It may also help you develop a better service and provide your customers a better experience.
Having the right training gives you peace of mind that you are doing right by your clients. That generates confidence that can inspire your customers. There is a wide variety of training and certification programs. Do your research and find the one that best fits your niche.
Get the licensing and permits required in your area. While relatively few industries are regulated by the federal government, almost all types of businesses require permits or licenses issued by the state and or city in which the fitness center will reside. You will also need to get a tax ID for your company. The IRS and the Small Business Administration have some great resources on how to go about registering a business.
Develop a business strategy (yes, you need a business plan)
Writing a business plan is more than a necessary evil that you need to get a loan. We believe the process of developing a business plan forces you to better understand the factors that determine whether your venture will be a success. The traditional components of a business plan include:
- An Industry Overview
- Market Analysis
- Competitive Analysis
- Marketing Plan
- Management Plan
- Operating Plan
- Financial Plan
Lease space for your gym (pick the best gym location)
You know the saying in real estate. . . location, location, location. How do you find the best location for your fitness center and make sure that you get the best lease? Commercial leases can be complex and many businesses fail to survive in part because they did not get the right location or the right lease. Make sure you aren’t one of them.
Given how important it is that you get this right and how complex a commercial lease could be, we strongly advise you consider getting a lawyer to review and help negotiate your lease. It could save you thousands and insulate you against risks you may have overlooked. Below are a few items to consider when evaluating your lease:
- Non-compete: ask the landlord not to lease space near you to a competitive business.
- Liability: who is liable for damages (I.e. toilet overflow damages building, customer drives into building, etc).
- Prohibitions: are there any prohibitions that could limit your business plan (I.e. cooking, liquor, etc).
- Common areas: how are lobbies, bathrooms, etc shared among tenants.
- Signage: What are you allowed to do, how does it have to look, etc.
Our free commercial lease checklist has a much more extensive list of items to help ensure you get the best possible lease.
Finance your gym (how much does it cost to open a gym)
How much does it cost to open a gym? Opening a gym will require you to cover expenses such as gym equipment, legal fees, property rent, marketing, and even a franchise fee. Depending on the size of your facility, these can be as little as $10,000 to $15,000 and may run as high as $75,000 to $100,000.
That doesn’t all have to come out of your savings. There are many ways to finance a business. Most gym owners reported 2 to 4 sources of financing ranging from personal savings, friends and family, business partners, professional investors, SBA loans and even credit cards (not advisable).
Hire training staff and purchase fitness equipment
When it comes to hiring staff, you want people who will enhance your brand, satisfy your customers, and reliably fulfill their duties. In evaluating staff, there are a few things you want to understand about candidates for your open jobs:
- Do they have the right skills to do the job. This may mean they have the right credentials, experience, or certification. Think about what you’ll ask them to do on the job and ask questions about how they’ve done similar things in the past. You want to listen for what they did and what results came from their efforts.
- You want folks who fit your culture and brand. Are you looking for bubbly, supportive personalities or does your brand need intense and demanding trainers. Determine what you want and observe whether they fit that need.
- Will they be reliable. This is where it is critical to check references. Knowing that they’ll give you people they know like them as a reference, ask open ended questions and listen to what is and is not said. As an example, ask how they went above and beyond for a client and how that impacted the client. If they have a hard time answering, maybe the candidate didn’t go above and beyond.
Finally, always do a background check. While it is a hassle up front, it can save you major headaches in the long run not to have hired someone with a shady background that can get you in trouble.
Find customers (marketing your gym)
The research you did up front serves as a guide for your marketing. Find ways to target your ideal customer and focus your spend on things that will help you acquire clients. A very important tactic at this stage is to develop a way to track how your clients found you. Create a spreadsheet with their name, how they found you, what promotion you ran, etc. That will help you assess the effectiveness of your marketing spend.
A few simple ideas that every gym owner should consider:
- Get a sign (even a temporary one) up as early in the location build out as possible. New businesses attract eyeballs and having a sign lets you get the word out well before you start. Even better, have a way to let them contact you about interest.
- Learn about local tools like Google My Business. People you want to reach are close to you geographically. Make sure to show up in maps and local searches “near me” that your potential customers are doing all the time.
- Connect socially. Getting a Facebook business page up is a very easy way to have an online presence without spending thousands on a website. Once you do that, it is pretty easy to enlist friends and family to help you get the word out.
Lastly, I thought it would be interesting to share counts from some industry sources on the number of sports businesses by type based on the NAICS codes for sports.
According to the NAICS association:
Industry: 7941—Professional Sports Clubs and Promoters
Establishments primarily engaged in operating and promoting professional and semiprofessional athletic clubs; promoting athletic events, including amateur; and managing individual professional athletes. Stadiums and athletic fields are included only if the operator is actually engaged in the promotion of athletic events. Establishments primarily engaged in operating stadiums and athletic fields are classified in Real Estate, Industry Group 651. Amateur sports and athletic clubs are classified in Industry Group 799. :
7941Sports Clubs, Managers, and Promoters
11,712
794100
Sports clubs, managers, and promoters
2,732
79410000
Sports clubs, managers, and promoters
2,732
794101
Professional and semi-professional sports clubs
5,995
79410100
Professional and semi-professional sports clubs
230
79410101
Baseball club, professional and semi-professional
432
79410102
Basketball club
1,342
79410103
Football club
2,020
79410104
Ice hockey club
109
79410105
Soccer club
1,862
794102
Stadium event operator services
2,095
79410200
Stadium event operator services
373
79410201
Boxing and wrestling arena
986
79410202
Sports field or stadium operator, promoting sports events
736
794199
Sports clubs, managers, and promoters, nec
890
79419901
Manager of individual professional athletes
112
79419902
Sports promotion
778