As corporate sponsorships, esports, and internet access continue to expand, the sports industry holds great potential for growth. Likewise, sports affiliate programs offer substantial prospects for promoting sports and recreational products. Let’s find out what’s best for you.
With the sports industry being so extensive, we’ve collected the top affiliate programs for different sports, such as soccer, baseball, basketball, golf, and wrestling.
Later in the article, we’ll outline best practices for brands looking to optimize their sports affiliate programs.
TL;DR
Enjoy sports and excel at producing content in this field? Explore these top sporting goods affiliate programs and start earning extra money to support your family.
- Vatic Pro (Commission: $5-10, Cookie: 30 days)
- Under Armour (Commission: 5%, Cookie: 30 days)
- Leather Head Sports (Commission: 10%, Cookie: 60 days)
- Mountain Hardwear Sweaty Betty (Commission: 8%, Cookie: 21 days)
- DICK’S Sporting Goods (Commission: 2%, Cookie: 3 days)
- Love Fitness (Commission: 10%, Cookie: 30 days)
- Nike (Commission: 15%, Cookie: 7 days)
- Nimble Activewear (Commission: 5%, Cookie: 30 days)
- Lululemon (Commission: 5%, Cookie: 30 days)
- X3 Bar Sports (Commission: 15%, Cookie: 45 days)
With so many sports affiliate programs available, you need a solid strategy to make yours stand out. Keep reading to learn the best practices for optimizing your affiliate marketing campaign for athletic products.
- You can segment affiliates by their influence or expertise to enhance their performance and reach. Create tailored programs for different groups, such as influencers, coaches, trainers, or lifestyle KOLs.
- As customers already love your products, you can encourage them to promote your sports items via customer referral programs.
- It’s a smart idea to recognize and reward your best affiliates to motivate them to drive more sales.
- Moreover, you also can network with influencers at sports events to identify potential brand ambassadors.
Boasting over 3,000 positive Shopify reviews, UpPromote is the perfect affiliate software for any sports brand. You can set up a basic affiliate program in under 5 minutes. Moreover, our advanced features support all the best techniques mentioned above and beyond. Sign up for a free trial and experience it yourself!
23 Best Sports Affiliate Programs You Should Join In 2025
Running out of time? Here is a summary table of the best athletic affiliate programs for you to consider quickly:
| The best affiliate programs | Program name |
| Affiliate program with the highest commission rates | BPI Sports (25%) |
| Affiliate program with the longest cookie duration | Leather Head Sports, Elite Sports (60 days) |
| Affiliate program with the most payment methods | Vatic Pro |
| Affiliate program with the most promotional materials | Under Armour, Mountain Hardwear Sweaty Betty |
| Affiliate program with high-ticket sports items | DICK’S Sporting Goods, TaylorMade Golf |
1. Vatic Pro
Vatic Pro is a leading brand in developing pickleball paddles in the USA. This brand is trusted by professionals worldwide for their carbon fiber paddles.
The Vatic Pro affiliate program is powered by UpPromote with flat commission rates per item:
- $5 for Prism paddles
- $10 for non-Prism paddles
The cookie length is 30 days for affiliates to earn a commission. Vatic Pro pays their partners monthly through various methods such as cash, credit, or bank transfer.
Affiliates can receive custom unique links, discounts, and access to the newest launches from Vatic Pro as they join the program.
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2. Under Armour
Under Armour is a suitable choice if you need better sports apparel with a feeling of zero gravity. This brand produces various items, such as shoes, shirts, and other gear, to boost your energy while training.
Under Armour sports affiliate program is run by Awin. The commission rate for each sale is 5%, and the cookie tracks for 30 days. Additionally, the average order value is $100, meaning affiliates can earn $5 for a successful order.
Under Armour offers their affiliates an in-app tracking for their commission and cross-device tracking as well. They also hand out banners and creative text links for promotion. Especially their discount is available for students and military-related jobs by up to 10%.
3. Leather Head Sports
Leather Head Sports is known for their world-class American-made leather sports balls. Custom-made by expert craftsmen, these balls have a modern, nostalgic look.
The Leather Head Sports affiliate program is powered by ShareASale. Affiliates can earn up to $15, as the commission rate is 10%, and the average order value is $150. The cookie duration lasts for 60 days from the customer’s first click.
Leather Head Sports offers special customized items that could help affiliates attract more customers. You can even request Leather Head Sports to design your unique banners as well.
4. Mountain Hardwear Sweaty Betty
Mountain Hardwear Sweaty Betty has built equipment for climbers and mountaineers. Their designs are comfortable, functional, and durable for mountainous activities.
Managed through CJ Affiliate, the Mountain Hardwear affiliate program offers an 8% commission rate and 21 days of cookie tracking. With an average order of $140, affiliates can earn $11 per sale.
Their affiliate program provides exclusive coupons and discounts to help affiliates reach more customers. They also give their affiliates promotion codes, gift cards, and continuously updated data feeds.
5. DICK’S Sporting Goods
DICK’s Sporting Goods is a top retailer of authentic sports apparel, footwear, and accessories from renowned sports brands. Their items are mostly from Nike, Adidas, HOKA, and so on.
When joining their affiliate program, you can earn 2% for every sale made through your affiliate link. However, you should notice the cookie duration is only 3 days for the commission to be approved.
Transaction for commission payout is every 60 days after the end of that month. Dick’s Sporting Goods gives you access to their banners and text links to promote. Moreover, you can get a weekly newsletter with special promotions to increase your total sales.
