How To Start A Sports Blog That Makes Money In 9 Steps

The idea is simple set up a sports blog the same way as creating a standard blog, publish posts within the sports niche, monetize them to make money, learn, update your posts, refine your approach, and make more money as you grow your traffic.

You don’t need to be a professional athlete or journalist to start, you just need to be willing to earn and keep publishing blog posts within your niche.

Every successful sports blog starts with a single post and gradually expands. You could be the next if you take the bold step and get started.

Why Should You Start Your Sports Blog Today?

• You Can Make $2,000 − $10,000/Month: Even as a rookie blogger, you can start earning a few thousand dollars a month. Think about it—getting paid to talk about the games you’re already obsessing over? That’s way better than just venting to your group chat. Whether it’s breaking down plays, predicting outcomes, or sharing your hot takes, your blog could become a legit income stream.
• Little Start-Up Cost: Unlike starting a sports bar or launching a merch line, a blog won’t drain your wallet. For less than $4/month and under 12 minutes of setup time, you can have a fully functional blog ready to go. That’s less than the cost of a stadium hot dog and a soda.
• No Coding Skills Required: If the idea of coding sounds as confusing as NFL overtime rules, don’t sweat it. You don’t need to write a single line of code. With pre-built themes and drag-and-drop features, you can customize your site to look like a pro, with no tech skills needed.
• Worldwide Availability: As long as Google works in your country, this opportunity is yours. Whether you’re in Chicago, Cape Town, or Chennai, your sports blog can reach fans across the globe. Sports are universal, and so is your potential to grow an audience.
• Immediate Monetization: Here’s the best part—you don’t need a massive following to start making money. From the moment you publish your first post, you can monetize it with ads and affiliate links. Even a small but loyal audience can start bringing in cash, and as your traffic grows, so does your income.

Start your sports blog today, share your insights and analysis, and turn it into a rewarding business. The possibilities are endless when you take the first step!

Here are the things you need to get started

To get your sports blog up and running and ready to share your first post, here’s what you’ll need:

1. A Laptop or Desktop – A solid laptop or desktop is essential for managing your blog and writing posts efficiently. Whether you’re sharing game analyses, player profiles, or sports news, a reliable computer is your best friend for managing everything behind the scenes.
2. A Domain Name – This is your sports blog’s unique web address. Choose a name that’s catchy, easy to remember, and represents your sports niche, whether it’s football, basketball, or general sports commentary. Make it something that screams your passion!
3. A Blogging Platform – A blogging platform (like WordPress) is where all the magic happens. It’s where you’ll create, organize, and publish your posts. WordPress is a great choice because it’s beginner-friendly and doesn’t require coding skills. You just pick a theme, tweak it, and you’re good to go.
4. Web Hosting – Web hosting keeps your blog live on the internet. Without a host, your blog wouldn’t exist. Hosting providers like HostGator offer easy-to-use services that keep your content running smoothly, no matter how much traffic your sports blog gets.

Quick Tip: When you sign up for a hosting provider like HostGator, you can quickly install WordPress, giving you the tools you need to start building and customizing your sports blog right away. You’ll be up and running in no time!

How To Start A Sports Blog in 9 Simple Steps

In this guide, I’ll be using HostGator because it’s one of the most reliable web hosting services out there, offering speed, security, and great support. Whether you’re covering the latest sports news, analyzing matches, or sharing workout tips, HostGator will ensure your sports blog runs smoothly.

Let’s dive in and get your sports blog off the ground!

• Step 1: Start within a sports sub-niche
• Step 2: Click on HostGator to get started
• Step 3: Choose your preferred HostGator hosting plan
• Step 4: Choose your unique domain name
• Step 6: Choose your preferred hosting subscription period
• Step 6: Create your HostGator account
• Step 7: Install WordPress In your HostGator Account
• Step 8: Within your WordPress select your blog theme [A Pre-built Site]
• Step 9: Customize and create new main pages and start publishing blog posts.

Step 1: Start within a sports sub-niche

Starting within a sub-niche in the sports blogging world means choosing a specific area, like football, basketball, or esports, and focusing your content around it. Once you’ve built some traction in that space, you can expand into other related topics, like athlete training, game analysis, or sports news, to keep your blog fresh and full of new ideas. This approach helps you carve out your niche and grow your audience while staying true to what you’re passionate about.

Here are some popular sub-niches in sports blogs where you can start;

Sub-niche 1: Professional Sports (NFL, NBA, etc.) – Focus: Covering news, updates, and analyses of popular professional sports leagues.

Examples of Topics:

• NFL season preview: Top teams to watch
• NBA trade rumors and analysis
• Best moments from this year’s MLB All-Star Game

Sub-niche 2: Fantasy Sports – Focus: Offering advice, strategy tips, and analysis for fantasy leagues.

Examples of Topics:

• Top fantasy football draft picks in [current year]
• How to build a winning fantasy basketball team
• Weekly fantasy football waiver wire tips

Sub-niche 3: Sports Betting – Focus: Providing betting tips, predictions, and guides for various sports.

Example Topics:

• Best betting strategies for the NFL season
• How to analyze sports betting odds
• Top sportsbooks for online betting in [current year]

Sub-niche 4: Golf – Focus: Covering professional golf tournaments, training techniques, and gear reviews.

Examples of Topics:

• How to improve your golf swing in 5 easy steps
• The best golf clubs for beginners
• Analyzing the results of the latest PGA Tour event

Sub 4: Fitness and Sports Training – Focus: Covering workout routines, training techniques, and nutrition for athletes.

Examples of Topics:

• Best strength training exercises for soccer players
• How to improve your endurance for long-distance running
• Nutrition tips for peak athletic performance

There are many more.

Relevant Post – 200 sports blogs in different sub-niches to start and make money

Step 2: Click on “HostGator” To Get Started

You can click our HostGator discounted link now to get started. With our exclusive discount, you’ll get HostGator at a special reduced price. Don’t wait—your blog journey begins today!

HostGator is a reliable web hosting service that offers industry-standard hosting.

Step 3: “Choose Your Hosting Plan”

For most beginners, it will make more sense to go with the HostGator Hatchling plan because it’s the most affordable, and you can upgrade anytime.

Step 4: Choose a domain name of your choice

After choosing your plan above, you will be directed to a page like this below to choose your domain name and complete your sign-up.

What to Consider When Choosing Your Sports Blog Domain Name

1. Make It Memorable and Easy to Spell: Your domain name should be something fans can easily remember and type. Avoid complicated spellings or random numbers—think like a fan cheering from the stands!
2. Reflect Your Sports Niche: Your domain should scream sports! Use keywords like “score,” “field,” “league,” or “fan” to give visitors a clear idea of what your blog is about.
3. Keep It Short and Snappy: Aim for 6-14 characters. Think of iconic team names—short, punchy, and unforgettable.
4. Easy to Read and Pronounce: Avoid tongue twisters. If fans can’t say it out loud, they won’t remember it.

Relevant Resources – Find Unique Sports Blog Name Ideas And Meaningful

Step 5: Set Your Hosting Duration

Ensure the Hatchling plan is selected on the right side, then choose your hosting period—either 1 year or 36 months, depending on your budget. Longer plans often give you better deals, so pick wisely!

Step 6: Create your HostGator account and choose a password

Provide your email and contact information, then choose a strong password to complete your HostGator account setup.

Before you complete your purchase, take a moment to verify your order details and information to make sure everything is as expected.

Step 7: Install WordPress in Your HostGator Account

Once you are done creating a HostGator account. You will be guided with on-screen instructions to complete your WordPress sign-up and installation.

Alternative method:

• Log into your HostGator account.
• Find the section labeled “WordPress”.
• Click on it, and you’ll be directed to create a WordPress account.

As soon as you complete your WordPress account setup, you’ll be logged in automatically and ready to start publishing posts and personalizing your pages.

Step 8: Choose A Theme For Your Blog

Here’s a simplified way to choose a suitable WordPress sports blogging theme after you’ve logged into your WordPress admin area. WordPress, as one of the best blogging platforms, allows you to do this flexibly.

How to Select the Right WordPress Theme for a Sports Blog:

• Go to Appearance > Themes in your WordPress dashboard.
• Search for sports-related themes with modern designs, live score widgets, and media-friendly layouts.
• Use filters to find themes with features like event calendars, social media integration, and multiple post layouts.
• Preview before selecting to see how the theme looks with your content.
• Read reviews and ratings to ensure it’s reliable and user-friendly.
• Check for mobile responsiveness since many sports fans browse on mobile devices.
• Consider premium themes if you need more advanced features like real-time match updates.

Popular Sports Blog Themes:

• Splash – Great for sports news and team updates.
• Newspaper X – Ideal for sports journalism and updates.
• Sports Club – Perfect for team-based or fan community blogs.

theme that showcases your sports content and offers a smooth experience for your readers!

Relevant – Here are some of the amazing WordPress themes for sports blogs you can use.

Step 9: Customize Your Sports Blog & Start Publishing

Time to personalize your sports blog! Adjust the colors, fonts, and layout to create a dynamic and engaging site.

Steps to Customize & Start Publishing:

• Use your theme’s customization panel to tweak the design.
• Edit essential pages like “About,” “Contact,” and “Home” to reflect your sports niche.
• Add sections for match highlights, player stats, or sports news. [Optional]
• Start writing and publishing game recaps, player analysis, and sports predictions.

Congratulations! Your sports blog is now live and ready to share with fans worldwide.

🎥 Watch the tutorial video below to make setting up your blog even easier!

Let’s kickstart your sports blog! After watching the video, follow these steps to brainstorm exciting and engaging topics.

How to Find Sports Blog Topics to Write About

If you want to turn your sports blog into a profitable platform, your content needs to be engaging, informative, and timely. This helps increase traffic and opens monetization opportunities like ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

Use these resources to discover and create compelling sports content:

• How to Hire a Blog Writer (For outsourcing match recaps and analysis)
• How to Write an Attractive Blog Headline (Catch readers’ attention with exciting sports news titles)
• 200+ Sports Blog Topic Ideas You Can Write About (Cover game predictions, athlete interviews, and training guides)
• How to Write a High-quality Blog Post Step-by-Step (Make Your Sports Content More Impactful)

How to Monetize Your Sports Blog and Make Money

If you’re passionate about sports and want to turn your blog into a profitable venture, there are two main ways to start earning:

1. Displaying Ads – Earn passive income from ad networks.
2. Affiliate Marketing – Promote sports products and earn commissions.

Let’s break down both strategies so you can start making money today.

1. Monetizing Your Sports Blog with Ads

Ads are one of the simplest ways to generate passive income from your blog. Google AdSense is a great starting point, but as your blog grows, you can explore more lucrative ad networks.

How to Get Started with Ads

✅ Sign Up for Google AdSense

• Visit Google AdSense and click “Sign Up.”
• Use your existing Google account to register.
• Enter your blog’s URL and provide basic details.
• Google will review your site (this usually takes a few days).
• 💡 Pro Tip: Have at least 15 to 40 blog posts published before applying to speed up approval.

✅ Add AdSense Code to Your Blog

• Once approved, Google provides a code to insert on your site.
• Place it in your sidebar, header, or footer to display ads.
• If you’re using WordPress, plugins can make this process easier.

✅ Start Earning from Ads

• Google will automatically show relevant ads based on your sports content.
• You’ll earn money when visitors click on the ads or view them (CPM earnings).
• The more traffic your blog gets, the higher your ad revenue!

💰 How Much Can You Make?

• A small sports blog can earn $100 to $500 per month with AdSense.
• Established sports blogs with high traffic can make $1,000+ per month.

2. Monetizing Your Sports Blog with Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the most profitable ways to earn money from your sports blog. You can recommend sports gear, apparel, fitness equipment, or event tickets and earn commissions on sales.

How to Get Started with Affiliate Marketing

✅ Find Affiliate Programs
Look for sports-related affiliate programs that align with your blog’s niche. Here are some great options:

• Amazon Associates – Earn commissions on sports gear, apparel, and equipment.
• Nike Affiliate Program – Promote Nike shoes, jerseys, and training gear.
• Fanatics Affiliate Program – Perfect for bloggers covering sports teams, as they sell official team merchandise.
• Under Armour Affiliate Program – Earn commissions on sports clothing and accessories.
• REI & Dick’s Sporting Goods – Great for outdoor and fitness sports bloggers.
• Ticketmaster Affiliate Program – Earn commissions by promoting sports event tickets.

Find More: Sports Affiliate Programs

✅ Sign Up for Affiliate Programs

• Each program will require you to apply with details about your blog.
• Once approved, you’ll receive unique affiliate links to track your sales.

✅ Integrate Affiliate Links into Your Blog
To maximize earnings, you need to add affiliate links naturally into your content. Here are some ideas:

• Product Reviews: Write in-depth reviews of sports gear, like “Best Running Shoes for Marathon Training.”
• Top 10 Lists: Example: “Top 10 Must-Have Gadgets for Football Fans” or “Best Home Gym Equipment.”
• Game-Day Essentials: Suggest jerseys, sneakers, and fan gear for major events like the Super Bowl or the World Cup.
• Sports Training Guides: If you post training routines, recommend equipment like weights, yoga mats, or supplements.
• Game Recaps & Analysis: Add links to team merchandise or fan collectibles.

More Topics Ideas: Affiliate Blog Topics to Make Money From Commissions

💰 How Much Can You Make?

• Commissions range from 5% to 30% per sale.
• If you recommend a $100 product with a 10% commission, you earn $10 per sale.
• Many sports bloggers earn $500 to $5,000+ per month from affiliate marketing alone!

Find More: Other Ways to Monetize Your Blog and Make Money

Final Thoughts on Monetization

Turning your sports blog into a money-making machine is easier than you think!

✔ Start with Google AdSense to generate passive income from ads.
✔ Add affiliate marketing to earn commissions by recommending sports gear, apparel, and event tickets.
✔ As your blog grows in traffic, you can explore sponsorships, selling digital products, or launching a YouTube channel.

💡 Want to boost your earnings faster? Focus on SEO, writing engaging sports content, and promoting your blog on social media!

🚀 Get started today, and start making money from your passion for sports!

How to increase your blog revenue

• Increase Your Pageviews
• Increase Visitor Time on Your Site
• Increase Your Overall Traffic Levels

How Much Do Sports Blogs Make

Here’s a breakdown of how much sports blogs can make based on different levels of success.

The amount you can earn really depends on a few key things, like how many posts you publish, how you monetize them, how much traffic you bring in, and how long you’ve been at it. The more consistent and strategic you are, the better your chances of making good money!

Beginner Sports Blogs

• Income: $100 – $1,500 per month
• Traffic: 5,000 – 30,000 monthly visitors
• Number of Posts: 20-80 blog posts
• Average Time: 6 months to 1 year
• Monetization Methods:
  • Display ads (Google AdSense, Ezoic)
  • Affiliate marketing (sports gear, fitness programs, supplements)
  • Small sponsorships (local sports brands, fitness clubs)
  • Selling eBooks or guides (e.g., fitness tips, sports strategy guides)

Average Sports Blogs

• Income: $1,500 – $8,000 per month
• Traffic: 30,000 – 100,000 monthly visitors
• Number of Posts: 80-200 blog posts
• Average Time: 1-3 years
• Monetization Methods:
  • Premium ad networks (Mediavine, AdThrive)
  • Affiliate marketing (high-commission sports equipment, apparel, or supplements)
  • Sponsored posts (sports brands, fitness products)
  • Selling courses, guides, or memberships (e.g., fitness training programs, coaching)

Established Sports Blogs

• Income: $8,000 – $50,000+ per month
• Traffic: 100,000+ monthly visitors
• Number of Posts: 200+ blog posts
• Average Time: 3-5 years or more
• Monetization Methods:
  • High-paying ad networks (AdThrive, Mediavine)
  • Large sponsorship deals (sports brands, fitness equipment manufacturers, supplement companies)
  • Affiliate partnerships (major sports apparel, nutrition products)
  • Selling high-ticket fitness or sports coaching programs, eBooks, or exclusive memberships

Sports blogs are very profitable as they tap into a passionate and loyal audience. Their income grows as traffic increases with more premium advertising or sponsorship opportunities that aid that earning status.

Note: These figures provide a general overview; actual earnings can vary based on different factors on a specific blog.

Here is a more realistic income report from real blogs.

How to Promote and Get Traffic to Your Sports Blog

Writing about sports is exciting, but getting readers to your blog is just as important. Here’s how to effectively promote your content and grow your audience:

1. Share on Social Media & Sports Communities

Leverage platforms like Twitter, Facebook groups, and Reddit (r/sports, r/soccer, r/NBA, etc.) to reach passionate sports fans. Join conversations, share insights, and post links to your blog naturally.

2. Use Pinterest for Sports Content

Pinterest isn’t just for lifestyle blogs, it can drive tons of traffic to sports blogs too! Create eye-catching pins for articles like “Top 10 Greatest Football Moments” or “Best Workouts for Athletes” and share them on relevant boards.

3. Boost SEO with Backlinks

Ranking on Google means more organic traffic.

Learn how to build backlinks by guest posting, getting featured on sports news websites, and engaging in forums where sports discussions happen.

4. Promote Your Blog Effectively

Writing great content isn’t enough, you need smart promotion strategies.

Learn how to promote a blog post through email newsletters, collaborations with sports influencers, and repurposing content into short-form videos for platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.

5. Increase Your Website Traffic with Proven Strategies

Want consistent visitors?

Master how to increase your website traffic by covering trending sports topics, improving internal linking, and optimizing for mobile users.

6. Utilize Guest Posting for More Exposure

Want to expand your reach? Writing for other sports blogs can bring new readers to your site.

Check out guest posting sites that accept sports-related content and contribute valuable insights to established platforms.

🚀 Stay consistent, engage with the sports community, and keep your content exciting. Soon, your blog will become a go-to hub for sports fans!

Simplified Summary:

Quick Start Guide to Launching Your Sports Blog

Now that you’re ready to start your sports blog, it’s time to choose your niche!

Pick a specific focus, whether it’s game analysis, breaking sports news, player profiles, or fitness training for athletes. Establishing your expertise in one area will help you attract a dedicated audience. As your blog grows, you can expand into other sports topics.

While you can monetize your blog with ads and affiliate links, your first priority should be creating high-quality, engaging content. Once you’ve built steady traffic, revenue opportunities will follow naturally.

When your blog starts gaining traction, consider adding Google AdSense and joining affiliate programs for sports gear, training equipment, or online streaming services to maximize earnings.

How to Get Started in a Few Simple Steps:

✅ Pick a sports niche (e.g., game analysis, fitness for athletes, or sports news).
✅ Set up your blog with HostGator, click here to begin.
✅ Choose a hosting plan that suits your needs.
✅ Select a domain name that reflects your sports focus.
✅ Adjust your hosting subscription period as needed.
✅ Create your HostGator account and continue.
✅ Install WordPress through your HostGator dashboard.
✅ Choose a theme that has a sports-oriented design.
✅ Customize your pages and start publishing compelling sports content.

Stay consistent with your updates, whether it’s match previews, player insights, or training tips, and your audience (and income!) will grow. 🏆🚀

Here’s a perfectly tailored “Recommended Blogging Guides” section for your sports blog post, featuring 30 profitable niches with compelling descriptions to keep your readers engaged:

30 Profitable Blogging Niches for Sports Enthusiasts

Love sports content? Explore these other exciting blog niches you can start today!

🏈 Sports & Athletic Performance

1. How to Start a Sports Blog and Make Money: Cover your favorite teams, analyze games, and monetize with sponsorships and ads.
2. How to Start a Fitness Blog and Make Money
   Share workout plans, nutrition tips, and supplement reviews to help athletes perform better.
3. How to Start a Golf Blog and Make Money: Review clubs, share swing techniques, and earn through golf affiliate programs.
4. How to Start an Outdoor Blog and Make Money: Write about hiking, camping, and adventure sports for nature lovers.
5. How to Start a Health & Wellness Blog and Make Money: Discuss mental toughness, recovery strategies, and athlete wellness.

💰 Money-Making & Business

6. How to Start a Profitable Blog and Make Money: The ultimate guide to launching any successful blog.
7. How to Start a Coaching Blog and Make Money: Teach sports skills, leadership, or fitness training online.
8. How to Start a Finance Blog and Make Money: Help athletes manage contracts, endorsements, and investments.
9. How to Start a Tech Blog and Make Money: Review sports gadgets, apps, and wearable tech.
10. How to Start a Product Review Blog and Make Money: Test and recommend sports gear, from shoes to equipment.

🎮 Gaming & Entertainment

11. How to Start a Gaming Blog and Make Money: Cover esports, sports video games, and gaming tournaments.
12. How to Start a Music Blog and Make Money: Write about sports anthems, athlete playlists, and concert reviews.
13. How to Start a Disney Blog and Make Money: Cover Disney sports movies like *Remember the Titans* or *Miracle*.

✍️ Lifestyle & Creative

14. How to Start a Travel Blog and Make Money: Document sports travel—stadium tours, marathons, and fan adventures.
15. How to Start a Fashion Blog and Make Money: Review jerseys, sneakers, and athlete fashion trends.
16. How to Start a Food Blog and Make Money: Share athlete meal plans, protein recipes, and supplement guides.
17. How to Start a Photography Blog and Make Money: Showcase sports action shots and sell prints.

📚 Specialized & Unique Niches

18. How to Start a News Blog and Make Money: Report on breaking sports news and exclusive interviews.
19. How to Start a History Blog and Make Money: Explore legendary athletes, iconic games, and sports evolution.
20. How to Start an Anonymous Blog: Write candidly about sports controversies without revealing your identity.
21. How to Start a Book Blog and Make Money: Review sports biographies and coaching manuals.
22. How to Start a Teaching Blog and Make Money: Create coaching resources for youth sports programs.

❤️ Personal Growth & Relationships

23. How to Start a Mom Blog and Make Money: Share tips for raising young athletes and balancing sports parenting.
24. How to Start a Relationship Blog and Make Money: Discuss how sports impact relationships, from fan couples to athlete marriages.
25. How to Start a Lifestyle Blog and Make Money: Build a personal brand around your passion for sports culture.

🛒 Product & Review Niches

26. How to Start a Wedding Blog and Make Money: Cover sports-themed weddings—jersey dresses, stadium venues, and more.
27. How to Start a Beauty Blog and Make Money: Review sweat-proof makeup and game-day hairstyles for female athletes.
28. How to Start a Home Decor Blog and Make Money: Feature man caves, sports-themed rooms, and DIY memorabilia displays.
29. How to Start a Wine Blog and Make Money: Pair wines with game-day snacks and athlete-owned vineyards.
30. How to Start a Real Estate Blog and Make Money: Cover athlete mansions, stadium developments, and sports tourism hotspots.