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50 Profitable Basketball Business ideas You Can Start With Little Money

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Are you passionate about basketball and want to start a business around it? If YES, here are 50 best basketball related business ideas & opportunities.

If you are an entrepreneur or an aspiring entrepreneur that has a passion for basketball, you can actually become a millionaire by starting a basketball related business.

There are several multinational organizations in the sports industry who are concentrated in basketball related businesses and there is still room large enough to accommodate new entrants into this line of business.

Why Start a Basketball Related Business?

There are several basketball related business opportunities; if you are determined to make money from this industry all you need to do is to choose a niche in the industry, and then build your business along the niche or area of specialization.

You have the option of choosing from basketball promotion and advertisement to owning a basketball club. The bottom line is that you can make money from rendering basketball related services.

Basketball is a sport that is loved not just in the united states of America alone, but all over the world.

The fact that it is one of the major Olympic Games makes it a popular global sport. Great basketball icons like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson are widely celebrated all around the world and loads of people strive to be like them.

The basketball industry is so large for any corporation to monopolize the industry no matter how large the corporation is.

One good thing about basketball related businesses is that you can afford to start small in your city and then grow the business within a period of time to become a multi – million dollar company.

Part of what you will require to achieve this is consistency, dedication, creativity and good business management skills.

Here are 50 basketball related business ideas that you can choose from if you are determined to make money from the industry:

Best Basketball Business ideas

  1. Open A Basketball One Stop Shop

One basketball related business that an entrepreneur can start in any part of the world is a basketball one stop shop.

This is a place where people can purchase all their basketball wares, i.e. basketballs, jerseys, shoes, hand bands, headbands, basketball videos, souvenirs, and all what not.

Just ensure that you choose a good location for your basketball sport shop and you won’t struggle to make daily sales.

  1. Start a Basket Ball Magazine or Newspaper

If you are a trained journalist, one of the basketball related businesses that you can decide to start is a basketball magazine or newspaper.

The percentage of people who read basketball news are more especially in the United States and they are enough to help your business breakeven no matter the part of the world you are located in.

  1. Become a Basketball Scout

One of the coolest ways of making money from basketball without being a basketball player is to become a talent scout for basketball clubs in the United States or even in your country.

The truth is that basketball business is a money spinning business in the United States and if you are able to discover world class basketball talents for a club, you are likely going to become an instant millionaire especially if one of the top basketball clubs in the United States such as Chicago Bulls, LA Lakers, and Utah Jazz et al signs the player that you discovered.

  1. Start a Basketball Television Station

If you are a big-time investor and you know your way around government bureaucracy in your country, you can successfully secure a TV license and start your own sports television with a niche covering in basketball.

It requires huge startup capital and good business strategy to run this type of business but the fact remains that it is a profitable venture.

  1. Start a Basketball Radio Station

Another broadcasting related business that you consider starting is a sports radio station with strong bias in basketball; a station that is dedicated to everything basketball on a 24/7 basis.

Although it is capital intensive to run a 24 hour-a-week basketball radio station, but you are sure going to reap huge benefits from the business.

  1. Basketball Museum

Starting a museum dedicated to basketball is yet another interesting basketball related business that an aspiring entrepreneur can start.

This business concept might be very green, but you can be rest assured to have loads of visitors traveling from far and wide to visit your museum if you have robust basketball artifacts or if you are able to gather stuffs that portray the history of basketball.

So, if you are looking for a basketball related business to start, then one of your best bet is to look towards launching a basketball museum.

  1. Basketball Betting Company

People all over the world are into sport betting and the industry of course is growing in leaps and bounds. You can decide to start a betting company that focuses on NBA games.

The truth is that basketball betting is one basketball related business that can thrive in any part of the world especially if your betting is also done online.

With that you will be able to attract customers from all over the world irrespective of where your basketball betting company is located. One key factor that will help you to succeed in this business is to pay winners as at when due.

  1. Start a Basketball Jersey Customizing Business

Top basketball clubs in the United States and even in Europe have a fan base that cuts across people from all over the world.

If you are lucky to live in a city that has robust basketball followership, one of the small-scale basketball related businesses that you can start is a basketball jersey customizing business.

Part of what you need to get this type of business rolling is a good graphic skill and a business network that can help you access quality jerseys at affordable prices.

  1. Start a Basketball Academy

Another basketball related business idea that you can start is opening a basketball academy; a place where young people can be groomed to become professional basketball players.

The truth is that if your basketball academy is well recognized, you are likely going to attract students from all parts of the world.

Please note that you would need a license before you can be allowed to legally operate a basketball academy in the US.

  1. Organize Basketball Competitions Amongst Schools

Organizing basket competitions amongst High Schools or Colleges within your region or state is yet another interesting basketball related business that an entrepreneur with good organizing skills can do.

All you need to do is to sell your idea to the management of high schools and colleges within your target area and of course, you would also need to sell the idea to corporate organizations who are likely going to sponsor such competition.

The truth is that if you hardworking, you are likely going to get mouthwatering sponsorship deals.

  1. Basketball Film and Documentary Production Company

If you are a film producer or someone who knows a lot about basketball, then you can make good money from basketball. All you need to do is to specialize in producing basketball related films and documentary.

The truth is that if you are good at what you do and you are able to successfully produce a best-selling basketball film or documentary, then it won’t be too long before you become a star as well.

Please note that this type of business is pretty much green and it is open for professional film producers with keen interest in basketball.

  1. Production of Basketball Related Video or Computer Games

If you are a programmer and you are a basketball lover, one of the basketball related business ideas that you can successfully start is to go into the production of basketball related video or computer games.

It is a cool way of making cash if you know how to push your product in the marketplace. It will be easier to push your product into the market if your game is unique.

  1. Basketballs Manufacturing

Another money spinning basketball related business that an aspiring entrepreneur can choose from is basketball manufacturing.

You don’t have to be a major player before you make money from manufacturing basketballs. You can start by manufacturing basketballs for children.

It is a way to encourage children to start playing the game in their neighborhood. If you are consistent, some day in the future you can win a contract to produce basketballs for FIBA™ just like Nike, Puma and Adidas.

  1. Production of Basketball Cartoons

Production of basketball cartoons is yet another basketball related business ideas that a graphic artist/animation expert can successfully start.

The truth is that if you produce a cartoon movie that has a top basketball player such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson or Hakeem Olajuwon et al as characters, then you are likely not going to struggle to get people to accept and purchase it. Children love cartoons and producing basketball cartoon will get kids to fall in love with the sport.

  1. Basketball Reality Show

Another interesting basketball related business that an aspiring entrepreneur can consider starting is organizing basketball reality show.

If you are an event organizer and also a basketball enthusiast, then you can consider starting your own basketball reality show.

If the program is well organized and you are able to secure good sponsorship, then the reality show will likely become an annual show if you want it to be so.

You are sure going to make good money from this business venture if the reality show is well packaged.

  1. Compose Theme Song for Basketball Clubs/Teams

If you are a good music composer and you are a basketball enthusiast, one of the many basketball related business you can start is to start composing theme songs for basketball clubs.

Aside from composing theme song for basketball clubs, you can as well sing songs with predominantly basketball lyrics and you will be amazed at the rate people will buy your album and listen to your songs.

It is a cool way of making money from the basketball, howbeit not as a full – time job or business.

  1. Production and Sale of Basketball Toys

Another profitable basketball related business idea that an entrepreneur can successfully start is the production and sale of basketball toys.

Just ensure that you produce toys that represent favorite basketball stars such as Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neil, LeBron James, Larry Bird, Karl Malone and Kobe Bryant et al and you wouldn’t struggle to get people to purchase them.

Besides selling the toys for children’s use, you can also produce key holders and adults will sure buy and make use of.

  1. Start a Basketball Kids Club

Starting a basketball kids club is yet another interesting basketball related business that an aspiring entrepreneur can start.

You can start a program/club with the aim of catching future basketball players from an early age.

Just ensure that you create basketball events with the aim of teaching kids the rudiments of basketball.

You can target schools and parents to enroll their wards in your basketball kids club. You will be required to register the business and obtain a license before you can be permitted to operate this type of business.

  1. Become a Basketball Commentator

If you have ever watched a live basketball game on TV, you will notice how interesting the commentators make the games to be.

If you are good commentator and a basketball enthusiast, you can start running commentary for basketball games.

You don’t need to start big; you can start running commentary for local or community based basketball games and if you are truly good, you can be hired to start running commentary for basketball games at the national or international level.

  1. Construction and Maintenance of Basketball Courts

Another basketball related business that an aspiring entrepreneur can start is to go into the construction and maintenance of basketball courts.

If you are a civil engineer, then you can consider specializing in the construction and maintenance of basketball courts.

There are schools, clubs, and even individuals who would like to build their own basketball courts but they don’t know how to go about it. So, all you need to do is to register your business, and employ a good promotion strategy.

  1. Open a Basketball YouTube Channel

Opening a basketball YouTube Channel is yet another interesting basketball related business that an aspiring entrepreneur can start.

In recent time, the happenings in the world have moved to the internet and you can make money as a basketball enthusiast from the internet.

If you are able to pull traffic and subscribers to your basketball channel, you are sure going to make good money. Just ensure that you have interesting basketball clips on your channel.

  1. Training School and Empowerment Centre for Basketball Coaches and Umpires

One of the advanced basketball related business ideas that an entrepreneur can start is to open a training school and empowerment center for basketball coaches and Umpires; a place where these coaches and umpires can attend refresher courses and special skill training, amongst others.

You would need robust experience and advance certifications before you can open and operate this type of school.

You would also need accreditation from relevant authorities before you can be allowed to run this type of business.

It is capital intensive, but you can be rest assured that you will make good returns on your investment.

  1. Produce Basketball Related Guide (Book)

There are loads of people out there who love to learn basketball but can’t seem to get a proper handle on how to play or officiate basketball.

If you are a good writer and you have a full – grasp of the game, then one of the basketball related businesses that you can start is producing basketball related guide (book).

Just ensure that all basketball jargons, style of play, the rules of playing the game and all that a rookie need to know is contained in the book. Please note that your basketball guide could be in the form or books or videos et al.

  1. Start a Basketball Talk – Show on Radio and TV

Another basketball related business idea that you can start is a basketball talk – show on radio and TV.

If you have rich contents, you will definitely get good sponsors and endorsement that will surely translate to cool cash for you.

In as much as there is a huge fan base for football, there is also huge fan base for basketball and other sports as well.

  1. Start Organizing Games for Retired Basketball Stars (Charity Matches)

You don’t necessarily need to be a retired basketball player to be able to network with retired basketball stars.

If you are lucky to relate with loads of retired basketball stars, you can start organizing games for them.

I bet you, loads of fans would want to see their legends come off retirement to play the game especially for charity once in a while.

Please note that this type of basketball related business can be classified under social enterprise or charity.

  1. Start a Basketball Marketing, Branding and Promotion Company

If you are a professional marketer, you can start a marketing company that is specialized in basketball marketing.

You can market and promote basketball events and wares for concerned organizations. It is a cool way of making good money with little investment.

For example, you can help a company that is into manufacturing of basketball clothes to market and promote their new products and you are sure going to make money as long as people patronize your wares.

  1. Start Basketball Clothes Production Company (Sports Label)

Sports brands such as Adidas, Puma, Nike et al did not just start making it big from the onset; they paid their dues before they became what they are today.

If you are interested in going into the production of basketball jerseys and wears, then you must be ready to adopt a good marketing skill in order to penetrate the market.

The truth is that once your brand is accepted in your country, it won’t be too long before people from international communities start buying basketball clothes from you.

  1. Creating and Selling of Basketball Artwork

If you are a creative artist and also a basketball enthusiast, one of the basketball related businesses that you can start is the production and selling of basketball related artwork.

If you have skills such as painting, sculpturing or carving et al then you might want to give this business idea a try.

You can successfully organize mini exhibitions in the venue where basketball games are played and you will be amazed at the rate at which people will patronize your works. Just ensure that your art studio is located in a city with loads of basketball lovers.

  1. Start a Basketball Clinic

The fan base for basketball is on the increase and there are loads of countries who are yet to join the flow despite basketball being considered one of the top 3 most popular sports in the world.

If you are in a country where basketball is relegated to the background, you can start a basketball clinic and attract children of school age.

If you are a good organizer, and you are able to attract sponsorship and endorsement from well-known basketball players and key establishments in both the private and public sector, then you can move your basketball clinic around cities to get people to start playing the game.

  1. Face Painting Services for Basketball Games

Another interesting, fun and easy to start basketball related business that an aspiring entrepreneur can start is face painting services for basketball games.

You can actually start this type of business without startup capital because the business is not capital intensive.

If you are hardworking and you have the right network in place, you can generate your start-up capital from one business deal.

Usually party or carnival face painters charge based on their discretion but on the average, they charge about $100 per hour.

One good thing about this type of business is that you can combine it with other businesses without overworking yourself.

  1. Become a Social Media Expert and Manager for Basketball Teams or Players

Another easy to start basketball related business that an aspiring entrepreneur can start is to become a social media expert and manager for basketball teams or players.

If you have enough time and you are good with various social media platforms, then you can start an online business managing social media handles for several busy basketballers or basketball clubs.

Of course, you must display some level of professionalism and expertise before you can be hired to manage social media pages and social media handles for people or organizations, but the truth remains that you can make pretty cool cash from this type of online business without investing startup capital.

  1. Basketball Research and Biography Writing Company

If you are a researcher or someone in the academia you can make good money from basketball related business.

All you need to do is to specialize in researching and writing biographies for eminent basketball players cum personality.

The truth is that if you are good at what you do and you are able to successfully write and publish the biography of one or two well – known basketball legends or celebrities, it won’t be too long before you become a star as well.

Please note that this type of business is pretty much green and it is open for professional researchers and biographers with keen interest in basketball.

  1. Start a Consignment Business that Deals in Basketball Wares 

There are loads of people who can’t afford expensive basketball jerseys and footwear of their favorite clubs or basketball equipment that they need to play the game.

If you know how to source for fairly used basketball wares, you can make huge money by starting your consignment business especially if the business is located in developing or underdeveloped countries.

  1. Supply Mascots During Basketball Games

Do you know that people make money supplying mascots during basketball games? Sure, people do. Mascots are meant to entertain basketball fans during games.

If you have ever watched a basketball game, you would have seen mascots moving around the stadium and making people happy.

So, you are looking for a basketball related business to start, then you may want to consider starting a business that supply’s mascots during basketball games.

  1. Cheerleading During Basketball Games

Cheerleading Gym Business

Another interesting basketball related business that an aspiring entrepreneur can start is cheerleading during basketball games.

Cheerleading ranges from chanting to intense physical activity for sports team motivation, audience entertainment, or competition based upon organized routines.

Competitive routines basically range anywhere from one to three minutes, and contain components of tumbling, dance, jumps, cheers, stunting et al.

So, if you are looking for a basketball related business to start, then you should consider starting a cheerleading business.

  1. Organize Armature Basketball League in Your Community

Another basketball related business that you can consider starting if you are a good organizer of events is an armature basketball league for high school students in your community.

You will sure attract corporate sponsorship if the event is well planned and packaged. It could be an annual or just a one-off event.

  1. Start Basketball Apps Building Company

Basketball apps building company is yet another interesting basketball related business that an aspiring entrepreneur can choose to start.

We are in a dispensation where smartphones are becoming the closet companion to people. Apps are some of the stuffs that keep people busy with their smartphones and computer devices. If you are a software developer, you can consider specializing in basketball related apps.

  1. Start a Basketball Club

Another interesting basketball related business that an investor can consider starting is to launch a basketball club.

You can start a basketball club in your community and if you are consistent, your club can go all the way to feature in your national basketball league.

Aside from making money from the business, it is also a way for you to contribute your quota in helping your country raise world class basketballers.

  1. Provide Security During Basket Ball Games

If you are in the security industry and you are interested in making money from a basketball related business, then one of your options is to start providing security during basketball games.

Of course, fans will not come out to watch live basketball games in the stadiums if they are not certain of the security of their lives. This goes to show that providing security for basketball games is indeed a viable business.

  1. Start a Laundry Business Targeted at Basketball Clubs

We are all aware that footballers, basketball players, rugby players and those who play for various organized sports clubs do not wash their jerseys themselves.

It is the practice amongst sports clubs to contract all their laundry jobs to laundromats. Of course, if you start a laundromat that is specialized in washing sports clothes, you will sure secure business deals from basketball clubs in and around the city where you operate.

  1. Valet Parking Services During Basketball Games

If you are looking for a basketball related business to start as an entrepreneur and you know you have interest in the services industry, then you should consider starting your own valet parking services business targeted towards basketball games.

If you are considering starting a valet parking services company, then you would be required to get a license from the organization regulating the industry in your country before you are permitted to start your own company.

  1. Sale of Tickets for Basketball Games

Sale of tickets is an interesting job for an aspiring entrepreneur who is interested in starting a basketball related business.

People usually purchase tickets to watch live basketball games. You can start a business that is involved in selling tickets for basketball games and other sports.

This type of business is based on commission; the amount you are expected to make is dependent on the number of tickets you sell.

  1. Provide Catering Services of Basketball Clubs (Camps)

When basketball players (teams) are camped, you don’t expect them to cook their foods themselves.

If you are already into catering services, one area that you can expand your business is to partner with basketball clubs so as to help them handle all their catering needs.

One thing is certain, if you are consistent with what you do, before too long you will become the number one choice in your country when it comes to hiring caterers for basketball cum sports camping events.

  1. Start a Basketball Souvenir Business

People who travel from far and wide to watch their favorite basketball teams usually love going home with the club’s branded souvenirs.

For example, if you are a fan of Los Angeles Lakers and you travel all the way from Lagos Nigeria to Los Angeles – US to watch games involving LA Lakers, you would not want to leave without buying a souvenir for yourself and also for your family members and friends.

It could be jerseys, bags, mufflers, wall clocks, mugs, pen or anything as long as it carries the logo of the basketball club.

If you intend starting this type of business, ensure that your store is positioned close to the stadium or inside the stadium facility.

  1. Basketball Consulting Business

Another interesting basketball related business that you can start is to become a basketball cum sports consultant, offering consulting services to basketball players, clubs and even the government.

This business is still pretty much green, and it is not open for all and sundry. You should be able to prove your worth as a consultant before you can make headway in the industry.

It is one thing to register a business as a basketball cum sports consultant, it is entirely another kettle of fish for you to attract clients especially big – time customers that can pay you huge fees.

  1. Create Insurance Policies for Basketball Players

Another unique basketball related business that an entrepreneur can start is to create insurance policy cover targeted towards basketball players.

No doubt, if you are able to come up with a good policy that covers basketball players, then you may not have to struggle much to get basketballers to purchase your insurance policy.

Just ensure that you do your due diligence and you will be on your way to becoming a millionaire.

  1. Open a Pay Per View Website

People are always on the go especially people who live in busy cities of the world and usually that should not stop them from watching live basketball games.

One basketball related business that you can start is to open a pay per view website where basketball lovers can view their favorite basketball games.

If you are able to secure permits to stream live basketball matches, then you will sure attract loads of clients from all over the world. Just ensure that you have a well – secured payment platform.

  1. Start an Online Basketball Shop

Another basketball related business that you can start is an online basketball shop where you can sell basketball wares and accessories.

There is a large market for basketball wares and accessories all across the globe. Just like any other eCommerce store, you would need to make arrangement for shipping.

  1. Start a Basketball Photography Business

There are people making huge money from just covering basketball games; you can become a basketball photographer too. It can be exciting at the same time financially rewarding.

No doubt if you are a good photographer, you will make good money from selling quality pictures from the basketball games you covered.

Just ensure that you are registered and licensed if not you will struggle to secure accreditation for major basketball games.

  1. Become a Professional Basketball Blogger

Lastly, one of the basketball related businesses that you can comfortably start with little or no startup capital is to start blogging on basketball related topics. You could choose to specialize in blogging about NBA games.

If you have useful contents on your blog, you will attract readers and the higher the number of visitors that come to your blog regularly, the easier it is for you to make money as a blogger. You will be able to get corporate organizations to place adverts on your blog.