Olympic athletes are turning to the platform OnlyFans to make ends meet and fund their dreams of competing in the Games, as traditional sponsorships dry up and costs continue to rise. Many athletes, including medalists like Jack Laugher and Robbie Manson, are utilizing the platform to provide financial stability that other funding sources have failed to provide. Some athletes, like Matthew Mitcham, have seen significant financial gains from posting on OnlyFans, with some even describing themselves as “sex worker-lite.” However, the Global Athlete organization has criticized the IOC for forcing athletes to sign away their image rights and not providing adequate financial support.
The financial struggles of Olympic athletes highlight the broken funding system in place for Olympic sports, with many athletes unable to cover the costs of coaching, therapy, equipment, and basic living expenses. Some athletes are forced to pay their own way to the Olympics and face financial hardship even after their sporting careers end. OnlyFans has been a lifeline for some athletes, allowing them to earn money to cover training and living costs, but societal stigma and judgment still persist for those athletes turning to the platform for financial support.
While some athletes have been able to use the money earned from OnlyFans to buy property and build savings, others have expressed feeling dejected and forced into the platform out of necessity. The IOC has not expressed concern about athletes turning to OnlyFans for financial support, instead stating that athletes are allowed to do what they can to support themselves. OnlyFans has expressed solidarity for its athlete creators, highlighting the financial support it provides for training and living expenses.
Athletes on OnlyFans have had to navigate societal stigma and judgment, with some clarifying that they are athletes, not porn stars. Athletes like Mitcham have been vocal about their experiences, emphasizing the entrepreneurial aspect of using OnlyFans as a way to provide value in exchange for financial support. The financial incentive for athletes on OnlyFans can be significant, with some athletes receiving six-figure offers to showcase their talents on adult sites. Overall, the use of OnlyFans by Olympic athletes raises questions about the adequacy of funding and support for athletes competing on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
