A growing number of Olympians are turning to OnlyFans, a popular subscription platform, to bolster their incomes. The trend is particularly prominent among British athletes, with diver Jack Laugher leading the charge. Laugher, who is set to compete at the 2024 Paris Games, has stirred excitement among sports enthusiasts by launching an OnlyFans account, charging $10 per month for his exclusive content.
“I’ve got what people want,” Laugher told The Telegraph. “I’ll happily cash in on that. I’m a bit of a hustler and I want a bit more money if I can.” The 29-year-old athlete emphasized that his earnings from diving remain relatively modest, despite being one of the top competitors globally. “The funding hasn’t changed [in years],” he said. “I’m top three in the world, and it is £28,000 [USD $36,000] a year.”
Laugher is not alone in this venture
Laugher’s content on OnlyFans is not explicit but rather features him in swimwear, offering fans a glimpse into his athletic lifestyle. He also provides an opportunity for followers to chat with him directly. Laugher is not alone in this venture. Fellow British divers Noah Williams, Daniel Goodfellow, and Matty Lee have also created OnlyFans accounts, sharing similarly non-explicit, engaging content. Lee, who charges $20 per month, made it clear on his page: “Remember I’m a Team GB diver, not a pornstar. So everything will be SFW and a place where I can interact with you all.”
For some retired Olympians, OnlyFans has been a crucial source of income
The appeal of OnlyFans extends beyond British athletes. New Zealand rower Robbie Manson has joined the platform, offering content that includes artistic portrayals of nudity. The move allows athletes to connect with their fans in a unique way while securing financial support.
For some retired Olympians, OnlyFans has been a crucial source of income. Short-track speed skater Elise Christie, who has competed in three Winter Olympic Games, revealed that her account “saved her life” after her retirement. Christie shared that she was struggling financially and emotionally after leaving the competitive sports world. “I went from being someone who won medals under a system to then having absolutely nothing and just being dropped out and left to understand life,” she told The Telegraph.
Christie, like her active counterparts, does not share explicit content on the platform. Instead, she uses it to engage with her long-time supporters, offering insights into her life and answering questions about sport and fitness. “I use it as engagement for fans that have been with me for a long time,” she explained. “Once you are using it in the way that you are comfortable with, you’re not forced into things or doing things you don’t want to do, you can use it in the way you want to use it…. At the end of the day, it kind of saved my life at one point as I had nothing.”
The use of OnlyFans by Olympians highlights the ongoing financial challenges faced by athletes, even those who have achieved significant success in their sports. As they navigate these challenges, OnlyFans provides a platform for them to leverage their popularity and maintain financial stability while continuing to engage with their fanbase.