15 Best Sports Affiliate Programs for Competitive Commissions

Posted by Coty Perry, in Affiliate Programs

The sports industry continues to grow each year, fueled by rising participation rates, higher spending from fans, and increased coverage across media platforms. This presents a major opportunity for affiliate marketers looking to tap into this passionate and engaged audience.

In this article, we will explore 15 of the top sports affiliate programs that offer competitive commissions, extended cookies, and high average order values. Whether you are just starting out or looking to expand your affiliate site, promoting these sports offers can be quite lucrative.

Let’s dive in!

1. Under Armour

Commission Rate: 5%

Cookie Duration: 30 days

Under Armour needs no introduction in the world of sports apparel and gear. Since its founding in 1996, it has become one of the most recognizable and sought-after brands for athletes at all levels.

The Under Armour affiliate program is run through partner Awin and offers a standard 5% commission rate across all products. However, with an average order value of $100 and a strong 30-day cookie duration, there is great earning potential here.

Under Armour has products for just about every sport imaginable too. So you can target niches like running, golf, basketball, football, baseball, hiking, hunting, fishing, and more.

2. GoPro

Commission Rate: 5%

Cookie Duration: 30 days

GoPro revolutionized outdoor videography and sports photography with its lineup of durable action cameras. It continues to be the top brand sports enthusiasts, adventurers, and travelers turn to capture crystal clear and immersive footage.

The GoPro affiliate program offers a 5% commission through partner Commission Junction. While this may seem low at first glance, the earning potential is quite high thanks to an average EPC of $81 and a 30-day cookie window.

So if you have an audience interested in outdoor activities, adventure travel, extreme sports video, and the like, promoting GoPro cameras and accessories can deliver nice returns.

3. Hidrate Spark

Commission Rate: 10%

Cookie Duration: 7 days

Hidrate Spark makes state-of-the-art smart water bottles that track your daily water intake goals. A must-have for any fitness or sports enthusiast focused on hydration and health.

As a Hidrate Spark affiliate, you can earn a 10% commission through Impact Radius partnerships. The cookie duration is on the shorter side at 7 days. However, the average order value is quite high at $140.

So if you have an audience focused on health, nutrition, fitness, and sports performance – this can convert very well. The high price point also means larger commissions when you do make a sale.

4. Lululemon

Commission Rate: 5-20%

Cookie Duration: 30 days

When it comes to technical workout apparel with a focus on yoga, Lululemon has no equal. It offers functionality paired with fashionable designs perfect for the studio and street.

The Lululemon affiliate program commission percentage will vary depending on the specific partnership, ranging from 5-20%. Most average around 8-10% commission rates. And you get a standard 30-day cookie window for your efforts.

With niche selection and average order values that can exceed $100+, this program can deliver solid returns even if you only make 1-2 sales per month. The key is targeting their core demographic with precision.

5. Mountain Hardwear

Commission Rate: Up to 10%

Cookie Duration: 21 days

For climbers, hikers, backpackers, and other outdoor enthusiasts – Mountain Hardwear is a go-to brand for high performance jackets, pants, tents, sleeping bags and more. Quality and dependability are hallmarks of their products.

As a Mountain Hardwear affiliate, you can earn up to 10% commissions on qualifying sales. The cookie duration is 21 days, slightly less than some other programs. However, the average order value is $140.

So by targeting niches like hiking, mountaineering, camping, hunting and the like, you can easily offset that shorter cookie period when you do get conversions.

6. Adidas

Commission Rate: 7%

Cookie Duration: 30 days

Adidas has been at the pinnacle of sports performance and culture for over 70 years. Today, it remains a global force with Recoletos and Stan Smith being two of the best selling shoe models of all time.

The Adidas affiliate program is run via Awin and provides a base 7% commission rate on all sales. You also get an extended 30-day cookie duration to help maximize your earning potential long-term.

Adidas has products spanning just about every sport too – running, basketball, soccer, golf, boxing, hockey, football, baseball and more. So you can drill down into specific niches or take more of a general sports approach based on your audience.

7. Nike

Commission Rate: 11%

Cookie Duration: 30 days

Nike sits alongside Adidas as one of the most iconic brands in sports today. Its “Just Do It” slogan and Swoosh logo are recognized globally, while top athletes wear Nike shoes and gear to rack up championships year after year.

The Nike affiliate program offers an 11% commission rate on sales, which beats out much of its competition. You also benefit from the standard 30 day cookie duration to help maximize long term earnings.

Nike has also upped its selection of customizable shoes, apparel and equipment via its Nike By You platform – allowing affiliates to target niches looking for a more personalized touch.

Overall, Nike should be a core component of any sports affiliate site given its trusted brand, competitive commission structure and diverse product selection spanning just about every sport and niche.

8. TaylorMade Golf

Commission Rate: 6%

Cookie Duration: 30 days

TaylorMade Golf stands at the pinnacle of excellence in golf equipment from drivers to irons to putters and everything between. It also has an impressive tour staff featuring golf greats like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy among others.

For affiliates, TaylorMade Golf offers a 6% commission rate on qualifying sales. You also benefit from a standard 30 day cookie duration which is on par with most other programs out there.

The key to success here lies in targeting the core golf demographic. From high spending tournament players, to aspiring mid-range handicappers, to even seniors and women golfers – you have plenty of niche options to choose from.

Limited competition from other affiliates also helps make this program a very viable standalone option for monetization.

9. Enigma Fishing

Commission Rate: 20%

Cookie Duration: 90 days

Enigma Fishing provides top quality fishing equipment and gear for anglers targeting everything from crappie and walleye to marlin and tuna. So whether fishing means relaxation or intense competition, their selection has you covered.

The Enigma Fishing affiliate program offers very competitive earning potential with a lofty 20% commission on qualifying purchases. Even better, you earn commissions for a full 90 days thanks to their generous cookie duration.

Recreational fishing continues to grow as a hobby each year too. So loads of niche targeting options exist from fly fishing sites, bass fishing blogs, to general fishing resources and the like. With the high commission rates here, even just 1-2 sales per month can deliver very nice returns.

10. Eastbay

Commission Rate: 8%

Commission Duration: 7 days

Eastbay focuses on athletic shoes, apparel and sports equipment tailored specifically to equip middle school to high school level athletes (ages ~12-18). So everything from track spikes to basketball jerseys to volleyball knee pads and more.

Affiliates earn an 8% commission on sales with a 7 day cookie window. While the duration is lower than other programs, Eastbay makes up for it with an average order value exceeding $100.

The key to success on this program lies in the ability to target relevant niches and audiences with laser focus. From youth basketball blogs, to high school track forums to general sports parenting sites – there are quite a few options to cash in here if done strategically.

11. Leather Head Sports

Commission Rate: 10%

Cookie Duration: 60 days

Leather Head Sports brings back vintage craftsmanship to sports balls for football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, rugby and soccer. Using techniques from days past, they create stunning leather balls with unrivaled quality and feel to elevate any athlete’s game.

As a Leather Head Sports affiliate, you can earn commissions up to 10% on qualifying sales. What’s more, you benefit from an exceptionally long 60 day cookie duration to maximize your profit potential over time.

Ideal niches to target include vintage sports, sports memorabilia, unique sports gifts, and sports history. However, these products also have surprisingly wide appeal for parents, coaches, league administrators and really anyone involved in traditional ball sports.

Average order values exceed $100 as well, bringing in nice chunky commissions when you do convert traffic. So be sure to keep this program on your radar.

12. Dick’s Sporting Goods

Commission Rate: 8%

Cookie Duration: 7 days

With over 850 brick-and-mortar stores across America, Dick’s Sporting Goods stands as the country’s largest sports retailer online and offline. They sell absolutely everything from camping tents to yoga pants to hockey skates and stand up paddleboards.

The Dick’s Sporting Goods affiliate program offers an 8% commission rate on qualifying sales. You get a standard 7 day cookie window. However, average order value exceeds $75 leading to nice chunky commissions.

As a mega retailer, Dick’s also provides tons of niche targeting opportunities based on different sports and activities popular with your audience. From golfers and runners to paddlers to hockey parents and more – everyone shops here.

Solid branding, competitive commission rates and a diverse product catalog make this a strong standalone program or nice complementary retailer to include with other niche-specific offers.

13. Gainful

Commission Rate: $30 per sale

Cookie Duration: 30 days

Gainful creates custom protein blends tailored specifically to your individual health and fitness goals. Just take their online quiz to dial in the optimal protein powder and flavor to power you forward.

The Gainful affiliate program pays $30 for every sale driven – which is an incredibly generous commission rate exceeding many other programs out there targeting the health and wellness space.

You also benefit from a standard 30 day cookie window to help maximize your profits long term.

Ideal niches to target include bodybuilding, weightlifters, runners, fitness enthusiasts and any audience focused on maximizing sports performance with targeted nutrition support and supplements.

Limited competition from other affiliates also exists, allowing you to more easily rise to the top of this niche space if you put in some effort and create compelling content.

14. BPI Sports

Commission Rate: 10%

Cookie Duration: 60 days

BPI Sports focuses exclusively on crafting pure, safe and highly effective sports nutrition products. Their protein powders, pre workouts, BCAAs and other supplements are specially formulated for anyone wanting next level results without compromising health.

The BPI Sports affiliate program offers a competitive 10% commission rate on all sales driven. You also benefit from a generous 60 day cookie duration – allowing you to maximize earnings from your audience long term.

Ideal niches to target align closely with Gainful above and include bodybuilding, powerlifting, CrossFit, running clubs and other hardcore fitness crowds constantly pushing for new performance thresholds via targeted nutrition support.

This program also combines very well with niche workout programs like P90X or Insanity for example. Really any audience focused on elevating their training to the next level needs the fuel BPI provides to get there.

15. X3 Bar

Commission Rate: 15%

Cookie Duration: 45 days

X3 Bar has absolutely revolutionized efficient home strength training via its innovative portable resistance based system requiring only 3 major components – bands, bar and platform. All engineered to be indestructible for extreme workouts anywhere, anytime.

The company was founded by elite strength coach Dr. John Jaquish and is rooted in science-backed results for packing on muscle while annihilating body fat in less time.

For affiliates, you have the opportunity to earn a generous 15% commission on all sales. The cookie duration of 45 days also surpasses many rival programs in the fitness space.

Ideal audiences to target are hardcore home gym owners, garage gym enthusiasts, time-strapped professionals, deconditioned beginners and really anyone seeking the most strength gains in the least amount of time.

X3 Bar has carved out its own unique positioning in the fitness market, leading to plenty of built-in demand while also avoiding much of the competitive noise from rivals.

Choosing the Best Sports Affiliate Programs

With endless options to choose from, narrowing down the best sports affiliate programs to promote can be challenging at first. However, when you focus on core factors like commission rate, cookie duration and average order value – you can quickly separate the true money makers.

Here is a quick overview of why each metric matters and how you can equip yourself with the tools necessary to succeed in affiliate marketing:

Commission Rate – The percentage you earn on each sale. Higher is generally better and programs ranging from 8-20%+ represent a competitive payout. Niches like SaaS have some of the best affiliate commission rates.

Cookie Duration – How long you will earn a commission after referring a customer. 30 days is fairly standard while 60-90 days is ideal for maximizing long term profit.

Average Order Value – The typical amount each customer spends. You want to see high double digit dollar values here since your commission is a percentage of this figure. $100+ is best.

Stacking multiple programs that align well with your niche also assures you fully monetize your audience effectively. Because even if you only convert 1-3 sales per program each month, this can quickly add up to sizable earnings overall.

Final Thoughts

The sports industry will only continue gaining popularity and dollars spent in the years ahead. This creates a ripe opportunity for affiliates who know how to tap into very passionate, highly engaged audiences on a niche specific level.

Whether just starting out or looking to take your earnings to the next level – the 15 sports affiliate programs covered above are primed for profit. Offering high commission rates, extended cookies and strong average order values.

Be sure to segment your traffic appropriately to the vertical that makes the most sense based on your existing audience and content as well. This assures you deliver maximum value on both sides of the affiliate equation.

Whether you’re an influencer trying to break into affiliate marketing or you’re trying to monetize your following, affiliate marketing is a legitimate way to make passive income online. 

Now equipped with this intel go forth and dominate your sports niche! Because a ton of potential awaits those willing to take decisive action.