LIFE AFTER SPORT

LAUNCH
TRANSFORM
SERVICES
VALUES
TEAM
FAQs
CONNECT
LAUNCH
TRANSFORM
SERVICES
VALUES
TEAM
FAQs
CONNECT
More
  • LAUNCH
  • TRANSFORM
  • SERVICES
  • VALUES
  • TEAM
  • FAQs
  • CONNECT
  • Sign In

  • My Account
  • Signed in as:

  • filler@godaddy.com


  • My Account
  • Sign out

Signed in as:

filler@godaddy.com

  • LAUNCH
  • TRANSFORM
  • SERVICES
  • VALUES
  • TEAM
  • FAQs
  • CONNECT

Account

  • My Account
  • Sign out

  • Sign In
  • My Account

FAQs

Preparing for life after professional sport means more than finding a new job — it’s about redefining who you are beyond your sport. Athletes and players who thrive after sport retirement start early: they explore passions beyond competition, build new skills, expand networks, manage finances wisely, and protect their mental well-being. Your discipline, focus, and resilience are transferable superpowers — the same qualities that drove performance can now shape purpose. Whether you’re still competing or stepping away, LIFE AFTER SPORT helps you turn experience into opportunity through coaching, community, and clarity - guiding you to win the next chapter as powerfully as you did the last.


 

LIFE AFTER SPORT is one of the greatest transitions an athlete will ever face. For many, the end of a professional career brings excitement, but also uncertainty — Who am I without the game? What comes next? From identity shifts and mental health challenges to career reinvention and financial planning, the post-sport journey can feel overwhelming. Despite increased player/athlete welfare initiatives and various club and association levels across sport, year after year we still see unfortunate headlines of many that fall through the cracks despite this so imperfection remains... 


1. The numbers tell their own story. 88%of academy players suffer from anxiety or depression after release. There is a 1 in 10000 chance to get into the Premier League from British academies, and then the average career is just eight years... 

Studies show that nearly 80% of athletes struggle with the transition out of sport, and many face difficulties with finances, mental health, and relationships. For example, within 12 months of retirement, 33% of footballers experience divorce and this figure increases to up to 70% within three years...  


Available statistics regarding financial difficulties faced by athletes post-retirement across the more prominent sports. Here's a breakdown of the most reliable data: 


NFL (American Football) 

  • Financial Distress: A 2009 Sports Illustrated article reported that 78% of NFL players face financial stress or bankruptcy within just two years of retiring. (The Players Company) 
  • Bankruptcy Rates: Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research indicates that 16% of NFL players will file for bankruptcy during the twelve years following retirement. (GFLEC) 

NBA (Basketball) 

  • Financial Distress: Approximately 60% of NBA players go broke within five years of retirement, according to Sports Illustrated. (RBC Wealth Management) 

MLB (Baseball) 

  • Bankruptcy Rates: A study by the Sports Business Journal indicated that just 5-6% of MLB players declare bankruptcy within 12 years of retiring. (The Players Company) 

 Cycling 

  • Financial Difficulties: A report by Cycling Weekly highlighted that 50% of former professional cyclists may face bankruptcy due to poor financial literacy and lack of mentorship. (Cycling Weekly) 
  • High-Profile Case: Sir Bradley Wiggins, the first Briton to win the Tour de France, was declared bankrupt in 2024 following financial troubles with his businesses. (The Times) 

Rugby 

  • Financial Challenges: While specific statistics are limited, former rugby players have reported financial difficulties post-retirement, often due to a lack of financial planning and the short career span in the sport. 

Tennis 

  • Financial Issues: Some former tennis professionals have faced financial challenges after retirement, often attributed to inconsistent earnings during their careers and lack of financial management. 

Golf 

  • Financial Stability: Top-tier professional golfers generally maintain financial stability post-retirement due to lucrative sponsorships and prize earnings. However, lower-tier players may experience financial difficulties similar to other sports. 

Athletics 

  • Financial Struggles: Many track and field athletes face financial challenges post-retirement, often due to limited earnings during their careers and lack of sponsorship opportunities. 

Without the structure of training, competition, and team life, athletes often experience a void that is difficult to fill. 

The truth is, athletes don’t have to walk this road alone any longer, we’ve been devised to support. LIFE AFTER SPORT exists to help athletes thrive beyond the game, offering a complete framework of personal development, career transition, mental wellness, and community support. Whether you’re still competing or already retired, this guide will show you how to redefine victory, unlock new opportunities, and build a fulfilling life beyond sport. 


2. The challenges athletes face after retirement 


Life after professional sport is not just about stepping off the pitch, court, or track — it’s about stepping into an entirely new world. Here are some of the most common challenges athletes face: 

Identity & purpose 

From a young age, athletes are defined by their sport. The game becomes more than a profession — it becomes an identity. When the career ends, many ask: Who am I now? Losing that anchor can create an identity crisis. 


Career uncertainty 


Life as an athlete is structured, predictable, and focused on performance. Retirement brings endless possibilities, which can feel liberating but also paralyzing. Choosing the “right” career path without guidance can feel like stepping into the unknown. 


Mental wellness 


The highs of competition, the adrenaline of crowds, the rush of victory — these experiences are difficult to replicate in everyday life. Many athletes experience depression, anxiety, or lack of motivation when the applause fades. 


Relationships & family dynamics 


Shifts in time, focus, and lifestyle can impact family life. Some athletes discover they need to rebuild connections at home, while others struggle to adjust to different roles in relationships. 


Financial Planning 


For athletes accustomed to competitive contracts or sponsorships, retirement often brings a sharp drop in income. Without planning, the adjustment can create long-term stress. 

Each of these challenges is real — but none of them are insurmountable. With the right mindset and resources, athletes can navigate these obstacles and build a fulfilling life beyond sport. 


3. The LIFE AFTER SPORT Solution: A 360° approach 


At LIFE AFTER SPORT, we believe thriving after sport requires a holistic approach. It’s not just about finding a job or adjusting mentally — it’s about addressing the full spectrum of life: body, mind, career, and community. 


Here’s how we break it down: 


Personal Development & Mental Wellness 


Adopting a twin-track approach, during your career and thinking ahead has unseen benefits that most athletes and players are completely unaware of. 


Engagement in sport career transition planning enhances performance' according to David Lavallee (The world's first Professor of Duty of Care in Sport). 


Uniquely, we have a range of programmes both mentored and self-paced designed to optimise your peak sporting performance too.  


Transitioning athletes must start by working on the foundation: themselves. Mental resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness are crucial tools. LIFE AFTER SPORT emphasises mindset training and inner growth through our UNCUBED online series of programmes, which introduces athletes to enhancing their higher faculties of their mind — Perception, Reason, Memory, Will, Imagination, and Intuition. 

These faculties, when applied consciously, help athletes rebuild their identity, create clarity about the future, and manage stress. For example:

 

  • Imagination helps athletes visualize new career possibilities. 
  • Reason supports sound business and financial decisions. 
  • Will sustains motivation during the adjustment phase. 

In short: developing the inner game is just as important as mastering the outer one. 


Sport Career Transition 


LIFE AFTER SPORT opens doors to multiple career paths: business, entrepreneurship, media, coaching, or even corporate leadership. But to walk through those doors, athletes need new skills. We’re delighted to provide the only flexible blended online career transition programme, accredited by the Institute of Leadership for our clients. 


LIFE AFTER SPORT also provides tailored guidance based on what motivates YOU: 


  • Entrepreneurship: Turning discipline and teamwork into a thriving business. 
  • Corporate careers: Building transferable skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving. 
  • Creative industries: Exploring media, writing, or broadcasting. 

Transition challenges are universal — and athletes are often better prepared than they realise, we’ve understood it’s not just your career now but your life... 


MULTIVERSE Community 


No player or athlete has to face transition alone and is our objective at LIFE AFTER SPORT. Our MULTIVERSE is a devised as a private, global membership platform designed exclusively for current, retired, and transitioning athletes. 

Inside the MULTIVERSE, athletes gain: 


  • SANCTUARY – Our discreet 24/7 mental wellbeing access, financial literacy and many other member benefits. 
  • Global vacancy access, sports psychology podcast 
  • Mentorship: Guidance from retired athletes and professionals who’ve been there. 
  • Opportunities: Sponsorships, partnerships, and networking connections. 
  • Lifestyle management, medical concierge and premium event access: Optional upgrade for our LUXE members 

Community is the ultimate safety net — and for athletes, it becomes a launchpad into new success. 


Education & Learning Resources 


Knowledge is power in transition. That’s why LIFE AFTER SPORT offers practical, accessible resources: 


  • Masterclasses: Covering personal growth, entrepreneurship, and career planning. 
  • Assessment & consultation: Helping athletes discover strengths and career directions.  

These tools are more than content - they’re stepping stones toward confidence and clarity. 


4. Success stories & role models

 

The best proof of possibility is seeing others who’ve walked the path. 

  • From pitch to business: Many footballers have built successful enterprises post-retirement, channelling their discipline into entrepreneurship. 
  • From court to coaching: Retired tennis players often become coaches, mentors, or sports commentators, keeping their expertise alive. 
  • From track to advocacy: Olympic athletes frequently transition into motivational speaking, non-profit work, or activism, using their platform for impact. 

While every journey is unique, the common thread is reinvention. The same resilience that carried athletes through competition now carries them through transition. LIFE AFTER SPORT helps provide the structure for that reinvention with a wide spectrum of examples within our community and eco-system. 


5. Why a conscious attitude is an athlete’s greatest asset 


Athletes are trained to focus on results - but life after sport demands focusing on awareness. A conscious attitude means stepping back, observing patterns, and making intentional choices about the future. 

At LIFE AFTER SPORT, we encourage athletes and players to: 

  • Be present: Transition is a process, not a single decision. 
  • Stay curious: Openness to new skills and ideas unlocks opportunities. 
  • Embrace growth: Every challenge becomes a chance to evolve. 

When athletes apply the same commitment, they gave to training toward personal growth, they unlock a new kind of victory: thriving not just as athletes, but as leaders, partners, and changemakers. 


6. How to get started with LIFE AFTER SPORT 


If you’re ready to explore your LIFE AFTER SPORT, the first step is simple: start the conversation with yourself and with others who’ve walked the path. LIFE AFTER SPORT makes that journey structured and supported. 


Here’s how to begin: 

  • Join the MULTIVERSE: Access, holistic tools and support network in our private community and eco-system designed to enhance your sport career transition and current performance. 

https://lifeaftersport.world/entry 


  • Download our complimentary selection of e-books: Covering career transition tips, enterprise ideas for your life after sport and winning performance tips from former champs. https://lifeaftersport.world/downloads 
  • Take our transition quiz: Put the building blocks in place with our quick 3-question quiz to help you discover your ideal next steps. 

https://lifeaftersport.world/quiz 


Each of these entry points is designed to give athletes better initial clarity and momentum. 


7.

What do athletes do after they retire? 


Many athletes pursue new careers in business, media, coaching, entrepreneurship, or philanthropy. With the right support, they can thrive beyond sport and LIFE AFTER SPORT is the platform accessible for any athlete to do so. 


How do professional athletes transition into new careers? 


Successful transitions combine self-awareness, new skills, and community support. LIFE AFTER SPORT provides a framework that covers all three. 


What are the biggest challenges athletes face after retirement? 


Identity loss, financial shifts, and mental health challenges are common. With guidance and resources, athletes can overcome these obstacles. 


Can athletes start businesses after sport? 


Yes — many become successful entrepreneurs. With training and mentorship, athletes can confidently step into business leadership. 


What is LIFE AFTER SPORT’s MULTIVERSE? 


A private global community for current, retired, and transitioning athletes to connect, learn, and grow together. 

How can athletes prepare for life after sport while still playing? 


By building skills, exploring interests, and networking during their playing career. It’s never too early to prepare. 


8. Conclusion: Redefining victory beyond the final whistle 


Retirement from sport isn’t the end of your story — it’s the start of a new chapter filled with possibility. The same discipline, resilience, and drive that made you excel on the field, court, or track can now fuel your next success in business, relationships, and personal growth. 


At LIFE AFTER SPORT, we believe victory is not just about medals — it’s about building a life of purpose, wellness, and lasting impact. Whether you’re ready to explore new career paths, strengthen your mindset, or connect with a global network for new opportunities to enhance your life and growth, the supported  journey starts here.


  Copyright © 2024 LIFE AFTER SPORT Ltd. All rights reserved

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • GAMES
  • BLOG

'Creating better outcomes...'