“We live for sport, but, for the most part, sport doesn't sustain us.”
An Expensive Dream
Top-level sport is the stuff of dreams, but behind the podiums and medals, the economic reality for athletes is often precarious. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of elite athletes are not rolling in gold.
The figures are edifying: 48% of top-level athletes earn less than 1,000 euros a month, and only 9% earn more than 3,000 euros. In 2015, almost one in two athletes earned less than 500 euros a month. This financial insecurity affects many sports, particularly those with less media coverage, but also sportswomen, who find it harder to attract sponsors.
Exorbitant season costs 💸
Unlike team sports, where clubs often cover part of the costs, individual disciplines require a colossal personal investment. A young skier at the very start of his career (15-16 years old) has to spend over $10,000 a year on club fees, travel and equipment. In biathlon, a rifle costs between 3,000 and 5,000 euros. These expenses are often borne by families, in the absence of sufficient institutional support or sponsorship.
🏃 High-level athlete Killian Koob describes a real obstacle course:
“It's a daily struggle. Between training costs, travel to competitions and the purchase of equipment, the costs add up quickly. Clubs can't cover everything. Without solid financial support, it's difficult to progress and compete at the highest level.” (Source: Le 24Heures)
⛷️ Maya Cloetens, Belgian biathlete and Genezys athlete:
“Today, I'm 21, I'm a top-level athlete and I can't afford an apartment. I still live with my parents. I love them very much, but I'd like to be more independent. I'm not asking for a house; a simple studio with a full fridge is enough for me. I want to make a living from my sport because that's what I do for a living. But I barely pay my bills, so how can I earn a small salary to (over)live?”
Unlike in the USA or Australia, where athletes benefit from grants and public funding, French athletes often have to find alternative solutions to finance their careers.
Sponsorship: An Opportunity for the Few
Sports marketing operates according to a well-known rule: 10% of athletes account for 90% of sponsorship. Only the stars attract individual sponsors. In low-profile disciplines, it's not enough to perform well; you also need to build an image and a community to attract partnerships.
Genezys: a game-changing model 📣
At Genezys, we decided to put a stop to this injustice and propose an innovative business model to support athletes.
Genezys is the bridge between athletes and their fans. Thanks to our Fancards, we enable fans to financially support their favorite athletes. Most of the proceeds from the sale of the Fancards go back to the athletes and clubs, providing them with direct income.
At Genezys, we're committed to helping athletes from all walks of life, whether they practice high-profile sports or lesser-known disciplines such as ski mountaineering, judo, pétanque, trail running or water skiing. Men and women, young talents or experienced athletes, all have their place on Genezys.
We offer them the chance to earn money through their commitment to their fans. In return, they can thank their most committed supporters through exclusive challenges, unique gifts, privileged encounters and invitations to exceptional events.
It's a win-win model, where every fan becomes a player in the career of the athlete they support. 🏆
In a world where only the most media-savvy have access to financial resources, Genezys offers all athletes an opportunity to live their passion to the full.
✨ Because beyond podiums and trophies, it's time for champions to be able to live with dignity from their talent. ✨
Join Genezys and start your collection today! 🚀
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