Over the course of their athletic career, many athletes find that they are attracted to specific types of gear. For some athletes, this means that they have one pair or brand of shoes they like wearing over all others. For other athletes, this same ideal can be attributed to sunglasses, clothing, or even cell phones. In all, many athletes have an  individual preference for almost everything. 

Because many athletes share this idea, it may be worth partnering with the particular gear they tend to use. You have rights to your NIL now–so why not partner with gear you believe in?

Shoes

Whether cleats, tennis shoes, lounge slippers, boots, or any other type of footwear, almost every person has a favorite type of shoe. By entering a shoe deal of any sort, athletes are bound to draw attention to their attire, especially footwear, which can cause the brand an influx of business, since attire is such a visible sponsorship. Because most fans of athletes, especially younger ones, tend to mimic personality traits of the athlete, shoe deals can be lucrative for many apparel brands.

Sunglasses

Most athletes who compete outdoors, especially baseball and softball players, tend to don a pair of sunglasses during their competitions. Many individuals who wear sunglasses, both athlete and non-athlete alike, tend to favor one brand of sunglasses, and sometimes, specifically, one model. Athletes who choose to partner with their favored sunglasses company, along with the company themselves, will both receive benefits of an official partnership, increasing sales for the company and providing compensation to the athlete. 

Related: Top Basketball Shoe Brands and Models

Sport-Related Equipment

Whether it be a baseball bat, tennis racket, soccer shin guards, a lacrosse stick, or any other sport's required equipment, almost every athlete of that respective sport has a brand they favor when it comes to their equipment of choice. For any college athlete playing a sport where they are required to possess a certain type of equipment, it may be beneficial to acquire a partnership with the brand in which the athlete favors for this equipment. This will create exposure for both the brand and the athlete by entering such a deal (plus, you can get free gear!). 

Related: Best Brands in Baseball

Training Equipment

Many athletes have a go-to gym where they complete training and workouts. Whether on a school or university campus, or a local community facility, athletes frequent these training facilities often. By entering a partnership with the equipment vendor of the training equipment in the gym they use, the athlete will bring exposure to the equipment and training regiments they undergo, in turn allowing people who aspire to be the athlete become invested in the same type of equipment. Plus, you may be able to snag some free equipment for when you're traveling or don't have access to your university's training room.

Electronics

Most individuals have a favored electronics brand. Whether it be for a phone, computer, tablet, watch, most college athletes favor one brand over another. For athletes who like to listen to music while they train, or keep their stats on a fitness tracker, electronic devices can be  very beneficial to become the best athlete possible. Partnering with an electronics brand showcases to other users and potential users that by utilizing the item, such as a watch, that the user has the potential to be “just as good” as the athlete. Electronics used by athletes have to be durable and able to withstand sweat, weather, and other elements, so an athlete's seal of approval can be a big deal for electronics companies.

Overall, by partnering with any brand, the partnership will create many benefits for both the athlete and the business. Because all individuals have preferences for particular products, endorsements and sponsorships may be less challenging to acquire if the athlete is already a user of a particular product. Many brands are worth supporting, but these categories outline some possibilities of brands to consider, especially because the athlete is most likely already using the product. 

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* Originally published on July 11, 2022, by Caleb Myers