The Australian athlete Arina Rodionova has joined the Onlyfans platform, a social network for adults that publishes uncensored content. In recent months, several sports figures have made the decision to join this platform in order to supplement their income. For instance, in August 2024, the tennis player Alexandre Müller announced that he would be sponsored by Onlyfans. Müller stated that the platform allows him to pay his coaches and have his physical trainer more often during tournaments, which is essential for his career.
Professional sport, despite its lucrative appearance, often does not provide a viable financial model for many athletes, according to Mark Borkowski. This financial struggle has led some athletes to explore alternative sources of income. For example, Nick Kyrgios was discharged from Onlyfans in 2023, while media personalities such as Ashley Harkleroad and Sofya Zhuk have become stars on the platform. Zhuk has clarified that her content will not include nudity, but she will still be sharing aspects of her life with her fans.
Many athletes face financial struggles, and some sponsors may doubt their decisions to join platforms like Onlyfans. However, as Alexandre Müller pointed out, culture is changing quickly, and this should not be seen as a scandal. Instead, the real issue is that athletes have to resort to such measures as their first option due to the lack of a viable financial model in professional sports. This highlights the need for a reassessment of the financial structures in place to support athletes, ensuring they can focus on their careers without undue financial stress.