3 FEMALE ATHLTE ENTREPRENEURS MAKING WAVES IN 2025

Balancing a career in elite sport with entrepreneurship isn’t easy but these three athletes are proving it’s possible. Whether it’s brewing success in the coffee business, building media empires, or investing in sports teams, Amy James-Turner, Alex Cooper, and Angel Reese are showing that female athletes don’t have to choose between their sporting careers and their entrepreneurial ambitions. Instead, they’re making an impact in both.

AMY JAMES-TURNER: BREWING SUCCESS BEYOND FOOTBALL

Amy James-Turner has never been one to shy away from a challenge. A seasoned football player known for her grit on the pitch, she’s taken that same determination into the business world with Two Sides Coffee, a mobile coffee business designed to bring quality coffee to the Hertfordshire area.

Amy partnered up with fellow footballer, Angharad James-Turner to follow their dream of opening their own coffee shop. Recognising an opportunity, the two are using their coffee van business as a vehicle to show the world another side to their lives, away from the football pitch.

For female athletes considering a business venture, Amy’s journey proves that passion, paired with a sharp eye for opportunity, can turn an idea into a full-fledged business.

ALEX COOPER: COLLEGE FOOTBALLER TO FOUNDER

Alex Cooper is a name synonymous with digital influence. As the creator of Unwell Media, she’s built a powerful brand that connects deeply with audiences through storytelling and authentic content. But she hasn’t stopped there, Alex has recently expanded her entrepreneurial empire with the launch of a hydration beverage. Unwell Hydration has recently been unveiled as the latest official partner of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), paying homage to her roots in the sport.

Her transition from media powerhouse to product founder is a testament to her ability to spot trends and create meaningful connections with consumers. She understands the value of branding, audience engagement, and leveraging her platform to drive commercial success.

For female athletes who want to monetise their brand beyond sport, Alex’s story is a blueprint for using your voice, understanding your audience, and expanding into new industries with confidence.

ANGEL REESE: INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF SPORT

Angel Reese has never been just a basketball player, she’s a movement. A dominant force on the court, she’s also making waves in the business world with strategic investments that align with her passions and values. In 2023, she launched the Angel C. Reese Foundation, focusing on empowering young women through sport, education, and financial literacy. By 2024, she took it a step further, becoming a part-owner of DC Power FC, a team in the new USL Super League.

Her approach to entrepreneurship is bold: she’s not just building wealth, she’s reinvesting it into the future of women’s sports. Owning a stake in a professional team is a major move, proving that female athletes can have a seat at the table in shaping the industry.

Angel’s journey highlights the importance of long-term thinking. It’s not just about the here and now, it’s about creating opportunities for the next generation and securing financial independence beyond sport.

The Takeaway for Female Athletes

Amy, Alex, and Angel are living proof that female athletes don’t have to wait until retirement to start their business journey. They’ve shown that with the right mindset, strategic thinking, and a willingness to step outside their comfort zone, it’s possible to thrive both in sport and in business.

For athletes looking to take the first step, the key is identifying a passion, leveraging your platform, and being proactive about learning the business side of things. Whether it’s launching a product, building a brand, or making strategic investments, the opportunities are endless.

The question is: what will you build?