5 REASONS WHY EVERY FEMALE ATHLETE SHOULD BE ON LINKEDIN (EVEN IF YOU HATE SOCIAL MEDIA)

Let’s be honest, When most people think of LinkedIn, they picture a corporate world of suits, CVs, and salespeople sending awkward DMs. But here’s the truth, LinkedIn isn’t just for office jobs anymore. It’s one of the most powerful platforms out there for female athletes who want to take control of the commercial side of their careers.

If you’re serious about building your brand, unlocking new opportunities, and setting yourself up for life after sport, it’s time to start thinking of LinkedIn as your off-field advantage. Here’s why.

1. IT’S WHERE THE DECISION-MAKERS ARE

Want to get on a brand’s radar? Meet the marketers, sponsorship leads, and PR managers where they actually spend their time. LinkedIn is the platform where people make business decisions. The people responsible for choosing athletes for partnerships, campaigns, and ambassador roles? They’re here. Scrolling. Posting. Looking for talent. Being visible on LinkedIn means being discoverable to the people who actually have the budget and the power to say yes.

2. IT SHOWS YOU'RE MORE THAN JUST AN ATHLETE

On Instagram, people see the wins. On LinkedIn, they see the why behind them.

It’s your space to talk about your journey, your values, your mission, and your future. That’s the stuff brands care about. Whether you're passionate about mental health, education, sustainability, or representation in sport, LinkedIn gives you the space to speak on it and attract like-minded brands who want to support that mission.

3. IT OPENS DOORS BEYOND SPORT

You won’t be a full-time athlete forever and that’s not a bad thing. LinkedIn helps you explore new industries, connect with people in media, entrepreneurship, tech, and more. It’s a place to start thinking about your second career while still in your first one. Plus, it’s where female athletes are already making career moves; commentating, consulting, launching businesses, joining boards. If you’re not here, you’re missing out on seeing what’s possible.

4. YOU CONTROL THE NARRATIVE

No algorithm tricks. No dancing videos required. Just your story, told your way. LinkedIn rewards value and consistency, not perfection. Whether you want to share lessons from your sport, shout out a teammate, or write a short post on mindset, this is your space to build credibility and community.

And unlike other platforms, you’re not fighting for attention with influencers and entertainment content. Here, your insights stand out.

5. YOU'LL BE IN GOOD COMAPNY

The WSA has launched a new Professional Athlete LinkedIn Group exclusively for female athletes who want to connect, learn, and level up.

It’s a place to:

• Share opportunities

• Learn from other athletes

• Get expert guidance on personal branding and sponsorship

• Celebrate each other’s wins

You don’t have to do this alone. This group is your peer support squad for the commercial side of being an athlete.

READY TO GET STARTED?

👉 Join the WSA Professional Athlete LinkedIn Group here

No need to post every day. No need to be perfect. Just start showing up and watch what happens when people start seeing you as the athlete, the brand, and the business.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional advice; individual outcomes may vary and the Women's Sports Alliance and 17 Sport accepts no liability for any actions taken based on this content.