Retired athletes in business: is there money to be made?

Once their last game is played and the jersey confined to the pool room, many professional sports players return to the same obscurity they held before their playing days.

However the networks formed, skills learnt, and experiences gathered would be invaluable in the business world and many sportwomen and men who have graced our television screens are now making it big in the business world.

Most sports fans know of ex-players such Andrew Demetriou, Ben Buckley and Craig Foster having successful careers in the corporate sector. But there are many others attempting to run their own businesses who have not quite surpassed the popularity obtained during their playing days.

It is almost a rite of passage for former footballers to own pubs these days, with past players such as Nick Daffy, Mark Viduka, and Andrew Johns involved in such a business move.

Others make the best of their sporting skills and start sports academies. Retired sportsmen such as Liz Ellis, Jason Gillespie, and John Newcombe have followed this route. Books are also a very popular money earner.

There are many more examples of highly successful sportspeople becoming successful businessmen.

Greg Norman is one notable example, having amassed a substantial portfolio through his corporation, Great White Shark Enterprises. From golf course design and golf academies through to real estate and winery development, Greg has surely made the most of his sports career. Back in January he was valued at over $250 million, despite only having career earnings of just under $17 million.

With the Australian sporting industry worth $8.8 billion annually, it is no surprise so many former sportspeople attempt to grab a slice to secure their future.

However with the traditional routes of post-sport business careers becoming rather crowded, many sportspeople are finding innovative new ways to build their wealth.

Damien Fleming (Australian cricketer 1994-2001)

Damien has designed and produced a cricket development mobile application. Aimed at helping bowlers improve their technique through in-app purchasing of tips via video, Damien has identified a gap in the market and also attempted to link in with the huge potential that apps have for earnings.

John Eales (Australian rugby player 1991-2001)

The culture developed in World Cup winning team, like John captained the Wallabies to in 1999, is highly transferrable to the business world. He formed his own culture and leadership consultancy (Mettle Group) and also a sports marketing and events company (JohnEales5).

Guy Leech (Australian ironman/triathlete 1984–1995)

Having being involved in endurance sports his whole career, in retirement Guy turned his focus to business. He has grown a sizeable fitness and health business, and lent his name to several gym equipment sets.

By continually keeping his name within the fitness business sector he has maintained his business links, the links to future success.

Whether it is in mobile applications, business development, fitness programs or another idea, our former sportspeople are impressing themselves onto the business world.

While the sport people listed above could be considered successful by many measures, they certainly are not the most successful former sportspeople in business.

I issue a challenge to Roarers. Can you compile a list of your own sportpeople in business, and are you able to list someone who played one professional match yet has become incredibly successful in business?