Professional bodybuilding is an exciting field where the IFBB has created a platform for athletes to compete and show off their body and talent.
There are many ways IFBB professionals generate income, including sponsorships, merchandise, coaching, and prize money.
In this article, we are going to break down the IFBB pro pay structure and explore some of the ways in which these athletes earn a living.
Competition winnings
Top-tier competitions such as the IFBB provide their professionals with significant winnings.
To put it more into perspective, some competitions have prizes upwards of tens of thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars, such as the annual IFBB Mr. Olympia Classic Physique.
This trend reflects the increasing importance and financial appeal of pro-bodybuilding and has been quite apparent over the past few years in the escalating prize money awarded by the respective organisations holding professional bodybuilding competitions.
Mr. Olympia Classic Physique competitive distancing legend Chris Bumstead, who socked away the big bucks with his program, was introduced to the Mr. Olympia Classic Physique victories.
Bumstead took home $8000 in 2017 and 2018, and then $30,000 for each win in 2019 and 2020, along with an eye-popping $50,000 in 2021.
These numbers clearly accentuate the monetary profits, relying on the success of the IFBB pros, of course, through competitions.
Sponsorships and endorsements
The state of sponsorships remains a considerable part of the economic health of IFBB professionals.
After earning their IFBB Pro card, athletes can be sponsored with anything from long-term endorsement deals worth six figures. Which not only gives a stable salary but also covers the costs of competing and training.
The financial terms of these agreements can differ dramatically, with some top athletes securing multi-million-dollar sponsorships that are frequently renewed on a yearly basis, depending on performance and branding strategy.
IFBB professionals receive extra cash from sponsorships, supplement endorsements, and fitness apparel companies.
Another revenue stream for such athletes would be through endorsement deals, like that of Chris Bumstead for leading supplement and workout apparel brands.
Merchandising and web coaching
A side option for IFBB professionals to generate additional revenue in this period is merchandising, where they can develop their own personalised products like protein supplements and workout equipment, which can result in a continuous revenue stream after being popularized.
O, brand partnerships not only add to their earning potential, but they also offer diversified earning sources for these athletes.
IFBB pros now have the opportunity to generate a reliable income via online coaching and program development as well.
While they can require time and a decent level of experience for initial setup and marketing, these services can become profitable and attract international clientele, increasing athletes market reach and exposure opportunities as a whole.
Income Comparison: UK vs. US
Income for IFBB pros in the UK is somewhat in line with that in the US, ranging between £28,000 and £35,000 per year on average.
Such numbers illustrate the monetary security provided by a combination of sponsorships, merchandising, and coaching. That being said, the payout on an individual level within that bracket can swing heavily depending on outward engagement, like social media shares and list-building email revenue.
All in all
IFBB professionals earn in different ways, including competition winnings, sponsorships, endorsements, merchandise sales, and coaching.
IFBB Pros are not restricted from competing in other bodybuilding organizations.
This has been evident in the huge amounts of prize money on offer at the biggest events and the big endorsement deals that established athletes can get, meaning the earning capacity of top CrossFit athletes is in the region.
Also, the revenue share for selling customized goods and online coaching, in conjunction with the above, also helps IFBB athletes earn decent money, turning bodybuilding into a potentially high-earning profession for the best out there.
Ultimately, anyone who has aspirations to become an IFBB professional must have clear knowledge about their full payment structure and the compensation mechanisms.
This isn't a quick money road, but with enough planning, a lot of investment, and a crazy work ethic, all of the years not relying on an income will become worth it when IFBB pro earnings start coming in from all angles.
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