56 Basketball Business Ideas You Can Start Today [2024]

Updated: July 15th, 2024

Interested in starting a basketball business in 2024?

We put together 56 of the best basketball businesses you can start in today.

For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of other basketball businesses to help you see what it really takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a catering business

A catering business is responsible for providing food & beverage-related services for vast types of events.

Catering businesses are known to be more flexible than other businesses because they don’t have to worry about location or pricing and can even work 24/7. They can cater anywhere and offer any price point that they want.

However, starting a catering business requires a lot of planning.

To start a successful catering business , you'll need to plan and prepare menus, manage budgets, handle clients, and more.

In addition, catering allows you to meet more people and show off your cooking skills.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $200,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Found Success With A $20K/Month Catering Company After Starting Many Businesses

Elegante Catering founder, Nestor Nidome, details his journey from failed DJ business to a $20k/month catering company, emphasizing the importance of online marketing and customer feedback as key contributors to his success.

Read by 8,554 founders

2. Start a basketball museum business

3. Start a basketball television station business

4. Start a basketball one stop shop business

5. Start a basketball radio station business

6. Start a basketball academy business

7. Start a basketball magazine business

8. Start a basketball betting business

9. Start a basketball jersey customization business

10. Start a basketball scout business

11. Start a basketball school competitions business

12. Start a basketball cartoons production business

13. Start a basketballs manufacturing business

14. Start a basketball film and documentary production business

15. Start a basketball video games development business

Do you have a knack for games and a passion for sports? Starting a basketball video game development business might be for you. This business revolves around creating immersive and engaging basketball games for various platforms—from consoles to mobile devices.

The interest in basketball translates well into the gaming arena, offering an exciting way to capture the energy and strategy of the sport. From designing realistic gameplay mechanics to coding intricate details and testing for bugs, this venture involves a mix of creativity and technical skills.

A competitive edge is necessary. The market is vibrant, but with the right team, tools, and approach, your game could stand out among fans and players. If you've always dreamt of merging your love for basketball with technology, it’s time to consider the courtside of game development.

How much you can make: $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 8 days (?)

I Launched An NFT Project That Made $1M

Chibi Dinos NFT, a play-to-earn NFT community co-founded by 25-year-old Sean Kelly, earned $2.4M in revenue during its initial sale, reinvesting 60% of its earnings into staffing and marketing while earning $2,005.0453th in secondary sales on OpenSea, thanks to tapping into Twitter users as part of its marketing strategy.

Read by 4,586 founders

17. Start a basketball theme song production business

18. Start a basketball training school business

19. Start a basketball toys production business

20. Start a basketball reality show business

21. Start a basketball courts construction business

22. Start a fantasy basketball games business

Fantasy basketball games present a fertile ground for blending sports passion with strategic gameplay. Imagine creating a business where fans draft virtual teams of NBA players, compete in leagues, and track player performance for rewards.

Operating this business involves developing an engaging online platform that captures user interest through sleek design and user-friendly navigation. You’ll need to negotiate partnerships for player stats and integrate real-time data feeds. Marketing efforts should focus on social media and fan communities, driving engagement through creative content and promotions.

The potential to monetize is robust: think premium memberships, in-game purchases, and even ad revenues. While the upfront investment in software development and licensing is significant, the returns can be substantial if you tap into the vast and growing market of sports enthusiasts. This business offers both challenge and opportunity, making it an exciting venture for those ready to step up.

How much you can make: $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 8 days (?)

I Launched An NFT Project That Made $1M

Chibi Dinos NFT, a play-to-earn NFT community co-founded by 25-year-old Sean Kelly, earned $2.4M in revenue during its initial sale, reinvesting 60% of its earnings into staffing and marketing while earning $2,005.0453th in secondary sales on OpenSea, thanks to tapping into Twitter users as part of its marketing strategy.

Read by 4,586 founders

23. Start a basketball kids club business

24. Start a basketball commentary business

25. Start a basketball coaches empowerment center business

26. Start a basketball toys retail shop business

Basketball enthusiasts and gift shoppers alike will find a retail basketball toys shop both exciting and practical.

The concept is straightforward: sell basketball-themed toys and merchandise—from mini hoops and action figures to branded apparel—targeting a mix of young fans, dedicated players, and collectors.

Imagine a store filled with items that spark joy and inspire play, all centered around the beloved sport. The real magic lies in curating a mix of unique and popular products that cater to a diverse customer base.

Starting this type of business involves understanding customer preferences, partnering with reliable suppliers, and creating an inviting store environment both online and offline. While it requires effort in marketing, inventory management, and customer service, the satisfaction of turning a passion for basketball into a successful venture is immensely rewarding.

For sports lovers seeking a fulfilling retail opportunity, a basketball toys shop offers a compelling blend of fun and business potential.

How much you can make: $35,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

Turning My Obsession For Basketball Into A $20K/Month Product Business

Grip Spritz, a traction product for basketball and volleyball shoes, was founded by a golfer, lawyer, and recent graduate-turned-tour-manager, and after years of hard work and grassroots marketing, the company has seen explosive growth, quadrupling its success in 2022 by expanding into Amazon and sports magazines and partnering with nationwide basketball camps.

Read by 3,418 founders

27. Start a basketball youtube channel business

29. Start a basketball talk show business

30. Start a basketball sportswear business

31. Start a basketball courts maintenance business

32. Start a basketball charity matches business

33. Become a face painter

Popular at children's parties, weddings, and even some corporate events, face painting is a great creative activity that sparks joy among people of all ages.

If you love making people happy and helping them celebrate different events in life, consider starting a face-painting business.

If you are planning to start a face painting business on a professional basis, it would be wise to take an introductory training course to learn the basics of face painting and the safety and health precautions involved in the business.

How much you can make: $25,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $25K/Month Paintable Coolers Business While Having A Full Time Job

How a recent college graduate started COOLERSbyU, a paintable cooler and accessories business geared towards Greek life and DIY crafting, growing from a few thousand dollars to an average of over $25k per month in just four years through mostly organic growth and a focus on SEO.

Read by 9,871 founders

34. Start a basketball marketing business

35. Start a sports management business

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

36. Start a sports research business

37. Start a basketball artworks creation business

38. Start a basketball wares consignment business

39. Start a basketball clinic business

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

40. Start a basketball cheerleading business

41. Start a mascots supply business

42. Start an amature basketball league business

43. Start a basketball app

Ready to transform the way sports enthusiasts engage with basketball? Consider developing a basketball app. This app can be tailored to various needs, including tracking game stats, offering personalized training routines, or even connecting local players for pick-up games.

Imagine an app that helps players analyze their performance metrics with ease. Users can log their game statistics, receive training tips optimized for their skill level, and find nearby courts and players to challenge. For coaches, it can streamline team management and performance tracking.

Creating this app requires a strong foundation in app development and a passion for the sport. You'll need to collaborate with basketball experts to ensure the app provides real value.

By focusing on seamless user experience and valuable features, this basketball app could quickly become a staple in the sports community. It’s a practical venture for those who are passionate and committed to making a difference in how the game is played and enjoyed.

How much you can make: $3,000/month

How We Started Hoopmaps, Went Viral, And Got On Shark Tank

HoopMaps is a mobile app that helps users locate pickup basketball games, with over 90,000 users across 11 countries, featuring on international media outlets like SportsCenter and Shark Tank, and has partnered with The Big 3 professional basketball league.

Read by 6,516 founders

44. Start a basketball souvenir business

45. Sell tickets

The ticketing business involves the sale of tickets for events, such as concerts, sporting events, and theater productions. The business typically involves purchasing tickets from the event organizer or ticketing company and reselling them to the public at a markup.

To run a successful ticketing business, it is essential to have a reliable source of tickets, a strong marketing strategy, and a clear understanding of the demand for the events you sell tickets for. It is also essential to have a system for tracking ticket sales and handling customer inquiries.

One essential tip for success in the ticketing business is to offer a wide range of ticket options, including VIP packages and seating options, to appeal to different types of customers. It is also essential to stay up to date on industry trends and to be flexible to adapt to changes in the market.

Finally, building solid relationships with event organizers and ticketing companies can be crucial for securing a steady supply of tickets and for negotiating favorable terms for your business. By focusing on customer satisfaction and building a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy ticket seller, you can establish a successful ticketing business that thrives in the competitive entertainment industry.

How much you can make: $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

How I Started a $150K/Month Ticketing Platform That Sells More Than 5 Million Tickets A Year Worldwide

A successful ticketing platform that grew from a side project into a business that issues over 5 million tickets annually, using a combination of cold calling, word of mouth, and partnerships to attract and retain customers while navigating the challenges of COVID-19.

Read by 10,806 founders

46. Start a bodyguard security service business

47. Start a valet parking service business

48. Start a basketball club business

49. Start a laundry business

Starting a laundry business can be a fulfilling and lucrative venture for entrepreneurs looking to make a difference in their communities. With the right equipment and a commitment to providing excellent customer service, this business idea has the potential to thrive in a variety of locations.

One unique aspect of starting a laundry business is the opportunity to offer specialized services, such as eco-friendly detergent options or same-day turnaround for busy professionals. Additionally, partnering with local dry cleaners or offering pickup and delivery services can set your business apart from competitors and attract a loyal customer base.

In terms of upfront costs, starting a laundry business will require a significant investment in commercial-grade washing machines and dryers, as well as a convenient and well-located storefront. However, with the right marketing strategies and a focus on providing top-notch service, this investment can quickly pay off and result in a thriving business.

Overall, starting a laundry business is a rewarding and potentially profitable venture for entrepreneurs who are passionate about making a positive impact in their communities. With the right approach and a commitment to excellence, this business idea has the potential to succeed in a variety of settings.

How much you can make: $20,000 — $100,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

How We Started A Laundry And Dry Cleaning Franchise Business In India

Pick My Laundry, India's on-demand laundry and dry-cleaning service provider has developed a mobile app and website serving almost 50,000 customers in its first year after signing up 100 third-party laundry services and franchising its model with over 50 franchises across more than 15 Indian cities.

Read by 7,818 founders

50. Start an online basketball shop business

51. Start a security services business

The demand for private security services is increasing, a trend that is fueled by the rising number of violent crime incidents and terrorism incidents.

Therefore, if you wish to enter the private security field, 2024 might be the best time.

To start a private security business, research what security services are in high demand and learn how to add services based on market demand and size. You may decide on a niche, such as an event security and personal security, and write a business plan.

52. Start a basketball consulting business

53. Start a basketball players insurance policy business

54. Start a basketball pay per view website business

55. Start a basketball photography business

56. Start a professional basketball blogger business

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.