Pro Athletes In La Turn To Onlyfans To Fund Their Sports Dreams

Athletes Balancing Jobs and Dreams

Elite female athletes are finding creative ways to manage the high cost of living in Southern California, particularly in the vibrant world of beach volleyball. With the expenses of flights, coaching, and gear piling up, some athletes are turning to unconventional side gigs – like OnlyFans – to stay in the game.

Avery Poppinga's Journey

Meet Avery Poppinga, a dedicated beach volleyball pro who spends nearly $50,000 annually just to compete. Graduating from Loyola Marymount University, Poppinga joined OnlyFans in 2024 to supplement her income. "I needed a way to support my career," she shares. Her decision paid off when she landed a sponsorship with OnlyFans' safe-for-work division, OFTV, in February 2025, boosting her visibility and finances.

“Whatever people think about me representing [OnlyFans], it’s drawing more attention to the sport. So I feel like I’m doing some good.” – Avery Poppinga

OnlyFans: A New Frontier for Sponsorships

Often linked to adult entertainment, OnlyFans is expanding its reach into sports sponsorships, now collaborating with about 285 professional athletes. The platform aims to support those in niche sports where traditional funding is scarce, offering athletes like Poppinga a valuable income stream. Her VIP page, featuring exclusive content, generates over $2,500 a month.

Falyn Fonoimoana's Story

Falyn Fonoimoana, another beach volleyball star, also turned to OnlyFans to make ends meet. Despite her success, with Instagram followers surpassing 133,000, she's had to juggle multiple jobs to support her career and family as a single mother. Her OnlyFans content, focused on fitness and bikini photos, provides a critical financial boost.

“I should have been recovering and doing all the right things to make sure that my body was ready. Instead, I was working to make sure that I could pay rent and pay for my kid’s food.” – Falyn Fonoimoana

Navigating Stigma and Financial Realities

Though the OnlyFans association brings some stigma, the financial benefits are undeniable. For athletes like Poppinga and Fonoimoana, the platform offers a way to sustain their careers in one of the nation's priciest regions. "Our sport needs a lot more exposure," Poppinga asserts, emphasizing the importance of visibility for beach volleyball.