The 13 Best American Football Affiliate Programs of 2026

The American Football market worldwide is projected to grow by 6.92% over the next five years, reaching $38.05 billion by 2029. It’s a smart move to promote American football brands, with higher chances of boosting earnings.

In this article, we’ve compiled the 13 best American football affiliate programs with lucrative offers & quality products.

For more options, we’ve curated a list of standout sports affiliate programs. Be sure to check out our recommendations for soccer, baseball, basketball, golf, and wrestling.

In the later section, we will suggest some first steps for creating your affiliate program for American football products.

Quick Comparison

Program Name	Commission (%)	Cookie Duration (Days)	Niche Suitable	Affiliate’s Rating
NFL Store	8%	7 days	NFL merchandise, sports apparel	⭐⭐⭐
Leather Head Sports	10%	60 days	Premium handcrafted balls, collectible sports items	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chiefs Pro Shop	8%	7 days	Kansas City Chiefs fans, NFL team merchandise	⭐⭐⭐
Sports Memorabilia	8%	7 days	Autographs, memorabilia, collectibles	⭐⭐⭐⭐
DICK’s Sporting Goods	2%	3 days	General sports equipment, wide retail niche	⭐⭐
Fan’s Edge	8%	7 days	Multi-league sports apparel (NFL/MLB/NBA)	⭐⭐⭐
Strideline	10%	60 days	Sports socks, eco socks, team-related hosiery	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Paragon Sports	8%	7 days	Multi-sport gear, outdoor activity equipment	⭐⭐⭐
Coachtube	30%	30 days	Online sports courses, coaching programs	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wilson	8%	30 days	Sports equipment, NFL, basketball, soccer	⭐⭐⭐⭐
500 Level	8%	30 days	Sports-inspired apparel, athlete-themed t-shirts	⭐⭐⭐⭐
SPT (Sports Performance Tracking)	5%	Not stated	Athlete performance GPS, sports tech	⭐⭐⭐
Prep Sportswear	15%	Not stated	School/college/youth sports apparel	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Top 13 Best American Football Affiliate Programs

1. NFL Store

NFL Store is the official shop to find authentic merchandise of NFL clubs for football fans. You can update every latest launch at their store with various discount offers from your favorite teams.

The NFL Store affiliate program is run through Impact. The commission rate is 8% for each successful sale of your audience. NFL Store will pay out every 45 days after the end of the month.

The cookie duration is only 7 days since the first click. Therefore, customers must purchase within a week so affiliates can get their approved commission.

Affiliates can only promote using banners from NFL Store affiliate network partners. Moreover, affiliates are not allowed to use any official NFL logos, including “The Shield,” to promote their links.

2. Leather Head Sports

If you are a die-hard American football fan, having a customized ball is a must in your collection. Leather Head Sports is a leading brand in designing and selling handcrafted balls with a modern, nostalgic look.

They offer up to a 10% commission rate for their partners and a 60-day cookie duration. With an average order value of over $150, affiliates could earn $15 per order.

When promoting Leather Head Sports, you can use their personal customized service to attract more buyers. They also have professionally designed banners for you upon request.

3. Chiefs Pro Shop

Kansas City Chiefs is a famous American football team that has won the NFL championships for 4 times. Their official Chiefs Pro Shop is where you can buy jerseys, t-shirts, and other apparel from the team.

Their affiliate program is managed through Impact. They allow their affiliates to earn up to an 8% commission rate per sale.

The cookie duration has a tracking period of 7 days. Therefore, please note that your affiliate link will only generate commissions within this period.

4. Sport Memorabilia

American football fans come to find the rarest items of their famous superstars at Sports Memorabilia. On their website, you can discover autographs, signed balls, and exclusive items from any professional player.

To join their affiliate program, you can sign up through Impact. The commission rate is 8% for every successful order from your affiliate link.

You should notice the program’s cookie length. Their cookie duration only lasts for 7 days from the first click of customers.

5. DICK’s Sporting Goods

DICK’s Sporting Goods is the top choice retailer in the USA for finding American football products from renowned brands. They are the official sponsor for Team USA during the Olympics in the recent season.

Affiliates can sign up for the DICK’s Sporting Goods affiliate program via Impact. The commission rate is 2% per sale through an affiliate link. Noticeably, the cookie duration lasts for only 3 days from the first click of the customer.

DICK’s Sporting Goods pays their affiliates on a net 60 basis after the end of the month. After joining the program, affiliates will get access to the banners and links from the brand to use in promotion.

DICK’s Sporting Goods will also send weekly newsletters to notify their partners about special promotions during the season.

6. Fan’s Edge

Fan’s Edge provides every item you’re looking for from many sports teams, such as American football, baseball, and basketball. Their diverse collections include the NFL, MLB, NBA, and more leagues.

If you want to join their affiliate program, you can join via Impact – one of the most popular  affiliate networks. Fan’s Edge pays their partners up to an 8% commission rate.

The cookie duration stays active for 7 days, allowing you to earn a commission for any purchases made within a week.

7. Strideline

Strideline has been selling the most comfortable socks for NFL and MLS fans and athletes for over 10 years. They are proud to have recycled eco socks that have sold over 20 million pairs worldwide.

The brand offers a 10% commission rate for every partner who joins the Strideline affiliate program. The cookie duration is up to 60 days of tracking.

Strideline only uses PayPal to send monthly payouts to affiliates. Therefore, you must have a PayPal account to join their affiliate program.

8. Paragon Sports

Paragon Sports covers top-notch gear in various sports, including American football, soccer, tennis, and other outdoor activities. They have over 30,000 items from 300 different brands worldwide.

Paragon Sports affiliate program offers a commission rate of up to 8%. The average order value is $170, so affiliates can earn about $14 per order. The cookie is active for 7 days, tracking any referrals during this period.

As their affiliates, you can promote their products using unique links and creative banners. Paragon Sports also has a dedicated affiliate team to support you further.

9. Coachtube

You can choose from over a hundred coaches in more than 30 sports on Coachtube to enhance your skills. From American football to soccer to tennis, you can learn any sport with professional coaches on Coachtube.

Coachtube pays a generous 30% commission rate for their partners, with a 30-day cookie duration. They will pay affiliates through direct deposit. However, you need to have a payment threshold of $100 to receive your earnings.

Coachtube allows affiliates to promote them through various ways, such as mailing lists, writing blog posts, and social media posts. Affiliates could use PPC advertising and display ads for your promotion as well.

10. Wilson

Wilson has over 100 years of innovation and provides high-performance sports equipment, footwear, and apparel. They bring a diverse collection for sports players, including basketball, American football, soccer, and more.

Wilson runs their affiliate program through Impact. The commission rate is 8% for each sale, with higher rates available for top-performing affiliates. Affiliates can earn their credited commission within 30 days of cookie duration.

When joining their affiliate program, you will have a unique link for your promotion campaigns from Wilson. You can also use their designed and creative banners to make your content more appealing to the audience.

11. 500 Level

More than just sports gear and jerseys, 500 LEVEL creates art and t-shirt junkies for the NFL, MBA fans. They have the authorization to create clothes inspired by sports superstars, such as Patrick Mahomes, Steph Curry, and more.

Affiliates can sign up for the 500 LEVEL affiliate program through ShareASale. They offer a commission rate of 8% for affiliates with a 30-day cookie duration.

500 LEVEL focuses on creating unique offers for each partner and their members. Therefore, you will receive exclusive offers to promote your campaign and attract more audiences.

12. SPT

SPT designs and develops powerful and affordable GPS tracking tools for outdoor sports, such as American football, tennis, and basketball. These tools will monitor and manage physical output.

The commission rate for the SPT affiliate program is 5% per successful order. But only orders placed on the SPT website will be counted for commission.

SPT will pay their affiliates on a quarterly basis only through PayPal. However, affiliates must have at least $100 to receive payouts at the end of the quarter. Otherwise, your commission will be held for another quarter until the threshold is reached.

Notably, SPT will create a customized URL for its partners and provide other promotional materials. Affiliates can also use SPT’s affiliate site to track their commission and use alternative marketing tools.

13. Prep Sportswear

Prep Sportswear is a leading retailer of sports apparel for school, college, and youth sports in the US. In addition to the domestic American football league, Prep Sportswear provides merchandise for the Australian, German, and Canadian football leagues.

Affiliates can join the Prep Sportswear affiliate program by signing up for ShareASale. The commission rate is up to 15%. With an AOV of about $67, affiliates can achieve $10 per order. Prep Sportswear also has bonuses for high-performing partners on their first-time sales and network reach.

Prep Sportswear provides banners and customized links for affiliates to put on the website.   Moreover, they will regularly send monthly newsletters about new products and events.

Which American Football Affiliate Niche Should You Focus On?

Choosing your niche is your biggest move. Don’t just chase high commissions.

To find a “perfect fit,” you should look at what you know, what people search for, and what pays well. Most importantly, you pick a topic you can write about for years without getting bored.

Below, we recommend the most common American football sub niches you can consider for your affiliate journey.

Equipment and Safety Niche – The Family-Friendly Long-Term Play

The equipment and safety niche is perfect for former players, coaches, and parents who have spent years on the sidelines.

If you know the difference between a speed-flex helmet and a traditional one, or how to properly size a pair of lineman cleats, you have a massive head start.

Your primary readers will be parents of youth players (ages 6-14), high school athletes looking for an edge, and budget-conscious coaches.

These people are looking for specific answers to keep their kids safe and performing well.

You can focus on these specific content pillars to build trust from your audience.

• Safety Comparisons: Use NCSAE ratings to compare helmet safety. Explain concussion prevention features in simple terms.
• Gear Guides: Create guides like “Best Cleats for Wide Receivers” versus “Supportive Cleats for Linemen.”
• Tutorials: Write “How to Size a Football Helmet” or “Essential Youth Equipment Checklists.”
• Maintenance: Explain how to clean and maintain expensive pads to make them last longer.

You can partner with big names like Dick’s Sporting Goods or Schutt Sports, and use Amazon for smaller items like mouthguards.

• Dick’s Sporting Goods (6-8%), Football America (8%), and Schutt Sports (6-10%).
• Amazon Associates (3-4%) is great for smaller items like mouthguards or socks.

Sports Betting and DFS Niche – Highest Revenue Potential with Regulatory Complexity

If you are a data enthusiast or a seasoned bettor with a winning record, this niche is where the big money lives.

It is perfect for those who can break down a point spread or explain why a certain player prop has value based on defensive injuries.

You are writing for adult fans (21+) and fantasy football players looking for a statistical edge. These readers are highly engaged and often return every single week to see your latest picks and analysis.

To keep this crowd coming back, you need to provide content they can use. For example:

💡 Break down game spreads and player props for every NFL weekend.

💡 Write honest reviews comparing sites like DraftKings and FanDuel.

💡 Teach your readers about “bankroll management” and how to spot bad bets.

However, these high earnings come with high hurdles.

You must follow strict state-by-state laws. If you promote a sportsbook in a state where it is illegal, you could get banned.

Beyond the law, you also have to protect your reputation. Being honest about your own wins and losses is your best asset.

Also, you’d better keep in mind that platforms like Facebook often ban betting ads, so you must rely on organic search to find readers.

Team-Specific Fan Niche – Deep Engagement with Limited Scalability

While betting sites chase huge, broad numbers, the team-specific fan niche wins through community.

This is the perfect home for die-hard fans, local sports writers, or former team employees.

Your content should go where national networks won’t. While ESPN covers the scores, you cover the “soul” of the team:

• Roster Moves: Explain how a new draft pick specifically helps your team’s defense.
• The Fan Experience: Create guides for home games, including the best tailgating spots or local bars for away games.
• Nostalgia: Write about team legends and historic games that fans love to remember.

By sharing these unique details, you build a very strong bond with your readers. They are much more likely to click your links when you recommend products.

That loyalty leads directly to a steady income from several sources.

For example, you can earn 10–12% commissions by linking to team jerseys and hats on Fanatics.

You can also earn money through ticket sites like StubHub by writing game previews.

Fantasy Football Strategy Niche – Year-Round Engagement with Data-Driven Content

If you love numbers and can simplify complex stats, the fantasy football niche is your playground.

With over 33 million active players in the US, this is a massive market filled with people willing to pay for a competitive edge.

Think of fantasy advice like managing a stock portfolio. Your readers are “investing” their time and entry fees. They want a return on that investment.

To help them win, your content should focus on weekly “start or sit” advice and simple charts that make player rankings easy to understand.

You can even cover “Dynasty” leagues to keep fans coming back during the off-season.

There are several sources you can make money from, including:

💸 DFS platforms: Earn 15–20% of entry fees from sites like DraftKings or FanDuel.

💻 Software tools: Get 20–30% recurring commissions by referring users to premium draft tools.

📚 Your own products: Once readers trust you, sell your own draft guides or rankings directly to them.

Training and Coaching Niche – Evergreen Authority Building with Digital Product Potential

While fantasy football predicts scores, the coaching niche helps players actually get better. The niche is perfect for coaches, trainers, and athletes who love to teach.

Your readers aren’t looking for fun stories. They want to solve specific problems:

Youth Coaches: They need ready-to-use drills to save time. ⏱️

Solo Athletes: They want to train hard to win a starting spot or a college scholarship. 🏆

Parents: They need simple guides to help their kids succeed on the field. 👨‍👩‍👦

Since you are teaching a skill, you can sell digital products that pay much higher commissions:

• Online courses: Earn 20–40% by referring people to coaching programs.
• Playbook software: Earn 15% every month when a coach stays subscribed to digital tools.
• Training gear: Earn 8–12% on items like agility kits and filming tech.

However, the challenge is that you need real skill.

This is a technical niche. You cannot fake your way through it, or other coaches will notice.

You will likely need to make videos to show your techniques. This takes more time, but it builds a deep bond with your audience.

How Do You Promote American Football Affiliate Products Across Multiple Channels?

Success in football marketing isn’t about one “magic” trick. Instead, it is about building a system that uses multiple platforms simultaneously.

If you rely on only one site, you are taking a big risk. A single rule change could wipe out your income overnight. That is why the most successful people use three or four different traffic sources.

In this section, you will find proven tactics for every major channel. We will cover everything from long-term search engine growth to the viral power of social media.

Content Marketing and SEO Strategy – Building Long-Term Organic Traffic Assets

SEO is the art of getting your website to show up on Google when people search for answers.

Therefore, you must find people who are ready to spend money. This is called “Buyer intent.”

You want to show up when someone is ready to spend money. Don’t waste time fighting for broad words like “football cleats.” That term has 33,000 monthly searches and impossible competition. Instead, target long-tail keywords.

For example: “Best football cleats for wide receivers” has 720 searches and medium competition. It is much easier to rank for, and the person searching is much more likely to buy.

Moreover, you need to write articles that lead to sales. Here are three proven types:

Buying Guides: Compare 5–7 products (like helmets) and include safety ratings and links.

Streaming Tutorials: Show “cord-cutters” the best ways to watch NFL games.

Betting Guides: Provide weekly picks backed by data analysis.

Social Media Promotion Strategy – Platform-Specific Tactics for Maximum Engagement

Social media is where you gather a crowd, get them excited, and lead them to your products.

It is perfect for “impulse buys,” like when a fan sees a jersey and wants it immediately. If you grow to 50,000 followers, you can earn between $1,000 and $4,000 per month using these steps.

However, each platform works differently, so you need a specific plan for each one.

Instagram: Your Visual Showroom 📸

Instagram is the best place to show off gear and clothing.

Reels: Use short videos to show “unboxings” or how to style a game-day outfit.

Stories: Use these for daily updates. If you have a small following, use a “Link-in-Bio” tool so fans can easily find your links.

The goal: Aim for 3–5 main posts a week and 5–10 Stories every day to stay on people’s minds.

TikTok: The Viral Lab 🚀

TikTok is great because even small accounts can reach thousands of people quickly.

The content: Share “What’s in my bag” videos, helmet safety tests, or quick betting tips.

The power: One viral video can send hundreds of clicks to your links in a single day. It is the fastest way to grow from zero.

Facebook: The Community Hub 👥

Facebook fans are often older and have more money to spend. This makes them a great audience for expensive items like coaching courses.

The strategy: Do not just spam links. Join a group, answer questions, and be helpful first.

Going live: Use Facebook Live to chat with fans and answer their questions about upcoming games or new gear.

YouTube Content Strategy – Long-Form Video Formats That Drive Affiliate Conversions

YouTube is where fans go to see equipment up close, learn new skills, and build trust with experts.

Long videos (8–15 minutes) are powerful because they let you show a product in action rather than just talking about it.

You can consider these four types of content:

Product Reviews

Unbox the gear and show how it fits. A video comparing the Riddell SpeedFlex vs. Schutt F7, including safety tests, is a “gold mine” for affiliate clicks.

How-To Tutorials

Create videos like “How to Break In New Cleats” or “How to Read Betting Odds.” These build trust because you are solving a problem for free.

Weekly Series

Consistency is key. You can host “Sunday NFL Picks” every Thursday or a “Fantasy Waiver Wire” every Wednesday.

Livestreams

Think of a “Draft Night Party” or a Q&A session. Livestreams usually get 2–3 times more engagement than normal videos because you can talk to fans in real-time.

However, even a great video won’t make money if no one clicks. You can use these three tips to boost your sales:

• Use bold text and clear images. Adding a face with a strong emotion can increase your clicks by 30%. 😮
• Put your links in the first three lines. This ensures fans see them even if they don’t click “Show More.” 🔗
• Tell your viewers exactly where to find the links. Do this at least two or three times during the video. 🗣️

How Do Seasonal Patterns Affect American Football Affiliate Earnings (And How to Maximize Each Period)?

Timing is the secret to success in football marketing. Unlike other businesses where sales stay the same all year, football has huge “highs” and “lows.”

In fact, you will likely earn up to 75% of your total income in just six months—from September to February. 🏈

This section breaks the football year into five important phases. We will show you exactly where the money is hidden in each phase and how to grab it.

NFL Regular Season Peak (September-January) – When 50-65% of Annual Revenue Happens

Think of the 17-week NFL season as your harvest time. All the hard work you did in the spring and summer finally pays off now.

During these months, you will likely earn 50% to 65% of your total yearly income.

In this time period, money flows in from three main areas. You should focus your energy here to make the most profit:

Betting & DFS: Established sites often see betting commissions of $1,500 to $5,000 per month during this window.

Merchandise: Sales are driven by “moment marketing.” For example, Travis Kelce’s jersey sales spiked by 400% after he began his high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift. You must be ready to pivot your content to these breakout stories.

Streaming & Tickets: Subscriptions peak in August and September. Ticket demand for big rivalry games peaks in December.

The Super Bowl Effect (Late January-February) – Capturing 15-20% of Quarterly Earnings in One Week

If the regular season is a marathon, Super Bowl week is a final sprint. This single seven-day window is the largest revenue spike in the sports calendar.

In fact, it can make up 15% to 20% of your entire earnings for the first three months of the year.

Why does this spike happen?

Because the Super Bowl reaches more than just “hardcore” fans. Here are the three main ways you earn money during this week:

The casual bettor 🎰

Betting income can jump 10 times higher than a normal week. This is because people who never usually gamble decide to place a “fun” bet on the big game.

Championship gear

Timing is everything here. As soon as the final two teams are decided, fans rush to buy jerseys and Super Bowl hats. If you have your links ready the moment the game ends, you can capture a wave of sales. 🧢

Party supplies 📺🍕

This is a rare time when football fans spend big money on Amazon. They aren’t just buying gear; they are buying snacks, decorations, and even new TVs to host the perfect Super Bowl party.

NFL Draft Season Opportunity (March-April) – The Highest-Earning Off-Season Period

Just as fans start to feel the “post-football blues” in March, the NFL Draft arrives to provide a sudden surge in income.

This phase typically earns about 3% to 6% of your yearly revenue.

However, the real value comes from building a bridge to the next season. High engagement during the draft keeps your audience active while other websites go quiet.

You can turn this off-season buzz into profit through three main sources:

The Rookie Jersey Spike: As soon as a star player is drafted, their jersey becomes an immediate best-seller. Fans want to be the first to own the “new era” of their team.

Media Subscriptions: Coverage of the three-day event drives a spike in NFL Network and ESPN+ sign-ups.

Mock Draft Fever: From January to April, “Mock Draft” content sees a massive traffic increase. This is the perfect time to catch fantasy football fans who are already looking for their next season rankings.

Summer Training Season (May-August) – Building Evergreen Assets During Low-Revenue Months

Summer is the quietest time for football revenue.

Most affiliates see only 10% to 15% of their total income during these months. Even so, successful marketers view summer as a “Construction Zone.”

You should use this time to build the massive guides that will do the heavy lifting for you once September arrives.

While the average fan takes a break, specific groups of buyers stay very busy. You can target these three areas to keep your site active and profitable:

College Football Overlap (August-January) – Diversifying Revenue with Dual-Purpose Content

Think of college football as the perfect partner for your NFL business. Both seasons happen at the same time. This overlap allows you to reach two different groups of fans using very similar content.

Adding college football turns your website into a full-weekend money-maker. Instead of only earning on NFL Sundays, you create a steady flow of profits starting on Saturday mornings.

Two key moments make this partnership especially valuable:

The August early start 🚀

College teams usually begin their season two or three weeks before the NFL. This early start helps you capture betting and streaming sign-ups weeks before the pros take the field.

The January extension 🏟️

There are fewer NFL games once the playoffs begin in January.

Meanwhile, college football features dozens of exciting “Bowl Games.” These events provide additional opportunities for betting and viewing as the professional season ends.

Conclusion

Setting up an American football affiliate program is a powerful way to grow your business and connect with passionate fans. By planning your commission structure carefully, selecting the right affiliates, and tracking performance with clear metrics, you can build a program that rewards partners and drives sales.

We’ve guided you from A to Z on creating your affiliate program. Now it’s time to put these strategies into action and watch your program score big!