Do most US skaters have sponsors? | Golden Skate

Do most US skaters have sponsors?

rigel434

Rinkside
Joined
Nov 24, 2005
I'd be interested in knowing how it works for American skaters who are not household names like Michelle Kwan. Do they make money skating through sponsors or do their parents have to pay for their skating expenses? .

Also, how much do top coaches charge per year? Do skaters have to pay for travel to competitions or is that paid by US Figure Skating? Finally, I've heard stories about rich folks looking to get vicarious glory by sponsoring skaters- do many skaters get such "sugar daddies?"

Sorry for all the questions- just intrigued by how the business side of this sport works for the non-elite skaters.
 

jesslily

Final Flight
Joined
Jan 4, 2004
I think majority of skaters pay all the skating bill by their parents, especially the skaters who are youger than 18 years old. Older skaters can coach to help paying the bill. Only very few lucky skaters have sponsors. Some sponsors pay the entire skating related expenses, while the others only pay coaching fee. Skating coaches charge from $50 to $140 per hour.
 
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