24 Sports Magazines That Pay Freelance Writers

Are you passionate about sports and love to write? If yes, freelance sports writing might be a great way to earn money and share your voice. Many popular sports magazines are open to freelance writers, and they pay, too.

In this article, we’ll explore why sports writing is a smart choice, what editors look for, how to pitch, and the top sports magazines that pay writers. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced writer, this guide will help you get started.

Why Write for Sports Magazines?

Sports magazines are always looking for fresh stories. From in-depth athlete interviews to behind-the-scenes features, they need interesting content.

Here’s why writing for sports magazines is a great idea:

• You get paid for your writing.
• You build your portfolio as a published writer.
• You connect with readers who love the same sports you do.
• You get a chance to share your unique voice or opinion.

If you enjoy storytelling, sports magazines can offer both visibility and income.

What Do Sports Magazines Look For?

Before you pitch, understand what editors want:

• A strong angle or story idea
• Knowledge about the sport or topic
• Clear, error-free writing
• Experience with interviews or research
• An ability to meet deadlines

Many editors prefer writers who can offer something new—a unique perspective, little-known facts, or an inspiring story.

How to Pitch to Sports Magazines

Pitching is like sending a mini proposal to an editor. Here’s how to do it right:

• Read the magazine to understand their style and topics.
• Find their writer’s guidelines (usually on their website).

Write a short, clear email with:

• A catchy subject line
• Your article idea in 2–3 lines
• Why does it fit their audience
• A link to your writing samples

Always follow up after a week if you don’t hear back.

 

List of 24 Sports Magazines That Pay Freelance Writers

1. Dirt Rag

Pay: 10 cents per word

This sports magazine concentrates on off-road cycling. They invite articles for the following categories: Product reviews, New Gear, Racing, Features, and Interviews.

In addition to this, articles should be within 3,500 words. You would receive the payment within six weeks of publication.

2. Golf Tips Magazine

This sports magazine features articles about golf equipment, know-how, and tips on golfing. They invite articles about equipment maintenance and use, golf clubs, and much more.

Additionally, they invite queries before completing manuscripts.

3. Backcountry Magazine

Pay: 35 cents per word

This sports magazine solely focuses on skiing and related topics, such as backcountry skiing, courses, and general news on backcountry skiing. They invite articles for the following categories: Features, Destinations, Profiles, Mountain Skill pieces, and Personal Essays.

Furthermore, this sports magazine has detailed submission guidelines. Hence, we would suggest you read through that carefully.

4. American Snowmobiler

Pay: Unspecified

This sports magazine is a publication of Kalmbach Publishing. They feature articles about snowmobiles and snowmobiling in America. They invite articles on the following: travel stories, sledge modification stories, how-to stories, and personal stories.

In addition to this, they expect articles to be within 1,200 words. They invite queries before completing manuscripts.

5. Golf Course Management 

Pay: Unspecified

This sports magazine features articles that discuss problems faced by golf course superintendents. They also share techniques to help them do their job more effectively.

Furthermore, they invite queries before completing manuscripts. You would receive the payment upon publication.

6. Backpacker Magazine

Pay: 40 cents to $1

This sports magazine features articles about backpacking and hiking. They also cover foot-based travel, backcountry experience, and North American destinations.

In addition to this, the length of the articles varies from 100-1,200, depending on the topic and under which department it would be featured. You would receive the payment upon acceptance.

Furthermore, they welcome queries before completing submissions. This sports magazine has detailed submission guidelines. Hence, we would suggest you read through that carefully.

Read: How to Start a Sports Blog & Make Money Easily

7. Adventure Cyclist

Pay: 60 cents per word

This sports magazine features articles about cycling. They invite queries before completing manuscripts.

Additionally, this sports magazine has detailed submission guidelines. Hence, we would suggest you read through that carefully.

8. Powder Magazine

Pay: Unspecified

This sports magazine is dedicated to skiers. They address a wide range of skiing topics like the backcountry, ski mountaineering, park and pipe skiing, ski bumming, expeditions, personalities, trends, and environmental issues.

Furthermore, they expect articles to be within 2,000 words. They have detailed submission guidelines. Hence, we would suggest you read through that carefully.

9. Snowshoe Magazine

Pay: Unspecified

This sports magazine concentrates on content about snowshoeing. They also publish technical tips for snowshoers. They invite articles for the following categories: health and fitness, destinations, competitive racing, advocacy (protection of the environment and open space), equipment (other than snowshoes), and any personal experience story.

Additionally, they expect articles to be within 2,000 words. They have detailed submission guidelines. Hence, we would suggest you read through that carefully.

10. Sports Afield

Pay: Unspecified

This sports magazine publishes high-end pursuits, especially in North America and Africa big-game hunting. They invite content for the following topics: big-hunting destinations, hunting adventure stories, rifle and caliber stories for hunting.

Furthermore, they expect articles to be within 2,500 words. They prefer queries before complete submissions.

11. Horse & Rider

Pay: $25- $400

This sports magazine solely concentrates on Western riding. They feature articles about training, stable management, safe trail riding practice, and health care tips.

Additionally, they welcome queries before completing submissions. The payment varies depending on the length and intensity of the research.

12. USPHA

Pay: $100

This sports magazine is a publication of the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Inc. They focus on Hang Gliding and Paragliding.

In addition to this, they invite articles within 3,000 words. They prefer queries before completing manuscripts.

13. The Chronicle of the Horse

Pay: $250

This sports magazine features content about horse-related topics, including dressage, hunters and jumpers, fox hunting, steeplechase, racing, and much more.

Furthermore, they accept articles within 2,500 words. They prefer queries before completing manuscripts.

14. Gripped

Pay: $250

This sports magazine solely focuses on climbing-related topics. They invite content for the following columns: Features, Northern Faces, Area Profiles, and Reviews.

In addition to this, they accept articles within 2,500 words. They prefer queries before completing manuscripts.

15. Sports Collectors Digest

Pay: Unspecified

This sports magazine covers ” every aspect of modern sports collecting, including cards, memorabilia, lithographs, autographed material, and more.” They invite content for the following categories: Profiles, Feature Stories, and Event Coverage.

Additionally, they prefer queries before complete manuscripts. You would receive the payment upon publication.

16. Sports Spectrum

Pay: Unspecified

This sports magazine has a touch of Christianity within. They address topics that help lead people to faith in Jesus Christ and encourage Christians to grow in their walk while focusing on Christian athletes. They invite experienced sportswriters who are Christian or Christ-oriented.

In addition to this, they prefer queries before complete manuscripts.

17. Triathlete

Pay: Unspecified

This sports magazine is dedicated to the sport of Triathlon. They publish articles on multi-sport training tips and programs, nutrition articles, gear and apparel guides, athlete profiles, and triathlon-related travel stories.

Furthermore, they expect articles within 1,200 words. They prefer queries before completing manuscripts.

18. Canadian Running

Pay: Unspecified

This sports magazine features topics about running in Canada. They invite content from athletes, coaches, sports doctors, dietitians, and most importantly, Canadians.

In addition to this, they expect articles within 2,500 words. They welcome queries before completing manuscripts.

19. Blackbelt Magazine

Pay: $300

This sports magazine is a publication of Cruz Bay Inc. “The magazine’s subjects include all styles and their techniques, training methods, history, philosophy, and health and fitness teachings—as well as interviews with prominent practitioners.”

Furthermore, they invite articles within 3,000 words. They prefer queries before completing manuscripts. You would receive the payment upon publication.

20. Cruising World

Pay: $300

This sports magazine features articles about cruising and speed boating. They invite articles within 2,000 words.

In addition to this, they prefer queries before complete manuscripts. You would receive the payment within 90 days of publication.

Furthermore, this sports magazine has detailed submission guidelines. Hence, we would suggest you read through that carefully.

21. Birdwatching Magazine

Pay: $400

This bi-monthly magazine features articles for bird lovers of all experience levels. The articles published are about birds in the news, bird history, birding hotspots, attracting, identifying, and feeding birds.

Additionally, feature articles run from 1,750 to 2,250 words, and shorter articles are from 700 to 900 words.

22. SAILING Magazine

Pay: $500

This sports magazine features articles about sailing, from learning how to sail to riding cruisers across the Pacific. They invite content for the following categories: sailing destinations, sailing navigation, boats, maintenance, and upgrades.

Additionally, they invite articles within 3,000 words. They prefer queries before completing manuscripts. You would receive the payment upon publication.

Furthermore, this sports magazine has detailed submission guidelines. Hence, we would suggest you read through that carefully.

23. Hoof Beats Magazine

Pay: $500

This sports magazine covers harness racing and the Standardbred industry. They welcome queries before completing submissions.

In addition to this, you would receive the payment upon publication.

24. Sports Fishing Magazine

Pay: $750

This sports magazine features content about saltwater fishing in North America. They provide information about “fishing how-to, where-to, gear, and its use, science, and conservation ”

In addition to this, they invite articles within 1,800-2,000 words. They prefer queries before completing manuscripts. You would receive the payment upon acceptance.

Furthermore, this sports magazine has detailed submission guidelines. Hence, we would suggest you read through that carefully.

Also, Read Top Environment Magazines That Pay Freelance Writers

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Published

• Start small: Pitch to niche or local sports magazines first.
• Know your audience: Tailor your idea to match their style and reader interests.
• Stay updated: Follow current sports trends or athlete stories.
• Be professional: Respect deadlines, word counts, and editor feedback.
• Network: Connect with editors or other freelance writers on LinkedIn or Twitter.

Red Flags to Avoid

Some websites claim to be “magazines” but offer no payment or clear terms. Avoid:

• Sites that offer only “exposure”
• No listed payment structure
• Delayed or unclear communication
• No byline or author credit

Always check reviews or writing communities before you submit.

Resources for Freelance Sports Writers

Here are some places to learn and find writing gigs:

• Freelance Writers Den – Courses, forums, and job boards
• WritersWeekly – Regularly posts paying writing markets
• Substack – Create your own sports newsletter
• Reddit (r/FreelanceWriters) – Freelance writing tips
• Medium & LinkedIn – Great for publishing your samples

Final Thoughts

Writing for sports magazines is a great way to earn money doing what you love. With the right pitch and persistence, you can land bylines in big publications.

Start by picking a few magazines from this list. Read their content, prepare your pitch, and go for it. Your next paid story might be one email away!

FAQs

Can beginners write for sports magazines?

Yes. Start small, build samples, and keep pitching.

Do I need a journalism degree?

No. Skill, passion, and professionalism matter more.

How much do freelance sports writers make?

Rates vary, but many magazines pay $200–$1,000 per piece.

Can I pitch the same idea to multiple magazines?

Only one at a time unless you let them know it’s a simultaneous submission.