The Most Unexpected Athlete Collaborations Across Industries

13 August 2025

Let’s be real—when we think of athletes, the first thing that comes to mind is the roar of the crowd, the flash of a jersey, and moments that shake stadiums. But guess what? Athletes are full of surprises. They aren’t just superstars on the field, court, or ring—they’re also breaking barriers in places you’d least expect.

Some of the world’s most elite athletes have teamed up with brands, artists, and industries far beyond the sports world. We’re talking beauty, tech, fashion, food… even furniture. Yup, we’re diving into the most unexpected athlete collaborations across industries. This article will inspire you, make you smile, and show you just how creative and bold athletes can be off the playing field.

Athletes Are More Than Just Muscle

Before we dive into those epic collabs, let’s break a myth. Athletes aren’t just about raw talent and physical strength—they’re CEOs of their own brands, visionaries, and dream-chasers. They know how to pivot (pun intended) and chase opportunities in every direction.

Think of them like Swiss army knives—they’re versatile, resourceful, and ready for anything.

1. Serena Williams x Bumble – Empowering Women Through Tech

We don't throw around the word "legend" often, but when it comes to Serena Williams, it's well-deserved. She’s a tennis powerhouse, yes—but she’s also a fierce advocate for women’s rights.

So when she partnered with Bumble, the female-first dating and networking app, it wasn’t just for show. This was a collab with purpose. Serena became the face of their campaign encouraging women to make the first move—not just in dating, but in business and life. The message? Don’t wait for opportunity. Create it.

Why this collab worked: Serena’s bold energy matched Bumble’s mission perfectly. Both stand strong for female empowerment, ambition, and breaking the rules (the good kind, of course).

2. Shaquille O’Neal x The General Insurance – From NBA to LOLs

Shaq is everywhere, isn’t he? He’s played for multiple NBA teams, become a sports analyst, DJ, and actor. But one of his quirkiest and most talked-about partnerships? The General Insurance.

Now, it’s easy to poke fun at those low-budget commercials, but here’s the twist—Shaq has been backing The General since BEFORE he was famous. He actually used their services in college. Years later, when the opportunity came to collaborate, he didn’t flinch.

Why this collab stands out: It’s authentic. It’s funny. And it shows loyalty goes a long way, even if the branding isn’t glitzy.

3. Naomi Osaka x Levi’s – Fashion With a Statement

Naomi Osaka is not only a tennis champion but also a cultural icon. Known for expressing her beliefs and standing up for social justice, Naomi took her voice to fashion through her collaboration with Levi’s.

She helped design a limited-edition denim line that included modern, gender-neutral pieces. The best part? Every piece told a story. It wasn’t just about looking cool—it was about speaking up and standing out.

Big takeaway: Athletes like Naomi remind us that fashion can be a form of protest, expression, and change. Plus, she totally redefined what a denim collab could be.

4. Tony Hawk x Liquid Death – Skater Blood in a Can?

Okay, brace yourself for this one. Legendary skater Tony Hawk teamed up with Liquid Death (a canned water brand known for its edgy humor) to create…wait for it…limited edition skateboards infused with HIS ACTUAL BLOOD.

Yes, you read that right.

A few drops of Tony’s blood were mixed in with the red paint used on the boards. Wild? Absolutely. But it sold out in minutes.

Shock factor aside: This was marketing genius. It was weird, it was bold, and it was so authentically Tony. In a world of copy-paste collabs, this one took risks and nailed it.

5. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson x Under Armour – Project Rock Power

The Rock might have started in wrestling and moved into Hollywood, but he never forgot his fitness roots. His long-standing collaboration with Under Armour, dubbed “Project Rock,” is about mindset more than just gym gear.

With quotes like “The hardest worker in the room,” his line is pure motivation wrapped in workout wear. It’s not “just clothes”—it’s a reminder to hustle harder and never back down.

Why it resonates: This collab isn’t just about flexing muscles—it’s about heart, grit, and staying relentless no matter where life takes you.

6. Tom Brady x TB12 – Health Is Wealth

Most 40-somethings are thinking about retirement. Tom Brady? He’s creating an empire. TB12, his nutrition and lifestyle brand, is changing how athletes (and the rest of us) recover, perform, and live.

This isn’t your regular sports supplement line. We’re talking brain training, pliability exercises, plant-based nutrition, and more. TB12 is about longevity, discipline, and peak performance.

What makes it different: Tom isn't selling hype. He’s selling what helped him win seven Super Bowls. When you combine that credibility with passion, you get pure gold.

7. Venus Williams x EleVen – Tennis to Tailored Athleisure

Just like her sister Serena, Venus is a total boss off the court too. She created EleVen, her own fashion-forward athleisure line designed for women who want to own their power.

EleVen isn’t just about looking stylish—it celebrates body positivity, ambition, and confidence.

Why it hits home: Venus didn’t wait for a major brand to scoop her up—she built her own. That’s hustle right there.

8. Russell Westbrook x Barneys – NBA Meets High Fashion

Russell Westbrook is known for two things: triple-doubles and bold fashion. So, it was no surprise when he teamed up with Barneys New York to drop a collection that blended streetwear with luxury.

From wild prints to sleek cuts, this collab turned heads. And it proved that athletes can lead trends, not just follow them.

Why this mattered: It blurred the line between athlete and style icon. Russell didn’t just put his name on clothes—he helped design them.

9. Stephen Curry x Literati Book Club – Mind Over Muscle

You probably didn’t expect a book club to pop up on this list, did you?

NBA superstar Stephen Curry launched the “Underrated” book club through Literati, aiming to inspire young readers with powerful stories of grit and perseverance. It’s about using storytelling to uplift voices that don’t always get heard.

Why it’s underrated brilliance: Athletes like Steph prove that strength also lives in the mind. Promoting literacy? That’s a slam dunk.

10. Simone Biles x SK-II – Beauty Beyond the Surface

Simone Biles is one of the most decorated gymnasts ever. But in a surprising twist, she joined forces with luxury skincare brand SK-II to talk about… pressure.

Their powerful campaign highlighted how female athletes face impossible expectations—on and off the mat. It was emotional, honest, and a game-changer in the beauty world.

Why it moved people: It wasn’t about perfection—it was about being real. Simone showed us that beauty isn’t just skin deep—it’s about strength, vulnerability, and courage.

Lessons We Can Learn From These Unlikely Pairings

These athlete collaborations might seem random at first glance—but they actually make total sense when you dig deeper. Here’s what they teach us:

- Passion has no limits. Who says you have to stick to one lane?
- Authenticity wins. The most successful collabs are the ones that feel honest.
- Vulnerability is powerful. Sharing your story—whether it’s through a book club or skincare campaign—can change lives.
- Creativity fuels everything. Whether you’re shooting 3-pointers or designing streetwear, creativity is at the core of it all.

Why This Trend Isn’t Slowing Down

In today's world, athletes are personal brands in motion. With millions of followers, influence across generations, and the respect of fans worldwide, they’re positioned like never before to move culture forward.

And as industries overlap more and more—tech with fashion, sports with activism, wellness with everything—expect the unexpected.

Who knows? Maybe the next big collab will be an NFL quarterback launching a vegan cookbook. (Hey, if it happens, remember you heard it here first.)

Final Thoughts: Dream Big, Think Bigger

These athlete collaborations remind us that the only limit is the one we place on ourselves. You don’t have to fit a mold. You can be a baller AND a bookworm. A champion AND a changemaker. A skater AND a storyteller.

So next time someone says “stay in your lane,” show them your roadmap.

Because like these athletes, you’ve got the power to rewrite the playbook.