What if a sportfluencer is negative about the product?

By Tom Bogaert · Reviewed on

It can happen. And it's exactly what makes a squad different from an ad: the honesty that makes your content credible is the same honesty that sometimes produces a critical note.

If you want guaranteed praise only, you shouldn't use authentic creators — you should advertise. You buy a squad precisely because the audience feels it's real.

What we do to keep the risk small: good fit at the front, so an athlete gets a product that suits their sport and preferences, and clear expectations up front. In practice, honest nuance — "works well on long runs, less on intervals" — is more credible and more valuable than uncritical praise. And if structural criticism does come out of a squad, that's not a disaster but feedback: often the most honest product research you'll get for free.

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Related questions

Can we approve the content in advance?

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Not sentence by sentence. But within clear boundaries: core message, do's and don'ts, and required or forbidden claims — especially for nutrition, supplements, safety or performance. Within those lines, sportfluencers make content in their own style. You steer on boundaries, not on sentences.

Can I give my honest opinion?

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Yes — it's literally why you're asked. Your audience believes you precisely because you don't sound like an ad. "Sits well on long runs, less on intervals" is more credible than "best product ever". Honest does mean fair, concrete and respectful, though.

How much do I have to post?

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Usually 1 story + 1 reel. How much it becomes depends on the value and duration of the collab — the brand can ask more or less, always briefed up front. Enthusiastic athletes often do more: win-win-win for brand, athlete and Sunday Squad.

Does everyone who applies for a collab get selected automatically?

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No. Every collab has 25 spots and we select on sporting match, content quality and engagement — not just follower count. You can't lose by applying; you can only get selected.

How long does a Sunday Squad collab run?

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The active posting window is typically 2 to 3 weeks from the moment you receive your products. No yearly commitment: you get a briefing, you post your content, you share your results, done.
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