Top 20 Athletics & Sports from Portland on Instagram Influencers by Follower Growth

Last updated: May 29, 2026

Total Athletics & Sports Influencers in Portland, United States of America

385

Expected Reach

3.2M

Total Followers

12.0M

Avg Engagement

4.41%

Audience Analysis

Gender Distribution

Female39%
Male62%

Age Distribution

25-3439.8%
18-2425.6%
35-4419.6%
45-546.5%

Top Countries

United States of America61.3%
Canada3.2%
Brazil2.9%
United Kingdom2.7%
Mexico2.2%

Top Languages

en80.7%
es7.7%
pt3.5%

Top Cities

Portland6.0%
Los Angeles2.3%
New York1.6%
New York City1.0%
Seattle0.7%

Top 20 Creators

RankInfluencerLocationFollowersEngagementMonthly GrowthScore
1
MLS NEXT
@mlsnext
Taking youth soccer to the NEXT level. The future starts here // 𝕆𝕗𝕗𝕚𝕔𝕚𝕒𝕝 #MLSNEXT // NEXT is NOW.
Portland, United States of America
388.9K
Followers
0.84%
Engagement
+2.4%(+9.0K)
6.5
2
Sam Balto
@coachbalto
Co-Founder & ED @bikebusworld / Physical Education teacher / 3519 NE 15th Ave #361 Portland, OR 97212 / hello@bikebus.world
Portland, United States of America
237.3K
Followers
N/A
Engagement
+3.6%(+8.3K)
8.2
3
DJ Willingham
@dj_sneakerhead
📧 dj@linkcreatormgmt.com 🏡 Turned Sneakers Into $3M+ in Real Estate 🙏🏽 Helping New Investors Get Started 👇🏽 KICKS TO KEYS 👟SZ 13 NOT FOR SALE
Portland, United States of America
161.6K
Followers
0.98%
Engagement
+3.5%(+5.5K)
4.3
4
Danny Tumia
@dannytumia
Motion Design / VFX artist 🖥️ Skaterz 🛹 1.4m+ on Tiktok 👻
Portland, United States of America
42.4K
Followers
0.31%
Engagement
+7.3%(+2.9K)
7.4
5
Gabi Dixson |Strongwoman|Model|Strength Coach
@gabigrl_prostrongwoman
Nonprofit Co Founder: @gymspaceequity 3x5th Worlds Strongest Woman '23'22'21 7x Grip World Record holder Portland,OR Coach @alecjose
Portland, United States of America
98.5K
Followers
0.00%
Engagement
+2.6%(+2.5K)
7.1
6
Will Moldenhauer
@willshootz
Founder | @willshootzproductions Documentary with Andy Elliott OUT NOW ⬇️ Click Below ⬇️
Portland, United States of America
127.2K
Followers
13.54%
Engagement
+1.7%(+2.2K)
5.0
7
Ivan McClellan
@eightsecs
Photographer: Eight Seconds by @damiani_books Rodeo Boss: 8 Seconds Rodeo - '26 schedule soon! Designer at @lightroom
Portland, United States of America
38.1K
Followers
1.92%
Engagement
+3.8%(+1.4K)
7.4
8
arena Swimwear USA
@arenausa
Designed by swimmers for swimmers, and everyone else who loves water sports! #TeamARENA #ARENAUSA 🇺🇸
Portland, United States of America
262.3K
Followers
0.91%
Engagement
+0.5%(+1.3K)
5.8
9
Tomi Conechny
@tomiconechny
Portland, United States of America
56.5K
Followers
16.89%
Engagement
+2.1%(+1.2K)
6.3
10
Tiago Splitter
@tiagosplitter
🏀 HC Portland Trail Blazers
Portland, United States of America
385.9K
Followers
0.35%
Engagement
+0.3%(+1.1K)
2.0
11
Coach Bennett
@coachbennett
PRE ORDER MY BOOK 📕 Check out the link below. 👊 Nike Running Global Head Coach This is about running. This is not about running.
Portland, United States of America
197.0K
Followers
2.86%
Engagement
+0.5%(+1.1K)
7.8
12
🏀 TOURNAMENT AUTHORITY
@hoopsource
A Global Brand 🌎 #1 Event Operator on the West Coast🏀 Leagues • Tournaments • Media • Events🏀 Home to the Presidents' Day Nationals🏀
Portland, United States of America
39.5K
Followers
0.40%
Engagement
+2.6%(+1.0K)
6.2
13
PERNILLA | Mind Science and Sports
@drpernillanathan
Helping athletes across 10+ countries to become fearless Doctorate in Clinical Psychology ANXIETY WORKBOOK releasing May 1st! Get first access ⬇️
Portland, United States of America
18.6K
Followers
21.15%
Engagement
+4.8%(+856)
8.5
14
Steven Smith
@stevensmith
CROCs Yeezy New Balance Reebok Nike and Adidas Design VW Porsche outlaw and lunatic The Godfather of dad shoes. OG Pump Fury designer + vibes only
Portland, United States of America
87.9K
Followers
0.00%
Engagement
+0.7%(+651)
6.7
15
Matt Judy
@matt_judy
Not a Guide | Pacific Flyway 🌲 Waterfowl Hunter | Snap: Mattjudy28 WSU Agriculture Grad 2016 🌾🚜 @divebombindustries 🔥 Host of Dive Bomb Squadcast
Portland, United States of America
79.3K
Followers
7.51%
Engagement
+0.8%(+601)
6.9
16
Taylor Tsvyetkov
@taylortsvyetkov_choreo
Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher ~ Portland, OR Based
Portland, United States of America
22.8K
Followers
9.75%
Engagement
+2.7%(+596)
8.7
17
Sam Portland | Speed Coach for Coaches | Elite Mentor
@thesamportland
🚀 Performance Coach & Author 📈 Coaching Business Architecture ⚡ Speed Systems & Coach Development 👇 Resources • Legacy • Apply
Portland, United States of America
33.3K
Followers
0.04%
Engagement
+1.8%(+595)
5.4
18
Channing Frye
@channingfrye
Podcast: @roadtrippin x Founder: @chosenfamilywines DRINK UP’
Portland, United States of America
262.0K
Followers
1.71%
Engagement
+0.2%(+546)
7.8
19
Alysha W
@alyshawexplores
Traveler • Hiker • Runner • Paddler 52 hike challenge ambassador Looking to plan a trip? Check out my blog!
Portland, United States of America
19.2K
Followers
1.94%
Engagement
+2.8%(+529)
6.8
20
Megan Gustafson
@megangustafson10
WNBA Portland Fire #17 🔥🌹 Corgi Mom to @its_panny_thecake Author of Pancake’s Passport 📚 Founder of @theinspiredbookshelf
Portland, United States of America
54.2K
Followers
24.38%
Engagement
+0.9%(+479)
8.9

About This Instagram Influencer Ranking

Discover the most influential creators in Portland with our comprehensive ranking of the top 20 influencers on Instagram who post Athletics & Sports content. This data‑driven analysis identifies the content creators who are shaping conversations, driving trends, and commanding the highest engagement rates in 2026.

Key Insights & Metrics

  • Combined Reach: 3.2M potential impressions across all ranked influencers
  • Total Audience: 12.0M followers collectively following these creators
  • Average Engagement Rate: 4.41% - above industry average
  • Market Coverage: 385 total influencers analyzed in this category

Audience Demographics & Reach

The influencers in this ranking reach a diverse, global audience with primary concentrations in:

  • Top Markets: United States of America, Canada, Brazil
  • Gender Distribution: 39% Female, 62% Male
  • Primary Age Group: 25-34 years (39.8% of audience)
  • Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese

Why This Ranking Matters

For brands and marketers, this ranking provides essential intelligence for:

  • Identifying high-performing influencers for partnership opportunities
  • Understanding audience demographics for targeted campaigns
  • Benchmarking engagement rates and growth metrics
  • Discovering emerging talent with strong growth trajectories
  • Analyzing competitive landscape in Athletics & Sports niche

For content creators, these insights help with:

  • Understanding industry benchmarks and performance standards
  • Identifying successful content strategies from top performers
  • Network building and collaboration opportunities
  • Setting realistic growth targets based on peer performance

Methodology & Data Freshness

Our rankings are generated using advanced algorithms that analyze multiple performance indicators:

  • Profile Score: Proprietary metric combining reach, engagement, and growth
  • Engagement Rate: Average interaction rate across recent content
  • Growth Velocity: Month-over-month follower growth and momentum
  • Content Consistency: Posting frequency and audience retention
  • Audience Quality: Authenticity scores and demographic relevance

Data is refreshed weekly to ensure you're always working with the most current information. Last update includes performance data through May 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the fastest‑growing Athletics & Sports creator in Portland on Instagram?

MLS NEXT (@mlsnext) is, as of May 2026, the fastest‑growing Athletics & Sports creator in Portland on Instagram, with +2.4% monthly growth (+9.0K followers).

How many followers did MLS NEXT (@mlsnext) gain last month?

MLS NEXT (@mlsnext) gained about 9.0K followers last month (+2.4%).

Who grew more: MLS NEXT (@mlsnext) or Sam Balto (@coachbalto)?

MLS NEXT (@mlsnext) grew more than Sam Balto (@coachbalto) (9.0K vs 8.3K).

How is Sam Balto (@coachbalto) performing right now?

Sam Balto (@coachbalto) is growing at +3.6% (+8.3K) per month, with a Profile Score of 8.2 and average engagement of N/A.

How is DJ Willingham (@dj_sneakerhead) performing right now?

DJ Willingham (@dj_sneakerhead) is growing at +3.5% (+5.5K) per month, with a Profile Score of 4.3 and average engagement of 0.98%.

How is Danny Tumia (@dannytumia) performing right now?

Danny Tumia (@dannytumia) is growing at +7.3% (+2.9K) per month, with a Profile Score of 7.4 and average engagement of 0.31%.

How is Gabi Dixson |Strongwoman|Model|Strength Coach (@gabigrl_prostrongwoman) performing right now?

Gabi Dixson |Strongwoman|Model|Strength Coach (@gabigrl_prostrongwoman) is growing at +2.6% (+2.5K) per month, with a Profile Score of 7.1 and average engagement of 0.00%.

Who had the higher percentage growth: Sam Balto (@coachbalto) or DJ Willingham (@dj_sneakerhead)?

Sam Balto (@coachbalto) leads (3.6% vs DJ Willingham (@dj_sneakerhead) 3.5%).

What is the absolute follower gain of MLS NEXT (@mlsnext)?

MLS NEXT (@mlsnext) gained about 9.0K followers last month (+2.4%).

What is the absolute follower gain of Sam Balto (@coachbalto)?

Sam Balto (@coachbalto) gained about 8.3K followers last month (+3.6%).

What is the absolute follower gain of DJ Willingham (@dj_sneakerhead)?

DJ Willingham (@dj_sneakerhead) gained about 5.5K followers last month (+3.5%).

What is the absolute follower gain of Danny Tumia (@dannytumia)?

Danny Tumia (@dannytumia) gained about 2.9K followers last month (+7.3%).

What is the absolute follower gain of Gabi Dixson |Strongwoman|Model|Strength Coach (@gabigrl_prostrongwoman)?

Gabi Dixson |Strongwoman|Model|Strength Coach (@gabigrl_prostrongwoman) gained about 2.5K followers last month (+2.6%).

Is MLS NEXT (@mlsnext) still a relevant creator?

Yes — MLS NEXT (@mlsnext) has a Profile Score of 6.5, average engagement of 0.84%, and +2.4% (+9.0K) monthly follower growth, indicating high relevance.

What is a good engagement rate for Athletics & Sports in United States of America?

The average engagement rate for this category is 4.41%. Generally, rates above 5.3% are considered excellent, while rates above 3.5% are good. Engagement rates vary by platform, niche, and follower count - micro-influencers often have higher rates than mega-influencers.

How is the Profile Score calculated?

The Profile Score (0-10 scale) is a composite metric that weighs several factors: 40% engagement quality, 25% audience reach, 20% growth momentum, 10% content consistency, and 5% audience authenticity. A score above 7.0 indicates a high-performing influencer, while scores above 8.5 represent elite-tier creators.

Can I use this data for influencer marketing campaigns?

Yes! This ranking is designed to help brands, agencies, and marketers identify potential partnership opportunities. The data provides a starting point for campaign planning, competitor analysis, and market research. For detailed campaign analytics and contact information, consider upgrading to our professional tools.

What does monthly growth percentage mean?

Monthly growth shows the percentage change in followers over the past 30 days. Positive growth (green) indicates gaining followers, while negative growth (red) means losing followers. The number in parentheses shows the absolute follower change. High growth rates often indicate viral content or successful campaigns.

Why should I track influencers in Portland?

Location-specific influencer tracking is crucial for targeted marketing campaigns. Local influencers often have higher engagement rates within their geographic area, understand cultural nuances, and can drive better ROI for region-specific products or services. They're particularly valuable for retail, hospitality, and location-based businesses.

How can I improve my ranking as an influencer?

Focus on these key areas: (1) Increase engagement by creating content that encourages comments and shares, (2) Post consistently to maintain audience interest, (3) Use relevant hashtags to expand reach, (4) Collaborate with other creators in your niche, (5) Respond to comments to build community, and (6) Analyze your best-performing content and create similar pieces.

Note: This ranking represents a snapshot of current instagram influence based on publicly available data. Rankings can fluctuate based on content performance, platform algorithm changes, and audience behavior. Use this data as one of several factors in your decision-making process.