Sharapova Inks New Nike Deal
With five straight match wins in Memphis, Maria Sharapova won her first tournament of the year this past weekend and 21st career title. Nike has also apparently extended Maria Sharapova’s endorsement deal with the company. According to reports, Sharapova will earn
$70 million plus a percentage of sales during the eight years of the deal. According to her agent, Sharapova is seeking to secure an equity deal in more of her contracts in the future. The new Nike contract also includes a line of dresses designed by the fashionable Sharapova who also designs handbags and shoes for Cole Haan and wears Tiffany earrings at each of the Grand Slams. While Sharapova has remained with Nike, several top male players have recently switched clothing brands and signed lucrative contracts, i.e. Andy Murray from Fred Perry to adidas and Novak Djokovic from adidas to Sergio Tacchini.
At the age of 22, Sharapova is one of the most recognized athletes in the world and earns more money in off-court endorsements than any other female tennis player. According to Forbes, Maria earned over $22 million last year. During her career, Sharapova has already collected twenty-one titles including Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and the Australian Open. Maria only needs to win the French Open to achieve a rare career Grand Slam.
At the age of 22, Sharapova is one of the most recognized athletes in the world and earns more money in off-court endorsements than any other female tennis player. According to Forbes, Maria earned over $22 million last year. During her career, Sharapova has already collected twenty-one titles including Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and the Australian Open. Maria only needs to win the French Open to achieve a rare career Grand Slam.
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