Roger Federer is set to make tennis history…off the court

You know, I didn’t think Federer would be able to make any endorsement money after signing up to be a part of what I think are some of the cheesiest commercials in television history (thanks Gillette!), but it turns out that Nike thought otherwise. From Sports Business Journal (via Tennis Grand Stand),

Sports Business Journal is reporting in its January 28 issue that Nike is set to sign Federer to a 10-year extension of its contract that “could be worth as much as $13 million a year.”…

“Sources close to the deal differed on whether that money was fully guaranteed or in part depended on how well tennis’ top male player performs on the court. If the contract indeed reaches that amount ($13 million a year), the deal would make Federer one of the top-paid endorsers at Nike in any sport.”

Now, obviously, Roger Federer isn’t making LeBron (7-year/$90million) money, but how often do you see kids rocking the latest in tennis gear? Yeah, not very often. This deal is really just a testament to the greatness of Roger Federer, I mean how often does someone playing a fringe sport get an endorsement deal this lucrative? Compare his deal to Sidney Crosby’s Reebok endorsement deal back in 2005 (5 years/2.5 million), and I’d say that Roger is doing pretty good…even though I still think those Gillette commercials are horrible.

Tennis Grand Stand: Roger Federer is set to break another tennis record

USAToday: Junior star Crosby pens endorsement deal with Gatorade

Category: Fringe Sports