Maria Sharapova Gets 8 Year, $70 Million Nike Deal
Bloombergreports that Maria Sharapova has extended her sponsorship deal with Nike for another 8 years for $70 million. The deal will also include a line of dresses designed by Maria Sharapova.
The deal takes effect this month and includes a line of dresses designed by the former top-ranked tennis player. The 22-year-old will also get a percentage of sales, according to the person, who asked not to be identified because the terms are private. Nike spokesman Derek Kent declined to comment.
Nike is the world's largest athletic-shoe maker, and has worked with the Russian for 11 years. Since winning Wimbledon in 2004 at the age of 17, Sharapova has become one of the biggest draws on the WTA Tour and the world's best-paid female athlete. She has also won the Australian and U.S. Opens.
"Sharapova is one of those stars whose name transcends sports, similar to David Beckham," said Stefan Szymanski, an economics professor at the Cass Business School in London. "She's become an international celebrity first, and an athlete second."
Maria Sharapova's agent Max Eisenbud told Bloomberg, that Sharapova wants more deals like the Nike deal where she gets a percentage of sales.
Maria Sharapova is currently practicing for the Australian Open.
Bloomberg 
