Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova has signed a multi-year endorsement deal with leading tennis racquet manufacturer Head racquets. Widespread reports suggest that the deal is worth US$2 million annually.
Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova has signed a multi-year endorsement deal with leading tennis racquet manufacturer Head racquets. Widespread reports suggest that the deal is worth US$2 million annually.
The endorsement deal will see the three-time Grand Slam champion work with Head to develop a new racquet. Under the terms of the collaboration, Sharapova will also oversee the development and design of Head products such as a high-performance tour racquet line as well as a range of junior and kid’s racquets, accessories and tennis bags to be released in coming years.
Sharapova joins the company’s marketing team known as “Head Racquet Rebels” consisting of other tennis stars Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Robin Soderling, the third, fourth and fifth ranked players on the ATP World Tour.
Johan Eliasch, Head chief executive officer, said of the deal: “We are proud to have Maria on board with so many other great tennis athletes like Novak, Andy, and Robin. She definitely helps us build a much stronger women’s team together with Victoria Azarenka and Svetlana Kuznetsova.”
The former world number one Sharapova said of the partnership: “I am excited to be in the Head team and looking forward to this partnership. With my new Head weapon I am confident to regain a spot among the top 10 again soon.”
Regularly claiming the title of the world’s highest-paid female athlete, the 23-year old, who was ranked 24th in SportPro’s 50 most marketable athletes list last year, earns the majority of her income through sponsorships and endorsements such as deals with Tiffany & Co. and French mineral water brand Evian. In January 2010 the Russian signed a record-breaking US$70 million contract extension with Nike.
Maria Sharapova signs multi-year deal with Evian
Three-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova has signed a multiyear agreement with Evian, a French brand of mineral water.
Three-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova has signed a multiyear agreement with Evian, a French brand of mineral water.
“I have been drinking their products and using their face spray for years,” Sharapova said.
Earlier this week, Sharapova, the world’s highest-paid female athlete, was named the number 16 seed a Wimbledon, which started on June 21st. In addition to Wimbledon, Evian is also a sponsor of the US and Australian Opens. Sharapova has won all three in her career.
“She is a superstar, she is famous in many countries,” Michael Aidan, global brand director at Evian, which is sold in 152 nations, said in an interview. “She embodies a youthful spirit that fits our brand.”
For the campaign, Sharapova is wearing a t-shirt with a printed figure of a baby and a bottle of Evian water. Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.
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