4. Maria Sharapova – Nike
Maria Sharapova is the proof that tennis tournament is a great platform for endorsement. Because it is an individual sport (that means all eyes on just two to four players on court) which lasts up to six hours per match.
Unlike other athletes, tennis players have many kinds of on-court endorsement. For Sharapova, one of them is the Nike Zoom Vapor ($140 per pair). This topic is discussed in this article: Tennis Player’s Accessories: The Top 10 List.
Unfortunately, Sharapova is currently banned from all tournaments due to substance abuse allegation.
Sharapova’s relation with Nike is really special. In January 2010, she signed an 8-year deal for $70 million with the company. This is the most lucrative deal ever for a sportswoman. Plus, she has her own Nike’s apparel line: “Nike Maria Sharapova Collection”.
