Roger Federer Reportedly Set to Leave Nike for Uniqlo
In a new $300 million USD deal.
Despite a string of collaborative sneakers earlier this year — including the “Federer Forever” Air Force 1 and the “Neon” Vapor RF — Roger Federer‘s relationship with Nike could be coming to an end. The Swiss tennis legend first signed with Nike back in 1994, before signing a new $100 million USD 10-year contract in 2008.
That contract expired earlier this year, and Federer is now believed to be on the brink of signing a new sponsorship deal with Uniqlo. The Japanese label — which previously had a contract with Novak Djokovic before he moved to Lacoste — is believed to have offered a $30 million USD per-year deal that will last until 2028. Uniqlo is believed to be willing to spend heavily on Federer ahead of the 2020 Olympics, which will take place in Tokyo.
There are a few stumbling blocks to the deal. Firstly, Uniqlo doesn’t produce tennis shoes, so Federer would have to find an additional sponsor for his footwear. Secondly, Nike is believed to own the rights to Federer’s “RF” logo, so the emblem would not be part of any potential Uniqlo releases.
In other sports news, check out the latest installment in our “Destined” series.
