While Roger Federer is globally celebrated for his prowess on the tennis court, his most lucrative achievement has, in fact, been off the court. The Swiss tennis maestro, ranked third among the highest-earning tennis players in history, trailing only Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, has significantly augmented his wealth through savvy business ventures.
A notable part of Federer’s financial success is his investment in the Swiss running shoe company, On Running. Already a fan of the brand, Federer didn’t just endorse the product, but he bought into the company, acquiring 3% equity. This strategic move not only made Federer the face of the brand but also allowed him to design his own shoe line, which has considerably boosted the company’s fortunes.
Federer’s fame and endorsement have proven to be a golden goose for On Running. The company’s valuation skyrocketed to $12 billion, and when it went public in September 2021, its shares were sold at $24 each. This meant that Federer’s stake in the company soared to a staggering $360 million, almost tripling his career tennis earnings of $130 million.
Federer’s collaboration with On Running is more than just a passive investment. He was actively involved in creating his own shoe line, The ROGER Pro. His deep knowledge and expertise were instrumental in the design and technology of the shoe, catering to the specific needs of tennis players. His contribution to the brand’s success has been significant, with On Running lauding him as one of their most admired innovation leaders.
Beyond his tennis career and strategic investments, Federer’s marketability has earned him top spots in the world’s richest athletes list. In 2020, Forbes crowned him as the world’s highest-paid athlete. His considerable wealth is also due to lucrative sponsorship deals with high-end brands such as Rolex, Mercedes-Benz, and Wilson.
One of Federer’s most significant sponsorship deals was with the Japanese clothing giant Uniqlo. In 2018, Uniqlo lured Federer away from Nike with a 10-year deal worth $300 million, making it one of the most substantial sponsorship agreements for any athlete.
But Federer’s business acumen isn’t limited to footwear and apparel. He has also ventured into the food industry. He was part of a group of athletes, including F1 driver Lewis Hamilton and golfer Tiger Woods, that invested $330 million in Chilean plant-based food company NotCo.
Federer is not alone among tennis players in exploring investment opportunities. For instance, Rafael Nadal recently pocketed €100 million after selling 44.9% of his tennis academy in Mallorca. He also earns a tidy sum as a tennis ambassador for Saudi Arabia. Similarly, Andy Murray owns a portfolio of investments, including a £2 million hotel near his Dunblane home, and Novak Djokovic recently launched a wellness product, SILA, with Austrian company Waterdrop.
These tennis stars’ investment moves serve as a reminder that their prowess extends beyond the tennis court and into the business arena, where they continue to make their mark. In Federer’s case, his skill and marketability have not only made him one of the richest athletes globally but also a savvy investor whose business acumen equals his tennis mastery.