ROGER FEDERER has become just the seventh athlete in history to reach billionaire status.
The tennis icon, 44, hung up his racquet in September 2022 following an emotional Laver Cup doubles farewell alongside Rafael Nadal.
GettyRoger Federer has become the seventh billionaire athlete[/caption]
Federer earned $130 million (£96m at time of writing) in prize money during his incredible career.
This sum is only behind those of Novak Djokovic ($188m) and Nadal ($134m) in tennis’ all-time list.
In addition to handsome earnings on the court, Federer has long been an extremely savvy operator off it.
The Swiss maestro was primarily with Nike during his illustrious career.
But a 10-year deal signed with Uniqlo in 2018, in addition to a 2021 investment in sportswear and shoe brand On, has proven to be a masterstroke for Federer, who per Forbes, is now worth $1.1 billion (£813m).
The 20-time Grand Slam champion penned a $300m (£228m), 10-year contract with Uniqlo aged 36 after his Nike deal expired in March 2018.
With Uniqlo not manufacturing tennis shoes, this left another potential avenue open to Federer.
The former Wimbledon favourite has a three per cent stake in On, who now work with SW19 champion Iga Swiatek, as well as rising stars Ben Shelton and Joao Fonseca.
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AFP or licensorsFederer signed with Uniqlo in 2018 following the expiry of his Nike deal[/caption]
GettyFederer counts Rolex among his many sponsors[/caption]
On now possesses a market capitalisation on the New York Stock Exchange of around $15bn (£11bn).
Per Forbes, Federer’s equity stands at approximately $375m (£277m).
The Basel boy continues to hold several of the same sponsors he earned as a player; including the likes of Rolex, Moet & Chandon, Mercedes-Benz, Wilson and Lindt.
While he has also invested in plant-based foods company NotCo, which also includes Lewis Hamilton as a partner.
Federer has stayed in tennis via the Laver Cup.
The annual event, cooked up alongside his agent Tony Godsick, sees Europe take on the rest of the world in a lavish three-day event.
Now counting as an official ATP-sanctioned tournament, Laver Cup has gone from strength to strength – with this year’s edition in San Francisco expected to make more than £15m.
EPAFederer’s Laver Cup concept has been a resounding success[/caption]
The Swiss has also long held a deal with Mercedes-BenzGetty Images – Getty
Federer’s newfound billionaire status puts him among elite company from the world of sport.
His fellow tennis player Ion Tiriac became the first sporting billionaire in 2007, despite peaking at No19 in the singles rankings.
Tiriac’s business interests post-retirement include real estate and car dealerships.
In tennis he coached several players on tour, as well as working as Boris Becker‘s agent.
He also owned the Madrid Masters tournament, before selling it for around £310m.
Michael Jordan was the second billionaire athlete, reaching that status in 2014.
Jordan, 62, is worth $3.8bn (£2.8m), having been arguably the greatest basketball player of all time.
Nike’s Jordan Brand remains incredibly successful to this day, while MJ flogged his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets for approximately $3bn (£2.2bn) in 2023.
Former Los Angeles Laker Magic Johnson is said to be possess a $1.5 bn (£1.1bn) fortune, while ex-Milwaukee Buck Junior Bridgeman was worth $1.4bn prior to his death in March, having invested in Wendy’s after his playing days.
LeBron James and Tiger Woods are the only athletes to reach the landmark while still playing.
James, 40, is said to be worth $1.2bn (£890m), as he prepares to enter his 23rd NBA season.
Woods, meanwhile, is believed to be worth $1.3bn (£960m) aged 49.
GettyMichael Jordan and LeBron James have both reached billionaire status[/caption]
GettyTiger Woods reached the landmark while still being an active player[/caption]
GettyThe late Junior Bridgeman invested in Wendy’s[/caption]
GettyIon Tiriac, left, previously owned the Madrid Masters[/caption]
GettyMagic Johnson is part of the exclusive billionaire athletes club[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
