What comes to your mind when you hear Lebron James is now a billionaire? Let us guess: the sports business has gotten lucrative!
Yeah, you are absolutely right if you think along this line. There is so much cash flowing in the sports industry and everyone is getting a fair slice.
This cuts across footballers like Erling Haaland pocketing mammoth weekly wages to punters making incredible profits staking with top bookmakers like 1xbet after extensively reviewing information on the latter’s bonus codes and app features.
Indeed, athletes make so much today from sponsorship deals. It is no secret that the biggest deals come from top dogs like Adidas and Nike.
Care to know some of the most lucrative sponsorship deals athletes have signed with Adidas?
Derrick Rose
According to Forbes, Rose’s deal with Adidas is worth an estimated $185 million over 14 years. But it’s not just about the money for Rose. Adidas has significantly influenced his career, as seen by his continued loyalty to the company since he initially signed a contract with them in 2012.
Adidas has supported Rose through his highs and lows on and off the court, and they have collaborated to make some unique trademark sneakers.
And it’s not just about the shoes either. Adidas and Rose have collaborated on some amazing charitable projects, such as offering basketball clinics in underprivileged Chicago neighborhoods. They have a genuine partnership built on respect for one another and a common desire to give back.
Lionel Messi
According to reports, Messi’s Adidas deal is worth an estimated $12 million annually. Messi has been a faithful Adidas athlete for years, and it’s evident that the brand has had a big impact on his career.
They’ve worked together to create some incredibly gorgeous and original soccer cleats, including the Messi Nemeziz line, which includes a distinctive design inspired by the Argentine’s swift and agile playing style.
And Adidas has supported Messi off the pitch as well. They’ve worked with him on many initiatives aimed at giving back to the community, including building soccer fields in underprivileged areas and donating to charitable causes.
With his sponsorship deal with Adidas, Lionel Messi is earning a significant sum of money, but other factors are at play. It’s about a collaboration founded on esteem for one another and a passion for soccer.
James Harden
According to suggestions from journalists, Harden’s contract with Adidas is presumably for a stunning $200 million over 13 years.
Since joining Adidas in 2015, Harden has played a significant role in the company’s effort to increase its visibility in the basketball community. He wore Adidas shoes during some of his most notable performances, like his 60-point triple-double in 2018.
But there is more than just a shoe connection between Harden and Adidas. He’s been involved in producing his own trademark sneaker, the Harden Vol. 5, and has partnered with the brand on a line of garments and accessories.
Yet for Harden, it’s not just about the cash and the equipment. He’s remarked about how vital it is for him to work with a business that he truly believes in and that supports his ideals.
David Beckham
Reportedly at over $160.8 million lifetime endorsement deal, Beckham’s deal with Adidas is one of the largest sponsorship deals signed in professional sports.
Beckham has been an Adidas athlete since the 1990s and has been a prominent brand ambassador ever since.
Beckham has sported Adidas apparel in some of his most memorable performances, including his free-kick goals and his stylish off-the-field attire.
As well as other Adidas clothing and accessories, he helped design his own line of custom soccer cleats.
Beckham is not only an accomplished athlete but also a fashion icon and philanthropist. He has advocated for causes like UNICEF and the fight against malaria using his platform, and his collaboration with Adidas has helped him spread his message even further.
Ana Ivanovic
Bagging around $3.5 million a year, Ana Ivanovic is one of the best athletes sponsored by Adidas.
This Serbian tennis player is a force to be reckoned with on the court, and her connection with Adidas has been a key part of her success.
Ivanovic has been an Adidas athlete for more than ten years, and many of her biggest victories have been achieved while donning the recognizable three stripes of the company.
Ivanovic has won 15 WTA singles titles, including the 2008 French Open, and reached the world No. 1 ranking.
She also established the Ana Ivanovic Foundation, an organization that promotes the education and development of kids and has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2007.
Damian Lillard
Since signing a deal with Adidas in 2014, Lillard has served as a well-known ambassador for the sports brand.
He has also ventured into the production of his own signature shoe line, the DAME series, and has worn Adidas clothing during some of his most memorable performances.
According to sources, Lillard’s sponsorship deal with Adidas is worth about $10 million annually.
Lillard is not just a talented sportsman but also a socially conscious influencer. He airs his voice on issues like racial inequality and police brutality, and his partnership with Adidas has given him the height to air his message even further.
Conclusion
These top athletes do not only qualify for the huge sponsorship deals they have with Adidas, but they stand as one of the best in their game. They are also known to pursue developmental goals for communities and venture into life-changing programs for people through the help of their sponsorship deals.