Roger Federer’s long-term deals see him become tennis’ first billionaire
Bulk of the Swiss legend’s wealth has come from huge sponsorship deals, as well as an astute investment in a local sneaker brand
Tennis superstar Roger Federer is now one of the few athletes who can count themselves a billionaire.
Federer, who won 20 grand slam titles between 2003 and 2018, amassed US$130.6 million in prize money during a 24-year playing career that ended in 2022. But the bulk of the Swiss star’s wealth has come via a series of bumper sponsorship deals, alongside an astute investment in a local sneaker brand.
His net worth is about US$1.3 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, putting him in elite company. Michael Jordan’s hit an estimated US$3.5 billion after the sale of his stake in the Charlotte Hornets in 2023, while last year Bloomberg calculated Tiger Woods’ wealth at about US$1.36 billion.
Federer is worth considerably more than US$1 billion, according to people close to him who spoke on condition of anonymity. Bloomberg’s valuation takes into account Federer’s career earnings, investments and endorsement deals, adjusted for prevailing Swiss tax rates and market performance.
Many of his deals have lasted decades, from sponsorships with Credit Suisse bank (now UBS Group AG), watchmaker Rolex and Swiss chocolatier Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprungli AG.
Federer has also built a close advisory network around him, including through Team8, the management company he co-founded with long-time agent Tony Godsick in 2013, and also the Swiss firm Format A AG, which helps manage various investments and his charitable foundation.