Swiss great Roger Federer was still finding his way on the tennis circuit when football and basketball legends ruled the sports millionaire club. The Swiss Maestro is the only one to become a billionaire in the tennis world, thanks to Nike. Interestingly, the American athletic wear giant did not make him a billionaire. Nike letting go of the 20-time Grand Slam champion is what made take the first step in becoming a billionaire: signing a deal with Japanese giant Uniqlo. This partnership increased Federer’s annual earnings from $10 million to $30 million per year. While the world was still processing the massive number, King Roger nailed the masterstroke by signing with ‘On running’ for 3% equity, valued at around $300,000,000.

Nike largely relies on its immortal Air Jordan move, launched in 1984. Michael Jordan was hardly just an NBA player, but a champion for the ages. Recognizing his immense brand value, Nike made its gambit and signed the young prodigy in his debut year itself. Nike believed in MJ’s talent, just like it did in Federer’s. Recently, the 42-year-old commented on Jordan’s move and the jaw-dropping influence of his investment on the NBA legend.

Roger Federer shares how he and Michael Jordan are different

In 2002, a 21-year-old Swiss star renewed his Nike deal for $2 million. But this financial move was publicly condemned by a prominent American tennis agent, which led the Swiss Maestro to analyze his decision. In 2005, the former World No.1 made $14 million. Though he won both the US Open and the Wimbledon, he earned less than Andy Roddick, Serena Williams, and Maria Sharapova. So, the tennis legend hired a new agent through Monica Seles.

The collaboration increased his annual earnings by 207% in 5 years, from $14 million to $43 million. The sales have surged to 4,800,000,000 recently, and along with it, Jordan’s revenue. In 2013, Federer became the 2nd highest-paid athlete in the world, surpassing LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. With his new agent, Tony Godsick, Federer even started his own company, Team 8. The 20-time Grand Slam champion’s net worth increased through various global brands like Rolex, Wilson, Mercedes, and Lindt.

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By April 2023, Jordan earned $1.3 Billion from Nike’s Air, out of his reported $1.7 Billion net worth. However, the NBA legend does not own a stake in the athletic giant despite a whopping 39 years of association. So, Federer’s move compelled Jordan’s mother to have the legend negotiate a new deal with Nike. In an interview with Complex, Federer was asked about His Airness and his stake in Nike. The tennis veteran said, “I think Jordan’s story is very unique. Every story is unique and sometimes you have certain brands they hit rock bottom before they thrive and all that stuff. So, I feel his story is unique.”

Sharing how his decisions communicate a message, Federer said, “I do think, like my situation maybe shows other athletes what can be done, that investing in a young company or getting a piece of the company is very different.” Not thinking, ‘What is going to be my paycheck at the end of the month for the year?’ But maybe the paycheck in 10 years. Not thinking as an athlete is not easy.” The God of tennis also revealed the importance of the family’s advice while sharing his relationship with On.

The Swiss Maestro’s experience as a shareholder in On

Federer actively participates in designing and delivering feedback for the sneakers manufactured with the help of sensory feedback. He said, “My relationship now with On is great. It’s super close because when you are a shareholder owner, it’s a different ball game, and it’s a lot of fun and I learn a lot as well, being that you have the percentage of the company.” The 8-time Wimbledon winner also divulged into financial security issues and significant advice from the right people.

Stating Jordan as an example, the 103 singles titles winner explained how crucial it is to have parents’ advice to gain confidence and gather alternatives. Federer’s ‘On’ is rocketing, with 60% of its business in the US. The Swiss athletic giant set a massive $3.5 Billion sales target by 2026. Federer-backed On has 20-plus stores in the US, and their demand is surging. Champions like Ben Shelton and Iga Swiatek have joined forces with the Swiss giant, and with an American and Federer by its side, On aims to emerge as a global giant and likely be a threat to the time-honored brands like Nike and Adidas.

If Jordan decides to renew the contract for a higher amount, the Swiss veteran’s scenario will probably be repeated. Brands in sports follow a standard convention to confine only 10% of their aggregate revenue to athlete sponsorship deals. Nike spends more income on sponsorships and endorsement deals than any other brand. So, increasing the already maximum budget is a closed door. Do you think Jordan will renew his Nike deal?

WATCH THIS STORY: The Journey Of Roger Federer To The Elite Billionaire’s Club