While Noah Lyles is making waves on the track, he is also stirring the pot off-track with his bold personality. In February 2024, Lyles renewed his contract with Adidas, one of the biggest sports companies globally. The details of the deal weren’t disclosed, but it’s hinted that it’s a significant deal, possibly comparable to Usain Bolt‘s contract with Puma, which was around $10 million per year.

Lyles has teased fans about this amount, further adding fuel to the situation as people are left guessing. So, as we reflect on this iconic deal, let us explore why track and field athletes’ contracts are kept a huge secret.

How track and field athlete contracts work

In April 2023, track and field star Marvin Bracy discussed track and field contracts with Citius Mag. When asked about his absence during indoor events, Bracy explained that he was in the midst of contract negotiations. He returned wearing a Nike uniform, revealing that his contract with Nike had ended on December 31st, a common occurrence in track and field. Bracy explained that Nike had the option to match offers from other companies, but they prioritize contracts based on athletes’ performance and popularity. In Bracy’s case, other athletes like Marcell Jacobs and Fred Kerley had contract negotiations before him, which affected the available budget for Bracy’s contract.

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Bracy mentioned that the contracts of other top athletes in the sport, such as Fred Kerley and Marcell Jacobs, influenced his contract negotiations. As these athletes signed with other companies, it freed up more money for Bracy’s contract with Nike. He even shared, “I think that one day maybe they will broaden their horizons and sign other people.” He even mentioned Noah Lyles, stating how Lyles, who is signed by Adidas, could make things more interesting in track and field. So why is there so much secrecy involved as well?

Why are athlete deals like Noah Lyles’ Adidas partnership kept secret?

Track and field contracts are often shrouded in secrecy, keeping the specifics of athletes’ agreements with sponsors confidential. Bracy pointed out that while publicizing contracts could bring about increased exposure and potentially higher salaries, the lack of transparency allows negotiations to occur discreetly, potentially resulting in unequal treatment among athletes. He even drew a comparison to sports like the NFL, where public contracts fuel interest and rivalry among players.

Read more: “Such a Class Act”: Twitter Applauds As Noah Lyles Averts Interview To Respect Canadian National Anthem

Understanding what fellow track and field athletes earn can help track stars gauge their worth and negotiate accordingly. Bracy emphasized the significance of appearance fees in track and field, which can vary greatly based on an athlete’s performance and marketability. Awareness of others’ earnings can impact an athlete’s competitive mindset and drive to excel. Reflecting on these insights, it becomes clear why Noah Lyles’ recent deal was kept under wraps. What are your thoughts on this? Feel free to share in the comments below.

Also Read: Adidas Opens a Box of Memories to Support Noah Lyles at World Indoor Championships