The Women’s Draw: Prince Signs Sharapova To Lifetime Deal

Sharapova Inks Lifetime Deal With Prince

As the U.S. Open begins today in N.Y., Prince has signed Maria Sharapova to a lifetime contract, “believed to be the first deal of its kind for a female athlete,” according to CNBC’s Darren Rovell. Prince has had a relationship with Sharapova since she was nine years old (“Squawk Box,” CNBC, 8/28).

MAURESMO LACKS ENDORSEMENTS: BLOOMBERG NEWS’ Danielle Sessa writes No. 1-ranked female player Amelie Mauresmo, who is openly gay, “lags behind her rivals in endorsements.” In addition to equipment sponsorships with Reebok and Dunlop, Mauresmo currently has deals with only France-based natural gas company Gaz de France and eyeglass retailer Alain Afflelou SA. Octagon’s Micky Lawler, Mauresmo’s agent, declined to say how much Mauresmo makes from endorsements, but The Bonham Group Chair Dean Bonham estimated she likely earns $1-2M per year. Lawler said that Mauresmo “hasn’t been offered and isn’t seeking deals with companies that cater to gays and lesbians” (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 8/28).

COMEBACK: In N.Y., Richard Sandomir cited a source as saying that Martina Hingis, who returned to competitive tennis last year, is “already within sight of $10[M] in endorsement revenues this year,” which is “not far from Hingis’ annual earnings” before announcing her retirement in ‘03. Hingis’ adidas deal has “continued, but it was scaled back financially to reflect her role as a company ambassador, offering advice on new products and instructing young players at a company camp.” Her Yonex contract also “proceeded but as a magnet at promotional events.”

Hingis Nearing $10M In Endorsement Revenues This Year

She added Switzerland-based appliance company V-ZUG, where her compensation “could rise with the company’s profile beyond western Europe.” She also signed with Phiten, “which makes titanium jewelry that is said to boost energy.” Omega did not extend its deal with her, “although it returned once she made her comeback.” V-ZUG exec Rene Fankhauser said that “the renown from Hingis’ so-far successful return has given the company an uptick in unanticipated publicity” (N.Y. TIMES, 8/26).

NOT READY FOR PRIME TIME? Venus Williams withdrew from the U.S. Open last week because of injury, and Serena Williams “needed a wildcard to get into the Open draw because her ranking had slipped below 100 at selection time.” In N.Y., Marc Berman writes CBS created the prime-time Saturday-night women’s final in ‘01 “because of the Williams’ sisters’ popularity and success. Now it must be wondering if it was a ratings mistake. Unless [Sharapova] advances to her first Open Final, the women’s event is doomed to be blasé, compared to the riveting men’s field” (N.Y. POST, 8/28). Serena, on her interests outside of tennis, “It’s important for me to do other things I enjoy.” She said that she has pitched and sold a biopic about her idol, Althea Gibson, “which she plans to produce with Venus” (N.Y. TIMES, 8/28).