Strip Search: Sharapova Close To Signing Deal With Enlyten

Enlyten Would Allow Sharapova To Do Other Drink Deals

Sony Ericsson WTA Tour player Maria Sharapova is "close to signing a deal" with Enlyten SportStrips, which would mark parent company HealthSport's "first big move against" Gatorade, according to sources cited by Darren Rovell of CNBC.com. The proposed deal would give Sharapova "up-front cash and a piece of the company that would be worth more annually than the deal she had with Gatorade." Sharapova signed a two-year deal with Gatorade in January '07 that was reportedly "worth about $900,000 a year." Sources indicated that Gatorade "tried to extend that deal at a reduction, citing a rough economic environment." But reps for Sharapova "instead looked to Enlyten." Rovell reported Enlyten is "planning on relaunching its Web site on January 9, also coinciding with the launching of a new energy strip." January 9, notably, "would be one day after Sharapova's Gatorade deal was announced two years ago." A deal with Enlyten "would enable Sharapova to help grow a company, get a piece of the brand and also allow her to do other drink deals." Redskins DE Jason Taylor is the "only other major active star" on Enlyten's endorsement roster. Meanwhile, sources indicated that Gatorade would be "looking for another women's tennis star to fill Sharapova's place," and the spot "will likely be filled" by Serena Williams (CNBC.com, 11/6).