Head/Penn signs Agassi beyond playing days

Head/Penn Racquet Sports has renewed its partnership with Andre Agassi through a new contract that will cover the rest of Agassi's tennis career and his postcareer endeavors.

Head/Penn was expected to announce the partnership extension last Sunday at the season-ending Tennis Masters Cup, which is taking place at the Westside Tennis Club in Houston. Agassi is one of eight singles players competing at the Tennis Masters Cup.

Financial terms of the Agassi deal weren't disclosed. Industry sources characterized it as a multimillion-dollar deal.

Agassi, who uses Head's Liquidmetal Radical racket, also endorses Penn tennis balls. He originally signed with Head in 1993, renewing his contract in 1999.

"Andre is our pro tour voice," said Kevin Kempin, vice president of sales and marketing for Head/Penn Racquet Sports. "For us, this is a very strategic deal. Andre's recognition is so incredibly global. He is as popular, if not more so, in Europe and Japan than he is in the U.S."

Perry Rogers, Agassi's lawyer and representative, said: "We're excited about the deal. Head has been a great company with which to work. ... It was really nice that we were able to work out a deal that goes into Andre's retirement."

— Langdon Brockinton