Federer will no longer be able to use his iconic RF logo as the design is owned by NikeGETTY IMAGES
Roger Federer's career-long association with Nike "appeared to be over" at Wimbledon this morning, as he "walked on to Centre Court ... wearing a Uniqlo branded outfit," according to Pritha Sarkar of REUTERS. Gone was the "Nike swoosh from his bandana and the RF logo that usually appears on his jacket." Federer "can no longer" the RF logo use it as the design is owned by Nike. However, he was "wearing Nike footwear" in his match against Dusan Lajovic, as Uniqlo "does not manufacture shoes" (REUTERS, 7/2). The N.Y. Times' Christopher Clarey tweeted, "Have been told by industry source that the RF logo will revert to Federer at some stage in the next few years. Am told they do not own the rights to it in perpetuity" (TWITTER.com, 7/2). In London, Michael Potts notes coming into Wimbledon, Federer had been "expected to continue" with Nike apparel (EXPRESS.co.uk, 7/2). ESPN's John McEnroe said of the lack of Nike swooshes on Federer's outfit, "It's disorienting, isn't it?" (“Wimbledon,” ESPN, 7/2).
MONEY TALKS: ESPN.com's Darren Rovell notes Federer has been wearing Nike since '94. Sources said that the Uniqlo deal is worth more than $300M guaranteed over 10 years and has an "unprecedented clause that says that Federer will still collect the money even if he doesn't play." Sources also said that the deal "could be even more lucrative for Federer," as it includes the "right for Federer's team to sell some patches on his shirt." Nike "did not allow him to do so" (ESPN.com, 7/2).
LA VIDA LOGO: SI's Jon Wertheim: "Federer/Uniqlo is tennis' answer to Lebron/Lakers.....Rumored for weeks but seeing the move official is still jarring." Tennis.com Senior Editor Ed McGrogan: "Biggest upset of Day 1 at #Wimbledon happens before a ball is struck on Centre Court: Roger Federer is wearing Uniqlo." Tennis writer Ben Rothenberg: "Federer, undefeated in Uniqlo."
