Roger Federer signs with UNIQLO for over $300 million, ends partnership with Nike

The biggest news in the early hours of Wimbledon wasn’t a shocking tennis result, but rather shocking apparel news. Top overall seed and eight-time Wimbledon champ Roger Federer has switched over from Nike to UNIQLO, and he debuted with his new brand in the first round Monday morning.

Federer’s deal with UNIQLO is for 10 years, over $300 million

Per ESPN’s Darren Rovell, Federer’s deal with the Japanese outfitter is for 10 years and will pay him over $300 million. It’s a huge deal for a the Swiss superstar, and one that carries the money Federer’s team had wanted. His career on-court earnings — $116.6 million — pale in comparison to this apparel deal, Rovell wrote. Perhaps most importantly, the deal also features a clause that says he will continue to be paid even if he doesn’t play. Given that Federer is 36, the end of his playing career is certainly approaching.

Federer’s deal with Nike expired in March, and his new look is a major switch for the tennis world. Nike had sponsored Federer for the past decade and was on his body for all 20 of his career Grand Slams.

Federer took to the famed Wimbledon grass wearing unbranded warmups but then revealed a Uniqlo shirt, shorts and headband along with Nike shoes.

The most jarring change is the lack of the iconic “RF” logo, which is owned by Nike, not Federer. Nike’s rights to the logo are not eternal, though, and they will return to Federer within “the next few years” per Christopher Clarey of the New York Times. The “RF” logo did appear on the plastic bags that cover his rackets.

Federer looked his same old self in his new gear, disposing of Dusan Lajovic 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 in the first round.

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