Roger Federer: How the Tennis Icon Became a Billionaire
Jul 03, 2025
Roger Federer hasn’t played a professional match in nearly two years, but he’s racking up wins where it really counts: his bank account.
According to Bloomberg, the 20-time Grand Slam champion has officially reached billionaire status, with an estimated net worth of $1.1 billion. He’s only the second tennis player to hit that mark (after Ion Tiriac)—a feat made possible by shrewd, long-term deals with elite global brands.
Federer’s career earnings from tennis prize money total around $130 million. That’s impressive, but it’s less than 15% of his total wealth. The rest comes from endorsements, investments, and licensing agreements that continue to pay off years after his retirement.
Photo: © On.
The biggest driver? His partnership with the ultra-cool Swiss shoe company On Holding AG. Federer invested in the company in 2019 and helped shape its performance tennis shoe line, The Roger Pro. When On went public in 2021, its valuation surged. Bloomberg estimates Federer’s stake in the company is now worth roughly $300 million.
Another major contributor is Uniqlo. Federer signed a 10-year, $300 million deal with the Japanese apparel giant in 2018 after leaving Nike. Notably, that contract gets paid out whether he plays or not. According to Bloomberg, it includes a rare clause allowing him to earn the full amount even if he never returns to competition.
Endorsement deals with Rolex, Mercedes-Benz, and Credit Suisse further padded his bottom line. Some of these relationships have lasted over a decade, a testament to Federer’s global appeal. Federer earns tens of millions annually from these deals alone, most of which remain active post-retirement.
Photo: © On.
What sets Federer apart isn’t just the brands, but the structure of his partnerships. As Bloomberg reports, “Rather than short-term promotional contracts, Federer has embraced decade-long licensing and equity agreements that continue to generate revenue long after his playing days.”
In addition to endorsements and equity stakes, Federer also co-runs Team8, a sports management firm he co-founded in 2013 with agent Tony Godsick. The company represents other players and helps stage events like the Laver Cup, which Federer helped create.
It’s worth noting how rare this is in sports. While Michael Jordan and LeBron James built billion-dollar empires largely on their brand licensing and media ventures, Federer is arguably the first to do it through this unique approach to long-term endorsements alone.
At 42, Federer's playing days are over, but his earning power is arguably stronger than ever. As Bloomberg notes, “Even in retirement, Federer remains a marketing powerhouse—proof that timeless appeal and smart business strategy can outlast even the most brilliant athletic career.”
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