Tennis star Roger Federer enters billionaire club with $1.3b fortune

Tennis icon Roger Federer has officially become a billionaire, joining the exclusive ranks of athletes who’ve parlayed sporting success into immense personal wealth.

Over a 24-year career that ended in 2022, the 20-time Grand Slam champion earned $130.6 million in prize money. However, the bulk of his fortune has come off the court—from lucrative sponsorships and a shrewd investment in a rising Swiss sneaker brand.

Federer’s net worth is estimated at $1.3 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. He now stands among legends like Michael Jordan, whose fortune hit $3.5 billion after selling his stake in the Charlotte Hornets in 2023, and Tiger Woods, valued at around $1.36 billion.

Much of Federer’s financial success stems from long-standing partnerships with global and Swiss brands, including Rolex, Lindt, and Credit Suisse (now UBS). He's also surrounded himself with a tight-knit advisory team, notably through Team8—a management company he co-founded in 2013 with longtime agent Tony Godsick—and Format A AG, a Swiss firm managing his investments and foundation.

“Federer is totally scandal-free. He never says the wrong thing,” noted sports analyst Bob Dorfman. “He’s not a fiery personality like McEnroe, but in terms of marketability, he’s been one of tennis’s best.”

One of Federer’s biggest endorsements came in 2018, when he left Nike after over two decades and signed a $300 million, 10-year deal with Japanese brand Uniqlo. At 37 and nearing retirement, the no-strings-attached contract was a major win, especially since Uniqlo doesn’t make shoes—leaving the door open for another footwear deal.

That opportunity came via a chance introduction from his wife, who had purchased sneakers from Swiss startup On. Impressed by the brand, Federer met with its founders over dinner in Zurich and later acquired a 3% stake in On Holding AG. The company, now worth nearly $17 billion, has made his stake worth at least $500 million. He’s also collaborated with On to design his own signature shoe.

Unlike many retired athletes, Federer has avoided the usual media circuits and questionable endorsements. Instead, he’s made occasional public appearances—recently waving the French flag to start the Le Mans endurance race and launching a new Uniqlo clothing line in Paris. He’s also expected to appear at Wimbledon next week, the site of many of his most memorable victories.

With inputs from Bloomberg