Hidden clauses, XXL privileges: the behind-the-scenes of contracts between players and brands

In the backstage of pro tennis, contracts are not equal. Between stars capable of imposing their rules and anonymous players forced to accept strict clauses, an invisible gap is widening.

© AFP

Arthur Millot

le 26/11/2025 à 18h28

2 min to read

Alcaraz Djokovic Extraits de Dossiers Federer Nadal Sinner

The commercial battle between brands has never been so fierce. To attract talents from the circuit, equipment manufacturers bring out the heavy artillery: customized contracts, record bonuses, exclusive innovations.

But one question arises: what happens once the signature is obtained? And above all: are all players treated equally?

Stars impose their rules

The answer is simple: no. Some top champions, true machines for generating visibility and sales, have almost total power. They negotiate almost everything:

- the maximum number of photo shoots per year,

- the number of mandatory marketing events,

- the choice of their outfits,

- the design of their shoes,

- and sometimes even the exact dates of their media appearances.

These players work hand in hand with the brand, influence collections, test prototypes... A collaboration that goes far beyond the simple role of ambassador.

On the ATP side, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were the best examples, and Novak Djokovic still is. As for the new generation, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are part of this category of privileged players.

The rest of the circuit: obligations and possible sanctions

For the vast majority, those not seen in close-ups in global campaigns, the reality is quite different.

An average player must comply with a series of rigid rules, sometimes difficult to manage in the midst of an already grueling season:

- exclusive wearing of the brand, without any exception,

- mandatory attendance at scheduled photo shoots,

- participation in media and social media obligations, according to imposed standards,

- and, in case of deviation, risk of financial penalties.

A contractual inequality that only widens the gap between the best and the rest of the rankings.

Find the full investigation this weekend (November 29-30)

"The clothing war: how apparel contracts dominate the tennis business." To be published the weekend of November 29-30, 2025.