Prince Sports has signed Maria Sharapova to a lifetime endorsement agreement that extends their relationship together through her playing career and beyond.
Sharapova, who has been a member of the Prince Family since she was nine, will be the face of the brand through a unique, multifaceted marketing program that includes advertising, signature product lines, junior tennis programs, global grassroots efforts and grow-the-game initiatives.
“Prince has been a part of my tennis family and has supported me since I was a junior player,” Sharapova said. “The one constant for me has been Prince. All of these years, when I have walked on the court, Prince has been there with me.”
When asked about the relationship with Maria, Prince Chairman and CEO George Napier said, “Maria has contributed immensely to raising the Prince Brand image globally; her work ethic, focus and desire to win are characteristics we both share and are passionate about. She is an integral member of our team and we look forward to continuing to develop leading edge products and technologies that will support her goal to be the best player in the world.”
Since her arrival at the IMG/Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy at the age of nine, Maria has been a Prince player. She developed her power game with popular racquets including the Triple Threat Hornet and Turbo Shark. In January 2006, she upgraded to O3, a unique technology which provides an unprecedented combination of a larger sweet spot in a faster frame. Maria is playing the O3 White, the #1 selling racquet in the U.S.
“IMG congratulates Maria, and we are proud to be part of this milestone campaign in branding and marketing,” said Ted Forstmann, IMG Chairman and CEO. “Prince and Maria have proven to be a great team for years, and were delighted that this winning combination will continue for many years to come.”
