14 Sports Stars Who Landed Massive Adidas Deals
Adidas continues to sign some of the most lucrative deals with athletes, including legends from both basketball and soccer. These deals have not only boosted the bank balances of these athletes but have also redesigned the sports culture.
Curious to learn about sports stars that became a part of Adidas’ family over the years? Let’s get to it right away!
Derrick Rose
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In 2012, Adidas made a massive bet on Derrick Rose and extended his contract for 14 years for $185 million. At the time, Rose was the youngest MVP in NBA history, and Adidas banked on him leading their basketball division.
Lionel Messi
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As Adidas’ golden boy, Messi has been a part of the banner since 2006. In 2017, Adidas signed a lifetime deal with Messi that reportedly earns him $27 million per year. With seven Ballon d’Or titles and a World Cup victory, Adidas’ investment continues to pay off. His iconic cleats, like the F50 and X Speedflow, remain bestsellers worldwide.
David Beckham
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Beckham’s Adidas deal was proof that an athlete’s influence could extend beyond the game. David Beckham partnered with Adidas in 1996 and secured a $160 million lifetime deal in 2003—one of the biggest in sports history.
James Harden
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For Harden, leaving Nike for Adidas in 2015 was a statement. His 13-year, $200 million deal marked Adidas’ biggest push to challenge Nike in basketball. The signature Harden Vol. series became a bestseller inspired by his unique playing style.
Patrick Mahomes
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Adidas signed the NFL star long before he became a household name. Patrick Mahomes’ deal with Adidas is worth $25 million per year. His signature shoe, the Mahomes 1 Impact FLX, was a game-changer—the first Adidas football sneaker with true lifestyle appeal. His influence is growing, and he’s becoming Adidas’ answer to Nike’s Jordan Brand.
Damian Lillard
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Adidas recognized Damian Lillard’s star power and locked him in with a massive deal in 2014. Damian Lillard signed a lifetime deal with Adidas, reaching a $600 million milestone. His Dame signature shoe line became a hit by combining performance with streetwear appeal. Lillard’s music influence also makes him a unique face for Adidas.
Noah Lyles
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Sprinter Noah Lyles secured a lucrative Adidas contracts in track and field that even rivaled Usain Bolt’s. It is believed that Lyles’ new Adidas deal is worth over $2 million per year, though the exact amount remains undisclosed. His gold medals and electrifying speed make him a cornerstone of Adidas’ track and field strategy.
Paulo Dybala
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While not as globally hyped as Messi, Paulo Dybala is a key Adidas athlete. His technical style and global appeal align with the brand’s soccer strategy. His Predator Freak+ cleats gained popularity, and his ongoing partnership strengthened Adidas’ grip on top-tier football talent.
Ana Ivanovic
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Ana Ivanovic was one of Adidas’ biggest tennis endorsements and helped the brand dominate women’s tennis. She signed a lifetime deal with Adidas, reportedly earning around $3.5 million per year, though the exact value remains undisclosed. Even post-retirement, she remains an Adidas ambassador.
Tracy McGrady
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Adidas struck gold with Tracy McGrady’s T-Mac series in the early 2000s. His high-flying style and multiple scoring titles made him the perfect face for the brand. Decades later, Adidas continues to release retro T-Macs.
Jeremy Lin
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Jeremy Lin’s Adidas deal was all about market expansion. This five-year Adidas deal was worth $3 million annually, covering footwear, apparel, marketing in Asia, basketball camps, and special releases. His rise during “Linsanity” made him a massive figure in Asia and helped Adidas compete with Nike in the region.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
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Before signature shoes were a billion-dollar industry, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar became Adidas’ first-ever NBA athlete. His Adidas Kareem sneakers, released in the 1970s, set the stage for future basketball endorsements. With six NBA titles and a skyhook legacy, his impact on Adidas’ basketball history is undeniable.
Tim Duncan
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Tim Duncan may not be the most popular, but Adidas saw something in him that others couldn’t. As one of the most fundamentally sound players ever, he brought credibility to Adidas’ basketball division.
Trae Young
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Trae Young’s Adidas partnership led to his own signature shoe line that perfectly combined performance with flashy playing style. His deep three-pointers and fearless attitude make him a perfect fit for Adidas’ next generation of basketball stars.
Candace Parker
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Candace Parker’s Adidas deal has a major impact on representation. As a two-time WNBA MVP and champion, she helped drive visibility for women’s basketball. Adidas’ commitment to Parker shows their broader push for equity in sports endorsements.