Sep 06, 2023
By: Komal BanchhorIn the world of professional sports, athletes don't just make money on the field; they rake in millions through lucrative endorsement deals. These partnerships not only boost the athletes' bank accounts but also serve as marketing goldmines for compa...
Lance Armstrong was once the darling of the cycling world, with numerous sponsors vying for his endorsement. However, in 2012, his world came crashing down when the US Anti-Doping Agency exposed his use of banned substances. As a result, eight of his 11 sponso...
Tiger Woods, one of the most iconic figures in golf, made a significant portion of his fortune from endorsements. In 2010, his personal life unraveled due to a highly publicized affair, leading to the loss of face and major sponsors like Accenture and Gatorade...
Tennis star Maria Sharapova was the highest-paid female athlete for over a decade before she faced a shocking downfall in 2016. After failing a drug test, she was hit by suspensions from several sponsors, including TAG Heuer and American Express. Despite the t...
Oscar Pistorius, the inspiring double amputee Olympic champion, saw his life unravel in 2013 when he shot and killed his girlfriend. His sponsors quickly severed ties with him, raising questions about their moral obligations. Pistorius's subsequent convic...
In 2007, NFL quarterback Michael Vick faced indictment for running an illegal dogfighting ring. Nike and other sponsors cut ties, and Vick was suspended from the league, before serving prison time. But once out, Vick managed a remarkable comeback, winning back...
Ray Rice's career nosedived in 2014 when a video surfaced of him allegedly assaulting his fiancée. Nike and other sponsors swiftly dropped him, and he was released from the Baltimore Ravens. The incident served as a stark reminder of the consequences of o...
Baseball star Barry Bonds faced a difficult journey due to allegations of steroid use and an unlikable personality. His pursuit of corporate sponsorships was fruitless, with none of Major League Baseball's official partners willing to associate with him. ...
Adrian Peterson's sponsorship deals took a hit in 2014 when he faced child abuse charges, with sponsors such as Nike, Castrol, and Radisson cutting ties with him. However, Peterson managed to bounce back when he returned to the NFL in 2015.
Wayne Rooney was once an emerging star in international soccer, but his troubles began with allegations of infidelity and an on-air rant. Coca-Cola, one of his major sponsors, dropped him, although other sponsors remained supportive. Rooney eventually redeemed...
Swimmer Michael Phelps, despite being the most decorated American Olympian with 23 gold medals, wasn't immune to sponsorship woes. Kellogg dropped him in 2009 following a viral photo of him allegedly smoking marijuana. However, Phelps managed to recover a...