Roger Federer is wearing Nike in his Stuttgart return this week though his future with the Swoosh brand remains uncertain.
Federer said today negotiations with Nike are ongoing amid published reports he is considering leaving Nike, the only apparel and shoe sponsor he's worn in his career, to sign with either Uniqlo or adidas.
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"It's rumors," Federer said of reports he could leave Nike. "... but I don't have a contract with Nike since March. We're talking. We'll see what happens. I'll let you know."
The Nike contract that paid Federer a reported $7.5 million annually expired in March. Uniqlo is reportedly offering to triple that pact and pay Federer $22.5 million a year to wear its clothes, according to The Times of London's Stuart Fraser.
Uniqlo currently sponsors Kei Nishikori and previously sponsored former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic.
If Federer does leave Nike, he likely wouldn't take the iconic "RF" logo with him as Nike owns it. Federer has been wearing his RF t-shirt during Stuttgart practice sessions.
There is also speculation Federer could increase his endorsement portfolio and marketing muscle by signing an apparel pact with Uniqlo and a shoe deal with Nike or adidas since Uniqlo does not make shoes.
When Djokovic wore Uniqlo apparel, he continued to play with adidas Barricade shoes before signing on with Asics.
Though Federer is one of Nike's most successful athletes, champions have changed clothing brands fairly often in recent years.
Andre Agassi left Nike to sign with adidas in the final years of his pro career, eventually returning to Nike in retirement. The young Serena Williams wore Puma before signing with Nike.
World No. 1 Simona Halep wore adidas much of her career until her contract expired at the end of 2017. Halep began this season wearing a generic red outfit she bought online from a Chinese seamstress before signing with Nike.
Sloane Stephens won the 2017 US Open wearing Under Armour and has since signed with Nike, which she wore en route to the Roland Garros final.
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