The Largest Endorsement Deal For a Female Athlete in History - - Maria Sharapova's Agreemnent Renewal With Nike Fetches US$70 Million For Her

Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova renewed her sponsorship agreement with Nike for US$70 million over the next eight years, the largest endorsement deal for a female athlete in history. The contract tops Venus Williams' five-year, $45-million deal signed with Reebok in 2000, and includes the launch of a clothing line designed by Sharapova, for which she will get a share of the profits, according to Bloomberg.

Sharapova has captivated the world with her tall, slender physique and pretty face since her professional debut in 2001. She signed her first contract with Nike after winning Wimbledon in 2004 at the age of 17. The new eight-year deal with the 22-year-old athlete means Nike is looking beyond her retirement.

Sharapova has won 20 Women's Tennis Association titles including three majors. In August 2005 she became the first Russian female tennis player to be ranked number one in the world. She took a 10-month break from the court after undergoing shoulder surgery in July 2008, but has proven herself a force to be reckoned since her comeback, advancing to the semi-finals of the French Open last year and pulling her world ranking up to 14th. She was named the "Hottest Female Athlete of the Decade" by U.S. sports website Bleacher Report at the end of last year.