How some of the Matildas’ biggest stars are in line for a huge payday despite falling agonisingly short of their World Cup dream
How some of the Matildas’ biggest stars are queuing up for a huge payday despite falling glaringly short of their World Cup dream
- Many Matildas stars will soon be brand ambassadors
- Follows Australia reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup
- Hayley Raso and Mary Fowler will have no shortage of offers
- WATCH: ‘It All Begins’ – Episode 1 – The brand new football show from Mail Sport
The Matildas’ World Cup dreams may be crushed, but their off-the-field earning potential will skyrocket.
According to Australian-based sports agent Andy Craig, the likes of 20-year-old Mary Fowler and Hayley Raso will be inundated with sponsorships and brand endorsements that will exceed their club salaries for Manchester City and Real Madrid respectively.
Cult hero goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold – on the books of West Ham United in England’s Women’s Super League – is another expected to be widely approached following her tournament exploits.
“The likes of Mackenzie Arnold and Hayley Raso will join Sam Kerr as well-known sports names,” said Craig. news.com.au.
“It’s really crucial that they cash in on that interest now.”
The Matildas’ World Cup dreams may be crushed, but their off-the-field earning potential will skyrocket (pictured, Hayley Raso)
According to former sports agent Andy Craig, 20-year-old Mary Fowler will be inundated with sponsorships and brand endorsements that will eclipse her Man City club salary.
Cult hero goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold – on the books of West Ham United in England’s Women’s Super League – is another expected to be widely approached following her tournament exploits
Figures revealed for the World Cup by the Australian Financial Review revealed that Kerr has an annual salary of at least $3.3 million.
Her contract with Chelsea is believed to be worth $600,000 – with endorsement deals from Nike, EA Sports and MasterCard ensuring the striker enjoys superstar status.
France-based Ellie Carpenter reportedly took home $1.2 million – but none of their Australian other teammates would earn similar eye-watering salaries and endorsement deals.
Progressing to the semi-finals of the World Cup – and capturing the nation’s hearts along the way – will soon change that.
Having clean images doesn’t hurt either.
“Being incredibly likeable is critical to attracting brands. Australia has had a lot of unsympathetic athletes and that’s a risk for brands,” Craig added.
“The Matildas are a feel-good story and a long-awaited success story for women’s sport.”
France-based Ellie Carpenter reportedly takes home $1.2 million annually from her salary and endorsement deals
Matildas skipper Sam Kerr was signed by Nike as a teenager and has been described as “humble and connected to her friends and family”
Nike Pacific boss Ashley Reade is adamant that the marketing potential for the Matildas has now surpassed the Socceroos.
He also outlined why Kerr is so marketable.
“Her abilities as a footballer are beyond question, but the way she approaches life just makes her one of those out-of-the-box athletes that we always thought was something special,” he said.
“I just love her humility. She’s so humble and so connected to her friends and family. She doesn’t take herself too seriously and she’s just a beautiful spirit to be around.”
Valuation specialist Brand Finance Australia has predicted that the value of the Matildas could reach as much as $210 million.
Before the World Cup on home soil, the value was $40 million.
“They are now a very strong brand in the world of football and when you look at their strength in Australia, they are on top with some of the strongest commercial brands in the country,” said Mark Crowe, Brand Finance Australia’s managing director, said.
‘The challenge is to maintain that influence after the World Cup.’
