Every sprint, leap, and stride is put under scrutiny in today’s competitive circuit of athletics. And in this territory, very few stories generate a buzz like that of Fred Kerley’s recent saga. The 2024 NYC Grand Prix witnessed the track star make headlines. But unfortunately, it was not for a blazing finish or for clocking an extraordinary time. Rather, it was his absence and a surprising twist that has left fans and track pundits talking. 

Recently, Kerley did not start the highly anticipated ASICS-branded 100m dash at Icahn Stadium and had made a conspicuous appearance, clutching Puma spikes amidst ASICS sponsorship signage. But a sudden revelation regarding Kerley’s parting ways with ASICS sent shockwaves among fans. Amid this, a recent picture of Andre De Grasse has thrown a light on Fred Kerley’s dramatic exit from ASICS.

Andre De Grasse’s deal shines amidst Fred Kerley’s drama with ASICS

The 29-year-old Canadian sprinter has been a PUMA athlete since 2015. But a recent X post of Andre De Grasse created a wave as it reminded track enthusiasts about the lucrative $11 million deal of De Grasse with PUMA. The post featured Andre De Grasse in sportswear flaunting his PUMA spiked shoes. De Grasse captioned the post, “See the Game Like We Do   #ForeverFaster @PUMA”. However, the timing of his post coincided with the controversy regarding Fred Kerley’s discontinuation with ASICS. 

The controversy and the post coinciding also underscore the high stakes held by brands and sponsorships in the track and field domain. Moreover, what fueled the debates more was the fact that in the NYC Grand Prix in Icahn Stadium, Fred was spotted moving out with PUMA shoes amid sponsor billboards. Citius Mag’s founder Chris Chavez also shared that ASICS has stated that the brand has officially and mutually parted ways with the US sprinter. 

Andre de Grasse back in 2015 in an interview with CBCS Sports shared, “Puma gave me an offer I couldn’t refuse. I’m just ready to live up to the hype now.” It was also confirmed that the multi-year deal between PUMA and the Canadian sprinter was worth $11.5 million. And with bonuses, it might reach the ceiling of $30 million. The recent picture of Andre De Grasse not only reminds track pundits of Grasse’s million-dollar deal but also the deal Usain Bolt signed with PUMA back in 2013. 

From Bolt to Lyles, how have sponsorships been shaping sprinting stardom

Jamaican track Usain Bolt legend signed a deal with the German sportswear brand, PUMA. But the massive amount was not promised for a multi-year deal, but Bolt was to earn an estimated amount of $10 million every year. Bolt was a teenager when he signed a partnership with PUMA and the same deal was renewed again in 2013 while Bolt was 27 years old. Standing in the present scenario, Noah Lyles too has managed to come under the list of athletes holding the most lucrative deals. Lyles currently is a part of ADIDAS and the brand is expected to fund him till the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

On the other hand, before Fred Kerley became a part of ASICS, he signed a deal of 5 million dollars with Nike. In February 2023, Kerley signed the deal with ASICS, but unexpectedly, the partnership did not last long. Just a month ago, Kerley confidently vowed, “World record next time I touch the 100m”. But such a dramatic turn in events might affect his dreams for Olympic glory. How will Kerley manage to nurture his dreams just a few weeks before the Paris Olympics without a sponsor backing him?