Coco Gauff claims being a black athlete attracted New Balance towards her as she gives her take on pay gap in sponsorship and prize money

Coco Gauff talks about similarity in pay by brands to male and female players.

Coco Gauff claims being a black athlete attracted New Balance towards her as she gives her take on pay gap in sponsorship and prize money

Coco Gauff (via Daily Express US)

American tennis player Coco Gauff claimed that being a black woman has opened up more opportunities in the sponsorship side of the sport. The pay gap between men and women in the sport is a point of disappointment for female athletes. Amidst these controversies, Gauff has revealed that the difference in pay between male and female athletes is not too bad from a sponsorship standpoint.

From a sponsorship standpoint, we’re getting some good money compared to the men. At least in my position.
Coco Gauff said in a press conference

She revealed that the sponsorship brands were moving towards diversity in the players they represent. According to Gauff, this aspect gives her a slight edge over other players as a black woman. She also admitted that this was a huge motivating factor for New Balance to work with her for a long time.

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She also emphasized the fact that the gap between pay for male and female athletes was not that big, keeping in mind sponsorships and contracts. However, she admitted that the gap in prize money was something that could be worked on. She also established that winning a Grand Slam attracts more brands as sponsors.

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She said: 

The prize money is something we can work on. Winning the US Open if you win a Grand Slam you get more brands reaching out to you. I know there are some people online who act like women’s sports aren’t a thing. But people enjoy seeing us play.

Gauff believed more brands would approach female athletes, offering opportunities for both players and brands to profit. She stressed that there’s significant interest in women’s sports and that athletes should promote themselves in various sports, not just tennis.

Coco Gauff opens up about the hard work that goes into sponsorship deals

World No. 3 Coco Gauff has opened up about the commitment and hard work that goes into the sponsorship deals. The American teen revealed the struggles that go on behind the scenes.

Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff (Image via Sports Illustrated)

People often assume that a brand post on the internet is a simple task. However, 19-year-old Coco Gauff clarified that it involves an 8 to 10-hour workday. She also acknowledged that players have other commitments and events to manage, highlighting the substantial effort invested in each deal.

The American also admitted that she was trying to capitalize on the moment as much as possible. However, she also said that it was equally important for her to protect her peace and mental health. Ultimately, the US Open champ aims to play the sport to her best level.

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