Michael Phelps deal

After netting 8 gold medals at Beijing, American swimmer Michael Phelps signed a 7-figure deal with DMG Entertainment, a division of Dynamic Marketing Group, China's leading media and entertainment group - Phelps will become the spokesman for Mazda in China in a campaign that will include TV commercials and personal appearances.

"The people of China have been very supportive of me and my efforts to help promote swimming," Phelps said. "I am excited to begin 2009 with my first return trip to Beijing since the Games."

Phelps's agent, Peter Carlisle, reckons his star client could earn "tens of millions, perhaps even more than $100 million, in his lifetime". Michael already has the richest sponsorship in swimming history, lucrative deals with Visa, Omega, PowerBar, and AT&T Wireless, endorses Kellogg's Frosted Flakes and has appeared in commercials for the hugely popular video game Guitar Heroes.

Sydney Morning Herald
Michael Cowley