Bold Steffi Graf Admits $2.51 Billion Brand’s She Wish After Success With Reebok & Beats
Bold Steffi Graf Admits $2.51 Billion Brand’s She Wish After Success With Reebok & Beats
*Los Angeles, California* — Tennis legend Steffi Graf, one of the most successful athletes in the history of the sport, has made a rare and candid admission regarding her ongoing business ventures. In a new interview with *Business Insider*, Graf, who has long been known for her poised and reserved public image, shared her desire to grow a multi-billion-dollar brand in the future. The 55-year-old, who has already achieved remarkable success with her previous partnerships with Reebok and Beats by Dre, expressed a personal goal of launching a brand of her own that could rival some of the biggest names in the consumer goods and lifestyle sectors.
With a brand valuation that has recently surpassed $2.51 billion, Graf is no stranger to turning high-profile partnerships into successful ventures. Over the years, she has strategically aligned herself with global brands such as Reebok, where she became the face of the company in the late ’80s and early ’90s, and Beats by Dre, where she played an influential role in the company’s expansion into international markets. Now, Graf is eyeing a new chapter, one where she is not just a brand ambassador but a founder, and the scope of her ambition is breathtaking.
### The Reebok Legacy: A Partnership That Changed the Game
Steffi Graf’s early partnership with Reebok helped redefine how athletes were marketed to the masses. As a dominant force in women’s tennis, Graf became the face of the “Reebok Classic” and “Pump” campaigns in the early ’90s. Her signature sneakers became a symbol of both athleticism and style, bridging the gap between the worlds of sports and fashion. Reebok capitalized on her universal appeal, with Graf’s image synonymous with grace, power, and sportsmanship.
In the years that followed, Graf’s involvement with Reebok helped the company establish itself as a major player in the global sneaker market. “Reebok allowed me to combine my love for sports with my interest in fashion,” Graf said in her interview. “It was a natural fit. Being part of that brand’s success story was a pivotal moment in my career, both as an athlete and as a businesswoman.”
Graf continued her legacy with Reebok even after her retirement from professional tennis in 1999, collaborating with the brand on various product lines and marketing campaigns. Her partnership helped solidify her position as one of the most marketable female athletes of all time.
### Beats by Dre: The Next Step in Building a Brand
In the mid-2010s, Graf made another leap into the world of branding by aligning herself with Beats by Dre, the audio company founded by music mogul Dr. Dre and Interscope Records’ Jimmy Iovine. While many were surprised by the move, given her tennis retirement and distance from the music industry, Graf’s business acumen and her global fame quickly made her a vital part of the brand’s expansion into new markets.
At the time, Beats was experiencing rapid growth, particularly in the premium headphone market. Graf’s involvement helped the company maintain its image as a cutting-edge lifestyle brand while reaching an entirely new demographic — affluent athletes and fitness enthusiasts who valued both performance and style. By the time Apple acquired Beats by Dre in 2014 for $3 billion, Graf’s strategic partnership had contributed to a substantial portion of its brand equity.
“Beats was another great opportunity for me to step outside my comfort zone,” Graf reflected. “Music, technology, and fitness — these worlds were all blending in a way that I hadn’t anticipated. It’s a perfect example of how brands can connect with people in ways that transcend the products themselves.”
### The $2.51 Billion Wish: Steffi Graf’s Angel Investor Dream
Now, with years of experience in the brand-building and entrepreneurial worlds, Graf is ready to take the next step. Her bold goal is to launch a brand that could become a billion-dollar empire, one that reflects her values of empowerment, inclusivity, and sustainability.
“I’ve had a front-row seat to some incredible brands, and I’ve learned a lot along the way,” Graf admitted. “But the biggest lesson I’ve taken from all my partnerships is that great brands are not just about making great products — they’re about creating an emotional connection with your customers.”
The idea for her new venture comes after years of observing trends in the wellness, fitness, and fashion industries. Drawing on her experiences with Reebok and Beats, Graf is planning to launch a new brand that combines fashion with fitness in a more sustainable way. The company will focus on producing eco-conscious activewear, high-performance gear, and lifestyle accessories. The goal is to create a holistic brand that speaks to both the individual and the collective consciousness of modern consumers, who are increasingly concerned about their environmental footprint while still seeking performance-oriented products.
“I’ve always believed that the future of business is about finding balance. We need products that not only work well but also align with our values,” Graf said. “My new brand will be rooted in sustainability, and we will prioritize fair labor practices, ethical sourcing, and creating products that have a lasting impact.”
One of the most significant elements of Graf’s new venture is the desire to build an inclusive brand that speaks to people of all ages and backgrounds. Her experiences with Reebok and Beats taught her the importance of diversity in branding and product development, and she is committed to ensuring that her new venture appeals to a wide range of customers.
### The Road Ahead: Angel Investor and Brand Founder
Although Graf has not revealed the specifics of her new venture, there are already significant clues that her ambitions could lead to a revolutionary brand in the coming years. In fact, Graf is already looking to work with young entrepreneurs and startups, seeking to offer mentorship and financial support as an angel investor.
“My focus is not only on launching a brand but also on helping other entrepreneurs who have great ideas,” Graf explained. “I want to empower the next generation of thinkers and doers, just like I was empowered in my own career. Whether it’s through funding, guidance, or partnerships, I want to be a part of something bigger — something that lasts.”
As the world continues to gravitate toward brands that are authentic, sustainable, and socially responsible, Steffi Graf’s next big move could well be her most impactful yet. With her extensive experience, proven track record, and bold vision for the future, it seems that Graf’s wish for a $2.51 billion brand might just become a reality.
“I’m ready to build something that matters,” Graf said with a determined smile. “I’ve spent my life competing at the highest level. Now, I want to build something that leaves a legacy, not just on the court but in the world.”
Leave a Reply