Katie Ledecky has left the amateur ranks to sign a much-anticipated professional endorsement deal, and it may be setting a new standard for other high-profile swimmers to follow in the five-time Olympic gold medalist’s footsteps. 

The 21-year-old announced this past week at the Pro Series stop in Santa Clara, CA, she had locked down the most lucrative suit partnership in swimming history with TYR. ESPN’s Darren Rovell reports the guaranteed value could be upward of $7 million, although the terms haven’t been revealed by either party. 

The door is now open for other marketable swimmers to get their share. Former Florida star Caeleb Dressel and Ledecky’s former Stanford teammate Simone Manuel recently completed their college careers, making them eligible to sign professional suit deals.

I’m thrilled to join #TeamTYR as I take this important step in my career! With TYR’s support, we’ll work to grow the sport for current and future swimmers #TYRxLEDECKY @TYRSport pic.twitter.com/9al2KGwD5q

— Katie Ledecky (@katieledecky) June 8, 2018

Ledecky, on talent alone, earned her record-breaking deal. Marketability and prospective longevity contribute to the size of the endorsement. 

The deal suggests that she will be competing in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. There is no reason to believe that won’t be the case. Within the last two months, Ledecky has lowered her world record in the 1500m freestyle and thrown down a world-leading time in the 200m freestyle. She continues to find another gear season after season.

Dressel and Manuel bring the same value to the table. 

Dressel smashed onto the world stage at last summer’s FINA Championships in Budapest, Hungary, winning three individual gold medals and narrowly missing the world record in the 100 butterfly. Although he doesn’t personally see a void in the sport, many are predicting Dressel will carry on the dominance of Michael Phelps for the United States.

Dressel doesn’t lack marketability either. He embodies what fans look for in an American Olympic athlete. Not only does he represent the red, white, and blue well, but his personality is also meant for television. 

Plus, as Rowdy Gaines referenced at the Pro Series stop, everyone loves dogs and Dressel keeps his pup in the spotlight. 

Dressel’s deal won’t match Ledecky’s until he takes down multiple world records. That could be years away. Or months. Based on apparel choices this past weekend, it seems he is leaning toward Speedo. Last summer and in the collegiate championships, he wore Mizuno tech suits.

What Manuel brings to the table is an individual Olympic gold medal, something Dressel lacks. Those speak wonders in contract negotiations. Even more, she followed up her win in Rio with a win in Budapest. 

For similar reasons as Dressel, Manuel is marketable to the swimming community. She has already begun building her brand. Diving into Make A Splash allows her to support swimming alongside her performances in the pool.

Both swimmers race in the sprint events, making their first deal comparable to Nathan Adrian’s initial deal. Seven years after his progression style contract, Adrian’s net worth is estimated at $4 million. More than suit deals are included in that but they’re all swimming down the same path.

Ledecky’s deal makes asking for $500,000 per year seem less wishful. TYR has likely used up its big spend for this cycle of professional signings but another brand could easily pick up two or three of next best talents for the same price. 

In addition to Dressel and Manuel, gold medalist Blake Pieroni, Ryan Held, and Gunnar Bentz all remain unsigned. World champion IMer Chase Kalisz hasn’t signed a suit deal either.