LeBron James Extends Nike Deal
LeBRON JAMES IS A REALLY BIG DEAL.
has reported that everyone's favourite highlight machine, the Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James is close to agreeing to a new long-term extension with Nike. James' original seven-year contract (that has paid him in excess of $USD100 million with bonuses) is set to expire in a couple of months. It isn't clear just how much James' new Nike deal may be worth but when James' initially signed with Nike, at least $90 million was guaranteed (including a $10 million signing bonus).
As James stated, "I don't plan on going anywhere, maybe I already have a agreement. I take care of my business on and off the court. I think my shoes have continued to get better over the years and a lot of players, a lot of teams and a lot of colleges want to wear my shoes. I appreciate that especially around March. The VII is the best we've had so far, until the VIIIs come out."
James has already signed an extension with Coca-Cola (a contract he inked when he was just 18). Windhorst writes that along with Coke, who have used James to sell Sprite, Powerade and now Vitamin Water, Nike continues to be his longest-running business partner.
The Nike extension, along with his deals with Coke, State Farm and McDonald's, will see James remain the NBA's highest-earning player, at least when it comes to endorsements. James, who recently became the youngest player to score 15,000 points is also set to change his jersey number from No. 23 to No. 6 next season, giving both James and Nike a new hook to sell us all a fresh pair of kicks.