A player’s performance can fluctuate over time, but LeBron James has always been a consistent performer. The 19-time NBA All-Star was named “The Chosen One” as a teenager and has since exceeded the sky-high expectations placed on him.
The basketball world has come to rely on James, and the company Nike has found in him a reliable backer. Through their combined efforts, they have created one of the most formidable trademark sneaker lines in NBA history.
LeBron James turned down $115 million offer forNike
When LeBron James was still in the draft, Nike executive Sonny Vaccaro, who is best known for signing Michael Jordan to the company, predicted that James would one day become the brand’s highest-paid endorser. James, on the other hand, was originally linked to the Adidas brand.
According to Brian Windhorst, Vaccaro was instrumental in developing a relationship with the James family in preparation for possible business negotiations. LeBron, though, kept everyone guessing until the very last minute by keeping his future with Nike or Adidas a mystery.
James declined the Adidas offer, which was rumored to be approximately $115 million. While this was on par with Reebok’s offer, the latter’s enticing extras may have tipped the scales in their favor. One of the most consequential partnerships in sports and branding history, LeBron James’ choice to sign with Nike twenty years ago signaled the beginning of a legendary alliance between the two companies that has lasted the better part of two decades.
How much is LeBron James Nike deal?
LeBron James and Nike have been celebrating the upcoming 20th anniversary of their partnership during the whole 2022–23 NBA season. In a shoe parade befitting of a basketball legend, the Los Angeles Lakers star has debuted several different pairs of sneakers this season.
It’s been 20 years since James first signed a sneaker deal with Nike, so today is a big event. James, a native of Akron, Ohio, had already signed a historic contract by the time the Cleveland Cavaliers selected him with the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft.
James reportedly turned down $115 million from Reebok before signing a record-breaking 7-year, $87 million contract with Nike on May 22, 2003. This was a pivotal choice, and James has been a loyal Nike representative ever since, through stops in Cleveland, Miami, Cleveland again, and Los Angeles, where he is presently playing. In 2015, James and Nike completed their full circle when he signed a $1 billion lifetime contract with the company.
Nike’s LeBron James line, launched in honor of the 20th anniversary, has shoes, clothes, and accessories for fans to peruse in a wide range of sizes. LeBron and the Lakers still have goals to accomplish this season before he enters his 21st year as a Nike-sponsored star in the NBA. Eventually, James’ eldest son Bronny will take over.
