LeBron James’ lifetime deal with Nike is probably worth one billion dollars.
It is the largest athlete endorsement contract ever.
The exact terms of the deal were not released, but GQ reporter Mark Anthony Green managed to get what seems to be a confirmation of the one billion mark.
In an interview with James’ business partner Maverick Carter, Green tried to get a ballpark figure for the deal.
“What are people saying?” Carter asked.
“Kanye said a billion. So a billion,” Green replied.
Carter didn’t say anything. He just smiled and pointed one finger upwards.
From the reporter’s exclamation and from how Carter followed up, it seems Carter tacitly confirmed the figure.
“Yeah. It’s a fantastic deal,” Carter said. “Nike feels great about the deal. That’s the most important thing. As great as I feel, as great as LeBron feels—Nike feels fantastic about it.”
“It’s the largest deal in the history of the company,” he followed. “Their hope is he makes even more. And our hope is that, too, obviously.”
Nike expected to sell over $400 million worth of sneakers with the athlete’s name in 2015, ESPN reported.
Green’s mentioning of “Kanye” referred to Kanye West’s song “Facts” released in December. One part of the lyrics says:
“Nike, Nike treat employees just like slaves
Gave LeBron a billi' not to run away.”
West accused Nike of not paying him royalties from the sales of his “Nike Air Yeezy” shoes developed through collaboration with the brand.
It is not clear whether West knew about the size of James’s deal with Nike.
