5 Biggest Rookie Endorsement Deals in NBA History
There might be hundreds of companies ready to sign a superstar for the endorsement of their products. But it is considered to be a daring decision when a company makes such kind of a deal with a new player who has never played a single game in NBA or who is in the first year of his career. Surprisingly, it has been happened many times over the course of NBA history and so far, these are the biggest endorsement deals signed by a player in his rookie season.
1. LeBron James signed $93 million deal with Nike (2003)
Before the start of his professional career, LeBron James signed a seven year deal with famous shoe manufacturer company Nike. The deal valued at more than $90 million and so far, this is the biggest endorsement deal signed by a rookie in NBA. (In 2010, LeBron James extended his contract with Nike and as a result of it, he continues to make more than $10 million annually).
2. Kevin Durant’s $60 million deal with Nike (2007)
Kevin Durant’s deal with Nike was the second largest endorsement deal in NBA history, which guaranteed him $60 million over seven years. It was said that another sportswear company Adidas also offered him a lucrative contract of $70 million but he turned it down and went along with the brand he used to wear himself.
3. Allen Iverson’s $50 million deal with Reebok (1996)
After being selected first overall in 1996 NBA draft, Allen Iverson inked a 10-year, $50 million contract with Reebok. In November 2001, both parties extended the original contract for lifetime.
4. Kobe Bryant deal with Adidas (1996)
In May 1996, Adidas signed Kobe Bryant to a six year deal that was worth up to $48 million. Unlike other contracts, Kobe’s contract with Adidas had not been extended once it got expired.
5. Michael Jordan deal with Nike (1984)
In 1984, Michael Jordan signed his first endorsement contract with Nike. The contact was worth $2.5 million over five years. It is not a big contract considering the current situation but at that time, it was the biggest. I decided to include it here more for its impact. Initially, Michael Jordan made $500, 00 per year from the contract but now he earns about $60 million from this single Nike-Jordan deal. It is far more than a top NBA player earns right now from all of his endorsement deals.
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