- Sportswear companies have for decades changed the lives of many athletes
- A lifetime contract means that a sportswear manufacturer has career-long deal with an athlete
- Most of these athletes are millionaires or billionaires.
Sportswear companies have for decades changed the lives of many athletes through sponsorship and endorsement deals. But did you know that there are more privileged athletes with these deals? Let’s take Nike lifetime contract players as a case study.
A lifetime contract means that a sportswear manufacturer has a career-long deal with an athlete in terms of endorsement or sponsorship. Some of them are lucky to enjoy this contract even after retirement.
NIKE LIFETIME CONTRACT PLAYERS
Athletes with a lifetime contract with Nike are top-rated across different sports disciplines, such as the NBA, football, and tennis, among others. They enjoy constant financial stability for the entire period of their professional careers. Below are some of the Nike lifetime contract players.
- Michael Jordan
- LeBron James
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Kevin Durant
- Serena Williams
- Tiger Woods
- Kylian Mbappe
- Neymar Jr
- Rory Mcllory
Michael Jordan in 1984. Photo/Basketball Network
HOW MUCH IS KEVIN DURANT LIFETIME CONTRACT WITH NIKE?
Kevin Durant’s lifetime contract with Nike is worth $300 million. It is among the most lucrative deals in the sporting world so far. The Phoenix Suns player expressed his gratitude for the lifetime deal.
“True honor to be in the game for life with Nike,” he posted on X. He also posted a heartfelt message on Boardroom, a media platform he co-founded, stating his pride in the “amazing work we’ve done creatively and philanthropically.”
Durant in subsequent media interviews said he remains committed to supporting the American sportswear manufacturer.
DOES RONALDO HAVE A LIFETIME CONTRACT WITH NIKE?
Cristiano Ronaldo who is now playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia is among Nike lifetime contract players. He is a top-tier footballer; therefore it a no-brainer that his name appears on this list. Ronaldo inked the contract in September 2016.
While the exact amount of the deal is not public, the expected total earnings are more than $1 billion. Popularly known as CR7, Nike’s brand image and revenues have experienced a notable boost due to Ronaldo’s massive worldwide fan base.
His iconic CR7 clothing and shoe designs continue to be incredibly popular, and he frequently appears in Nike advertising campaigns.
Al-Nassr player Cristiano Ronaldo. Photo/Getty Images
DOES MICHAEL JORDAN HAVE A LIFETIME DEAL WITH NIKE?
Michael Jordan is among legendary athletes with a Nike lifetime contract. Reports indicate that he earns at least $100 million annually from royalties. Jordan remains actively involved with Nike. He collaborated on new Air Jordan releases, apparel lines, and community involvement.
WHO HAS THE HIGHEST NIKE DEAL?
Michael Jordan has the highest Nike deal valued at $1.3 billion. No wonder he ranks top among Nike lifetime contract players. Other top ranking athletes with Nike deals includes the following:
- Cristiano Ronaldo and Nike ($1 billion)
- LeBron James and Nike ($1 billion)
- Rory McIlroy and Nike ($250 million)
- Tiger Woods and Nike ($105 million)
Tiger Woods. Photo/NY Post
Nike athlete partnerships are important for the athletes as well as the massive apparel company. These endorsements give athletes a substantial financial boost which often act as an incentive to perform better in their respective sporting discipline. Outstanding performance usually translates to more sales and a big brand marketing strategy.
Further, athlete endorsements are effective marketing tools for Nike because they link the company to the accomplishments, talent, and charisma of elite athletes. These athletes’ widespread fame increases consumer loyalty and brand recognition.
Retrospectively, they boosts Nike’s sales and market share. Again, through athlete-endorsed products, these relationships also enable Nike to exhibit state-of-the-art sports technology and design advances.
HOW MUCH IS LEBRON’S NIKE CONTRACT?
The Los Angeles Lakers point guard has a $1 billion contract with Nike entered in September 2015. Just like in Jordan’s deal; James’ deal is historical in sports marketing. His influence on Nike is immense eight years later. His signature shoes consistently rank among the brand’s best-sellers, and his active engagement with fans and social media has further strengthened Nike’s brand image.
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