Two seasons ago, LeBron James left his agent Aaron Goodwin in favor of being managed by his childhood friends from Akron. Although LeBron continues to make waves on the basketball court, he hasn't really reached is potential off of it. Despite being one of the most recognizable figures in the world of basketball today, LeBron has failed to capitalize on his fame in the form off the court marketing and endorsement deals. Since his departure from Goodwin Sports Management in May of 2005, LeBron has only signed two endorsement deals. Those two deals (one with Cub Cadet Lawnmowers for $200K and another with Microsoft for $500K) don't even total $1 Million. How is it that LeBron's previous agent was capable of signing LeBron to $120 Million in off the court endorsements prior to LeBron putting on an NBA Jersey, yet with LeBron more popular than ever, his current management team has only managed to procure $700K in endorsement deals? I know LeBron wants to help his friends out, and I'm all for that. But he is a multi-million dollar brand that needs an experienced manager helping him out. As Dwyane Wade's management team has proven there are other endorsement opportunities out there for LeBron to pursue. Where's LeBron's cellular phone endorsement? Where's his automotive endorsement? What about a fast food deal? I'm just saying, there are opportunities out there where LeBron could procure millions of dollars, yet his management team has not capitalized on them. Well, at least they have a shnazy website.
From Newsday, here's a look at LeBron's endorsement empire:
Company Approximate value
Nike $90 million
Coca-Cola (Sprite and Powerade) $14 million
Cadbury Adams (Bubblicious gum) $5 million
Upper Deck (trading cards) $6 million
Juice Batteries (expired) $2 million
Microsoft $500,000
Cub Cadet (lawnmowers) $200,000
Total (including bonuses and incentives)$120 million
Business LeBron Needs Some Assistance
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3/31/2007 12:31 AM ET By Nate Jones
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- Nate Jones
- Nate Jones is an NBA Blogger for FanHouse
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You need more girls on the staff. This article has a three word answer..."Lebron is ugly."
Endorse McDonalds, Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Nike, and Gatorade. You will be officially "King James" on and off the court.
Well i agree, he aint real pretty. Not to mention He looks old as hell already. The NBA is so watered down with hyped up high schoolers and wanna-bes, Lebron looks like a superstar but 15 years ago he would have been an average player in the league. The rule to keep the kiddies out till they get a little older was a great idea. Now we dont have to wait for some sucker to develop his skills while riding the pine. That loud mouth Dick Vitale ruin the game with his diaper dandy's and P.T.Pers crap. NOw he wants them to stay in school after he has corrupt so many of them telling them how great they were before they even graduate from anything.Sportscenter and Dick Vitale ruined Basketball.
Hey... he's not that ugly. He's a great basketball player...give the man a break.
Lebron looks like a superstar but 15 years ago he would have been an average player in the league.
^^^^^^^^^^^
Not really. Lebron does everything on that team.