Top 10 NBA Signature Sneaker Deals

Since Michael Jordan made basketball sneakers fashionable in the 1980s, the blockbuster Sneaker Deals has become a mainstay for NBA stars. The hottest rookies or NBA All-Stars who were sneaker free agents have been the targets of Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Puma, and other shoe companies.

However, the performance basketball shoe market in the U.S. was dropping, down double digits in most years since its high in 2015 and down by a staggering 23% in 2020, according to market research firm NPD Group, while the newest crop of players were signing nine-figure contracts.

Performance shoes are current basketball styles that are made to be played in, while “retro” shoes are typically performance styles from a decade or more ago that are intended for fashion.

Every NBA player fantasizes about having their own shoe contract. One of the turning stages in a player’s career is this. Unsurprisingly, LeBron James presently owns the league’s most costly shoe contract.

Let’s Take A Look At Top NBA Sneaker Deals Of All Times-

Player Brand  Annual Value
Michael Jordan Jordan Brand $1.3 billion
LeBron James Nike $1 billion
Kevin Durant Nike $300 million
Stephen Curry Under Armour $215 million
James Harden Adidas $200 million
Derrick Rose Adidas $185 million
Damian Lillard Adidas $100 million
LaMelo Ball Puma $100 million
Klay Thompson Anta $80 million
Kobe Bryant Nike $16 million

1. Michael Jordan (Jordan-$1.3 billion)

Although the 35th version of the Air Jordan was released in September, Jordan’s performance market share is only 7%, making it insignificant in comparison to the retro market. With the debut of the documentary The Last Dance in 2020, sales increased. Since the Swoosh signed Jordan in 1984 out of UNC to a five-year agreement costing $500,000 yearly, Jordan’s Nike salary has increased significantly. The first Air Jordan to do away with laces in favor of a cable-activated tightening system was the Air Jordan XXXIII, which was introduced last fall.

2. LeBron James (Nike- $1 billion,)

According to James’ business manager Maverick Carter, the lifetime contract he inked with Nike in 2016 is worth more than $1 billion. To hit that goal, his shoes will need to keep selling quickly after he retires.

3. Kevin Durant (Nike- $300 million)

In 2014, a bidding war between Nike and Under Armour ended in a 10-year contract worth around $300 million for Durant, who is a four-time scoring champion.
Rich Kleiman, Durant’s business partner, claims that Nike sells more KD shoes in China than it does in the United States. According to Cowen, the Durant Nike franchise saw double-digit growth in 2019.

4. Stephen Curry (Under Armour- $215 million)

When it signed Curry in 2013, Under Armour used him as its key entry into the basketball industry. The timing was favorable for Kevin Plank’s business. Curry has now won two NBA MVP awards, three NBA championships, despite not being an All-Star at the time. After receiving a letter from a little fan last year asking for the change, Curry pressured Under Armour to make his iconic shoe available in girls’ sizes. Riley Morrison, a 9-year-old, was the first Curry 6 of her size when she was born in March.

5. James Harden Adidas (13-year, $200 million )

James Harden pushed his way up from being Oklahoma’s sixth man to winning the MVP award in Houston. While his time in the NBA enabled him to amass millions of dollars, the same can be said of his Adidas endorsement agreement.

Six shoe versions by James Harden have already been introduced by Adidas.

6. Derrick Rose Adidas (Contract: 14 years, $185 million)

Derrick Rose was considered to be the next great thing by everyone, including Adidas, especially when he became the youngest player to win it. Adidas made Rose an offer akin to a superstar contract. But as we all know, injuries prevented it from succeeding.

If it’s any solace, Rose did prove to be a reliable role model. He also put together one of the most impressive comebacks in recent memory.

7. Damian Lillard Adidas (Agreement: $100 million for 10 years)

One of the most popular stars in the world right now, Damian Lillard is the face of the Trail Blazers franchise. He also has sponsorship agreements with companies including Gatorade, Spotify, and JBL. Yet none would surpass the hefty contract he secured with Adidas as a young NBA sophomore.

8. LaMelo Ball: Puma (Contract: $100 million, 10 years)

LaMelo made the decision to sign with Puma rather than represent his father’s Big Baller Brand. Who, though, can blame him? The $100 million contract Ball signed with Puma also gave him access to the company’s private plane.

Ball’s recruitment wasn’t a terrible idea because Puma was reentering the basketball scene. The youngest Ball sibling had an immediate impact on the league by earning Rookie of the Year and participating in the 2022 All-Star Game.

9. Klay Thompson: Anta (Contract: $80 million, 10 years)

NBA players frequently decide to sign with Adidas or Nike. However, Klay opted to sign with Chinese company Anta. Anta, despite not being quite as well-known, was prepared to give the Warriors star a sizable sum of money. One of the NBA player agreements that is more intriguing.

Also, it isn’t at all a terrible investment for Anta. Thompson has already made five All-Star appearances and is a four-time NBA champion. He is also a superb shooter, ranking among the best in the game.

10. Kobe Bryant (Nike- $16 million)

Mamba Day, which is observed every year on August 24 and combines Bryant’s two jersey numbers, 8 and 24, was last weekend. Three years after his retirement, Nike carried on the tradition this summer with a slew of limited-edition sneaker releases. In China, where his shoes are in high demand, Bryant continues to enjoy enormous popularity.

 

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