This week has been a big one in terms of shoe deals for NBA players, with Stephen Curry agreeing to the most lucrative shoe deal in Under Armour history and James Harden making waves by wearing a pair of Jordans mere weeks after agreeing to a $200 million deal to endorse adidas sneakers.
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Neither of those players are the highest-paid shoe endorsers currently in the business, however, as there are others making more on shoe deals than either Curry or Harden. But before we get into the list of the largest shoe deals, it must be stated that a lot of these contracts are heavily based on incentives such as player accomplishments and sales. Rarely does a player actually receive the full reported amount in a shoe deal, as that money isn’t fully guaranteed.
Here’s a look at the biggest annual endorsem*nt contracts currently in the league:
#10 – Blake Griffin, $6 million/year, Jordan Brand – Few NBA stars are more marketable than Griffin, so $6 million for a player that likeable and that talented in a market as big as Los Angeles is an absolute steal for Jordan Brand. Jordan Brand has put Griffin front and center, marketing him heavily in commercials (like the recent Marvin the Martian spot) and even a television show (BGCP3TV in HD) with teammate and fellow Jordan Brand endorser Chris Paul.
#9 – Damian Lillard, $10 million/year, adidas – Lillard only recently debuted his first signature shoe, and while it’s a good one, it is easy to look at a $100 million investment in a player like Lillard as a bit of a risk. With LaMarcus Aldridge gone, the Blazers won’t be quite as exciting a team, but that doesn’t mean Lillard won’t be thrilling as the head honcho in a market that absolutely adores its basketball team. Still, it’s the biggest paycheck on this list for a player with the fewest actual accomplishments so far. But again, keep in mind that a lot of these reported numbers are inflated due to the deals being largely incentive based.
#8 – Dwyane Wade: $12 million/year, Li Ning – It took a massive amount of money and some equity in the company, but Chinese shoe company Li Night was able to draw Wade away from the Jordan Brand back in 2012 in the hopes that he could help turn things around for what was then a struggling brand. Three years later, it’s still a struggling brand, with Li Ning having finished in the red every year that Wade has been at the end of their endorsem*nt team. They gave it the old college try, but Wade is crying himself to sleep on his bed of money.
#7 – Derrick Rose: $14.2 million/year, adidas – Right before Derrick Rose originally tore his ACL in the 2012 NBA Playoffs, he signed a max deal with the Bulls and a 13-year, $185 deal with adidas, in what has to be considered one of the more fortuitous timings of a cash influx in the history of humankind. Had Rose not bloomed so early in his career, things may have gone very differently for him, but as it stands he’s got one of the largest shoe deals in the business (but again, it was largely incentive-based so he hasn’t cashed in as much as reported figures would have you believe). Rose and adidas just debuted the Rose 6, so they’re still all-in on a player beloved in his huge home market of Chicago, but then again they don’t really have much of a choice. He’s signed, regardless of his health.
#6 – Kobe Bryant: $15 million/year, Nike – While Bryant clearly is toward the end of his career in the NBA, he still is the most popular player in China, which is more than enough to make Bryant worth the price tag as a spokesman for the Swoosh. Every year, Bryant does a long offseason visit to China to keep that relationship strong, but he’s still a pretty popular player in the U.S. too, despite his recent injuries.
#5 – James Harden: $15.4 million/year, adidas – It’s fair enough for adidas to put the kibosh on Harden wearing Air Jordans out in public when they just invested $200 million in him over 13 years to wear their three stripes. It’s a hefty price tag for a player not necessarily known for his flash on the court, but the beard is marketable and adidas didn’t have a whole lot of options in adding a bona fide star to their roster. Lillard and Rose have proven their value to the brand, but they hope Harden will be their biggest draw moving forward.
#4 – LeBron James: $20 million/year, Nike – While he’s surprisingly low on this list, James actually has the best-selling individual shoe among current NBA players, with over $340 million in sneakers sold during the 2014 calendar year. Early in his career, James didn’t turn a profit as a spokesman for Nike right out of high school, but the biggest star of his generation was bound to dominate the market share eventually, which he has done for years. Rumor has it that in addition to the $20 million per year that James can earn from Nike if he hits all of his incentives, his deal also includes a guarantee that Nike will commit a large amount of money to marketing James’ brand – making this an even better deal for King James.
#3 – Kevin Durant: $30 million/year, Nike – Under Armour worked like crazy last summer to pry Durant away from Nike, offering him somewhere in the neighborhood of a $265-285 million over 10 years. The offer included equity in the company and a rec center named after Durant’s mother, so the deal was a sweet one with plenty of perks. However, Nike is the single most reputable shoe company in the business and Durant ultimately decided to take the extra bit of cash and the credibility associated with the brand. Either way, he’s making a ton of money to sell shoes.
#2 – Stephen Curry: Terms undisclosed, Under Armour – At the end of 2013, Under Armour had a 0.35 percent market share of basketball shoe sales, selling only $30 million worth of product, but following an MVP and championship year from Curry, sales jumped 754 percent last season, pushing Under Armour into second place in the shoe market behind only Nike. That’s almost exclusively thanks to the Curry One, and Under Armour recently showed their appreciation by extending Curry’s deal through 2024. The terms of that deal were undisclosed, but knowing what UA offered Durant a year ago, and knowing that Curry got equity in a company that clearly is on the rise, it’s a fair stretch to venture that when everything is all said and done Curry will be making more shoe money than Durant.
#1 – Michael Jordan: $90-100 million/year, Jordan Brand – On the one hand, it’s kind of ridiculous that a player who’s been out of the league for 15 years is far and away the highest-paid athlete in the world when it comes to sneaker endorsem*nts, but the Air Jordan line of basketball shoes is the whole reason players like Durant and James are getting nine-figure shoe deals today, and his shoes are as popular as they ever have been. Jordan Brand hauls in an estimated $2.5 billion every year, and Jordan’s royalties from that haul are reportedly somewhere between $90-100 million annually. As a player, Jordan made just over $90 million in basketball salaries his entire career. Retirement is treating him well, mostly because his brand of shoes is funding it.
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This obviously won’t be the end of the industry’s biggest shoe companies chasing after young stars in need of a shoe deal. Anthony Davis, for example, looks primed for an MVP trophy at some point in his career, and while he is under contract with Nike he doesn’t yet have his own signature shoe. It’s like coming, though.
Paul George is another Nike player in line for a signature shoe at some point (and the PG-13 rebranding certainly gives the graphics department there a lot more to work with), as is Blake Griffin. Denver rookie Emmanuel Mudiay is the most recent Under Armour addition, and he may get his own shoe sooner than later too, even though he’s done significantly less than some of his more established colleagues.
The only thing that can be said with absolute certainty is that basketball stars sell a ton of basketball shoes, and as long as that remains the case, these monster shoe deals will keep rolling in.
FAQs
Michael Jordan - $150,000,000
A lot of his yearly income now comes from his company Jordan Brand - a sub-division of Nike - which in 2021 alone generated $4.7 billion in revenue. Michael Jordan turns 59 today.
Who has the biggest shoe deal in NBA? ›
Michael Jordan - $150,000,000
A lot of his yearly income now comes from his company Jordan Brand - a sub-division of Nike - which in 2021 alone generated $4.7 billion in revenue. Michael Jordan turns 59 today.
What is the most expensive shoe deal in the NBA? ›
Michael Jordan's 'Last Dance' shoes just became the most expensive sneakers ever sold. Sotheby's got a record $2.2 million for Michael Jordan's 1998 NBA Finals Air Jordan 13 sneakers.
What is the biggest shoe deal in history? ›
Although Nike has made itself a big-name brand, many would say that the Air Jordan made Nike a much bigger company, as it continues to be a multi-billion dollar company. With a value of $130 million, Jordan tops the list of highest earning sneaker deals according to Forbes.
What NBA players have lifetime shoe deals? ›
PHOENIX (AP) — Kevin Durant and Nike have agreed to a lifetime contract, making him just the third NBA player to receive such a deal, joining Michael Jordan and LeBron James. The 13-time All-Star has a relationship with Nike that dates back to 2007, releasing 15 different sets of shoes.
How much is Kevin Durant's lifetime Nike deal worth? ›
USA Today reports in 2014 suggested Durant's then new ten-year Nike extension would pay him US$250 million over its duration, with a further $50 million 'retirement package' That deal was set to expire after the 2024/25 season.
Who has the biggest endorsem*nt deal? ›
Earnings through brand deals do surpass the athletes' on-field earnings. The National Basketball Association (NBA) superstar, LeBron James has topped the list. The LA Lakers player has accumulated $90 million through brand endorsem*nts in 2022.
How much is Dwyane Wade shoe deal worth? ›
After brief negotiations, Wade stunned everyone and signed an eight-year, $10 Million contract with Chinese brand Li-Ning, which also made him chief brand officer in 2012 and established his own Way of Wade subsidiary brand.
How much was Michael Jordan's shoe deal? ›
On October 26, 1984, Michael Jordan signed a five-year, US$2.5 million deal with Nike, three times more than any other deal in the National Basketball Association (NBA) at the time. Nike released the Air Jordan sneaker line in April 1985 with the goal of making $3 million in the first three years.
What's the most expensive pair of Michael Jordan's? ›
Sports Memorabilia
Earlier this week, a pair of Nike Air Jordan 13s worn by Michael Jordan himself sold for $2.2 million at Sotheby's, flying by the previous record set in 2021 by a pair of Nike Air Ships also worn by Jordan in 1984, just a few games into his rookie season.
That, his major improvement in Europe and Sacramento's ample salary-cap space meant he got a three-year, $27 million contract. His rookie salary is $9,470,614 – the highest in NBA history – and Bogdanovic visibly beams about the deal, the upside of deferring his NBA dream so long.
Who is the biggest shoe seller in USA? ›
Amazon.com is leading the Footwear e-commerce market in the U.S., with e-commerce net sales of US$1,636 million in 2021 generated in the U.S., followed by walmart.com with US$1,300 million. Third place is taken by dsw.com with a revenue of US$787 million.
Who has the richest rookie shoe deal in NBA history? ›
Zion Williamson
While LeBron James has the largest overall rookie shoe contract, Zion Williamson has the richest annual deal in history. His deal will pay him $15 million over five years, while James earned just north of $12 million per year. Jordan Brand will reportedly unveil a signature shoe for Williamson in 2021.
Does Michael Jordan have a lifetime deal with Nike? ›
PHOENIX (AP) — Kevin Durant and Nike have agreed to a lifetime contract, making him just the third NBA player to receive such a deal, joining Michael Jordan and LeBron James. The 13-time All-Star has a relationship with Nike that dates back to 2007, releasing 15 different sets of shoes.
Do NBA players get free sneakers? ›
While these athletes don't actively design, market, and sell their own shoes, the most talented players (all-stars) are often given player-exclusive sneakers, which include their logo and custom colorways. These deals represent about 20% of the NBA.
What shoes is Ja Morant wearing? ›
The Nike JA 1 is Ja Morant's first signature shoe with Nike and it's crazy how similar these feel to OG Kyrie shoes. After our first brief test of the shoe, the Ja 1 shows a lot of potential.
Who has signed a lifetime deal with Nike? ›
Press play to listen to this article! Got it! Kevin Durant has become the third NBA star to sign a lifetime deal with Nike after Michael Jordan and LeBron James, he announced Friday on Boardroom.
Does Kobe Bryant have a lifetime contract with Nike? ›
According to ESPN, Nike did make an extension offer to the Bryant estate in 2021 but it was not in line with what they were looking for. Their goal was to land a lifetime deal structure similar to the one LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo have with the company. This new deal from Nike fits that bill.
Who has a lifetime contract with Adidas? ›
By the summer of 2002, McGrady made good on his straight-out-of-high school sneaker deal by signing a monumental lifetime contract with Adidas.
Who is the highest paid Nike sponsor? ›
Michael Jordan
Today, it is estimated that the 60-year-old has earned more than US$1 billion from his relationship with Nike, with his Jordan Brand line of sneakers and apparel becoming a money-printing cultural phenomenon.
Nike Inc.'s (NKE) latest headline deal with soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo—a lifetime contract worth $1 billion—is a prime example of these shifting marketing strategies, offering firms greater reach at a lower cost.
How much is LeBron's endorsem*nt deal? ›
"LeBron James Scores On $725 Million SpringHill Deal With Nike, RedBird, and Fenway Sports Group." SpringHill Company.
How much is Bronny James shoe deal? ›
In 2015, James signed another historic deal with Nike, landing a lifetime contract with the brand that is worth $32 million annually, according to Forbes. MORE: Who are the top 30 players in NBA heading into 2022-23 season?
What was Shaq's shoe deal? ›
Estimated to have a net worth upward of $400 million, Shaq's first notable business deal was his agreement with sporting company Reebok in 1992, which landed him a multi-year contract worth $15 million annually independent of his NBA salary.
How much did Kobe Bryant shoes sell for? ›
Kobe Bryant's Game-Worn Shoes Estimated to Sell for $38,000 at Sotheby's Auction.
How much was LeBron's first shoe deal? ›
Just past midnight in Akron, Ohio, the night before the 2003 NBA draft lottery, LeBron James finally arrived at a decision. The 18-year-old nicknamed “King James” put pen to paper on his rookie endorsem*nt contract with Nike, worth a reported $87 million fully guaranteed over seven years.
Does LeBron get royalties from Nike? ›
No, LeBron James does not have any ownership in Nike. He is, however, one of the best-paid endorsers in the world, having made more than $1 billion from his endorsem*nt deals with Nike and other companies throughout his career.
Why did Adidas not signed Michael Jordan? ›
But at that time, Adidas was a European brand that really didn't make a strong push for the United States, and they didn't feel that it was worth it, which in hindsight, was perfect for me because it made my decision much easier, and I ended up with Nike.
What is the rarest Michael Jordan? ›
The most valuable Card of Michael Jordan is currently 1997 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems #23PMG Michael Jordan /100 BGS 8.5 by Metal Universe from 1997 with a worth of approx. $420000.0.
What is the most rare Jordan 1? ›
Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High Colette Au Revoir | $20,000
The Colette Air Jordan 1, originally created only for employees of the store and never released at retail, is counted among the rarest Nike Air Jordan colorways ever made.
The Air Jordan 13 trainers worn by Jordan in the 1998 NBA Finals have become the most valuable sneakers ever sold. A pair of sneakers worn by NBA superstar Michael Jordan has sold for $2.2m, making them the most valuable sports footwear ever sold, auction house Sotheby's said.
How much do NBA referees make per game? ›
In terms of per-game earnings, NBA referees earn an average salary of between $3,000 and $6,100 per game during the regular season. However, this amount does not include the additional earnings they can make during the postseason, which can range from $800 to $5,000 per game depending on their rank.
Who was the first NBA player to make $1000000 a year? ›
Moses Malone & Bill Walton were the first players to earn $1 Million in a season, they were paid exactly $1,000,000 in the 1979-80 season.
Do NBA players get paid weekly? ›
Much like an individual working a regular job, NBA players are paid twice a month. This occurs on the first and the fifteenth of every month. NBA players will receive 24 paychecks within a calendar year.
Who dominates the shoe market? ›
With footwear sales of $29 billion in the fiscal year ended May 31, 2022 (plus $2 billion from Converse), Nike is the clear number 1 in the global sneakers market.
Who is the richest sneaker seller? ›
Meet Jordan Geller, the self-proclaimed 'shoe tycoon. ' Geller is the world's richest sneaker reseller and has become a multi-millionaire by buying and reselling rare and limited-edition sneakers. His success began with the purchase of one of the first pairs of Nike Air Mags in 2011.
Who is the best shoe salesman in the world? ›
The name Chuck Taylor should ring a bell for any basketball fan. But you may not know his contribution to the game. Almost anyone who knows anything about fashionable footwear also knows the name Chuck Taylor.
What was Michael Jordan's rookie salary? ›
The Rookie Deal
Jordan entered the NBA as the #3 overall selection back in 1984 (Hakeem Olajuwon, Sam Bowie for those asking). On September 12th, 1984 he signed a 7 year, $6.3M rookie contract with the Chicago Bulls, including a $250,000 signing bonus & a $455,000 base salary for his inaugural season.
How much money does Michael Jordan make a day? ›
How much does MJ make a day? Michael Jordan slam dunks during the NBA Finals in June 1991. Jordan has a net worth of $2 billion. Though it's impossible to say how much his Airness makes in one day, that net worth equates to making about $5.5 million daily.
How much royalties does Michael Jordan get from Nike? ›
When Jordan signed his deal in 1984, not only did he agree to $500,000 per year, but also had royalties mentioned in his contract. Michael Jordan does not earn a fixed amount from Nike, but rather gets a 5% royalty on Jordan Brand earnings. This has helped him amass a net worth of $2 Billion(via Forbes).
What is the worth of Tiger Woods' contract with Nike? Before turning pro, Woods was already a well-known name in the world. Tiger Woods' first contract with Nike in 1996 was a five-year agreement worth $40 million. Since then, he has updated the contract four times.
Do NBA players pay for their flights? ›
Private jets can be very expensive to purchase and maintain, and most NBA players do not have the financial resources to afford one. Instead, teams often charter planes or use commercial airlines to transport their players and staff to games and events.
Do NBA players get new jerseys every game? ›
In conclusion, NBA players do not get new jerseys for every game. The exact frequency of when they receive new jerseys depends on several factors such as the team, the type of game, and the length of the season.
Do NBA players reuse their shoes? ›
NBA players often change sneakers throughout a game or practice session, depending on their personal preference and the condition of their shoes. Some players may switch out their sneakers every quarter or even more frequently, while others may go for longer periods without changing.
How much will ja 1s cost? ›
The Ja 1s, which cost $110, will be available in many more retail stores starting May 4. They were also made available Wednesday on the Nike app and website.
What shoes does Curry wear in game? ›
Under Armour Curry 10 Basketball Shoes
The latest from Curry, aka "Butterflies and Unicorns," the Curry 10 is high on comfort, durability and style. Unisex styling, naturally. Worn by Steph in Round 1 of the playoffs during Game 5 vs. the Sacramento Kings.
What shoes did Magic Johnson wear in the NBA? ›
To this day, Magic is famously associated with the Converse Weapon silhouette, arguably being one of his most iconic basketball sneakers. His 1985-1986 NBA season was also the first debut of the Converse Weapon, which would later become a huge part of basketball and sneaker history.
Who dominates the basketball shoe market? ›
More than 70% of NBA players wear Nike shoes, according to the company.
How much is Lebron's Nike lifetime deal? ›
Lebron James has a lifetime endorsem*nt deal with Nike that is estimated to be worth $1 billion. The deal is an unprecedented one in the world of sports and makes James the highest paid athlete in the history of sports.
Does Michael Jordan still get royalties from Nike? ›
Michael Jordan does not earn a fixed amount from Nike, but rather gets a 5% royalty on Jordan Brand earnings. This has helped him amass a net worth of $2 Billion(via Forbes).
