LeBron James Signed With Nike 20 Years Ago Today

Twenty years ago today, LeBron James and Nike announced their historic partnership.

Much has changed over the last two decades, but fans have been able to count on LeBron James year after year. Since being coronated as "The Chosen One" as a teenager, the 19x NBA All-Star has exceeded all of the lofty expectations placed upon him.

Just as basketball fans have been able to count on James, the league's all-time leading point scorer could count on Nike. The Oregon-based brand has worked with James to create one of the strongest signature sneaker lines in NBA history.

Throughout the 2022-23 NBA season, James and Nike have celebrated the leadup to their 20th anniversary. The Los Angeles Lakers forward has debuted multiple new and retro models on the hardwood. It has been a sneaker parade fitting for a king.

"I'M A NIKE GUY"
20 years ago today, 18-year-old LeBron James signed a 7-year, $87 million deal with Nike.

Reebok reportedly offered $115 million & Adidas offered less than $60 million! pic.twitter.com/Ea0faV1fI4

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) May 22, 2023

After months of commemorative festivities, today marks 20 years since James inked his first sneaker deal with Nike. Before the Cleveland Cavaliers selected James with the first pick of the 2003 NBA Draft, the Akron native had already scored a historic payday.

On May 22, 2003, James signed a 7-year, $87 million deal with Nike. Reebok reportedly offered $115 million, while Adidas offered less than $60 million (much to the chagrin of the legendary sneaker executive Sonny Vaccaro).

The rest is history, as James represented Nike at every turn of his historic career - from Cleveland to Miami, back to Cleveland, and now in Los Angeles. In 2015, their partnership came full circle as James signed a historic lifetime contract with Nike worth approximately $1 billion.

Fans wanting to celebrate the 20th anniversary of James signing with Nike are in luck. The LeBron James collection on Nike's website features sneakers, apparel, and accessories in full-family sizing.

Soon the torch will be passed as James' oldest son, Bronny, has already signed his own deal with Nike. But that day isn't here yet. LeBron and the Lakers still have at least one more game this season before James embarks on his 21st year in the league as a Nike athlete.

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