Isaac
Years ago
How Nike lost Steph Curry to Under Armour
Interesting long-form piece about how Under Armour secured Steph Curry while Nike took the opportunity for granted.
Full story: You won't believe how Nike lost Steph to Under Armour
Includes interesting bits about the money in the shoe industry and how the deals went down.
James indeed has a lifetime contract with Nike worth more than $500 million, according to USA Today. He has a one-year deal with the Cavs, probably as a means of maximizing his profit and leverage. If that reporter had been allowed another subversive follow up, perhaps this question would have yielded interesting results: "Who is your primary employer?"
In 2014, according to Forbes, Jordan earned $100 million from Nike. He made just under $94 million from NBA contracts over his career.
TL;DR - they went after Kent Bazemore who later pitched Curry. Then when Nike's pitch as incumbent was lazy, Under Armour were more dedicated.
