29-01-2010

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He’s Lovin’ It: LeBron to endorse McDonald’s. The Showdown 2.0. »

LeBron James has agreed to a multiyear partnership with McDonald’s Corp., adding the global fast-food giant to a list of heavyweight corporate sponsors that already included Nike, Coca-Cola and State Farm. James filmed his commercial for McDonald’s earlier this month in Indianapolis. The new spot will debut during the Super Bowl on Feb. 7. The spot also features Orlando All-Star center Dwight Howard and Larry Bird, the Boston Celtics legend. Howard recently signed a three-year deal with McDonald’s worth a reported $3 million per year. Filmed at Conseco Fieldhouse, the commercial is a spin on the famous “The Showdown” ad that Bird made with Michael Jordan. In that commercial, which first aired during the 1993 Super Bowl. James has made previous Super Bowl ads for Bubblicious and State Farm. Can you imagine McDonald’s Nike LeBron shoes?!

Financial terms were not immediately known, but the deal certainly will add to James’ substantial net worth. Last year, Forbes Magazine estimated the 25-year-old made more than $40 million in salary and endorsements. He is currently ranked behind only Tiger Woods on the Bloomberg BusinessWeek list of America’s most powerful athletes. James, a six-time All-Star with the Cleveland Cavaliers and reigning league MVP, is thrilled with his newest business partner. “McDonald’s and I make a great team,” he said. “We share many of the same core values, including a commitment to excellence and giving back to the community. I am also excited about the opportunity to work with Ronald McDonald House Charities, which helps improve the lives of so many children and their families around the world.” Beyond his involvement in charity work with the company, James will be part of TV, print and online advertising campaigns for McDonald’s, which operates more than 31,000 restaurants in 119 countries. Maverick Carter, James’ business partner and CEO of LRMR Marketing, called the pairing of James and McDonald’s a “a perfect fit.” “McDonald’s is one of the best known and most recognizable brands in the world,” Carter said. “LeBron couldn’t ask for a better partner and for him to be involved with such a company says a lot about where he is in his career.” Info via ESPN.