NBA: The Basketball Miracle

On June 29, 1997, the heat of the finals had not yet subsided, and Nike took the opportunity to announce the signing of Knicks All-Star point guard Clay Lee.

Fans were expecting the Nike to release Clay Lee's signature sneakers next season, but in an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated at the end of the month, Lee said that he would release his signature sneakers in 1998.

This can also be considered a combination marketing.

The Nike puts the news, and Sports Illustrated takes advantage of the hot topic.

Fans who want to get first-hand information have to buy an issue of the magazine.

All three parties were very satisfied, except that the fans were taken advantage of.

However, in 1997 people were still relatively simple and were willing to pay for magazines to learn about the stars.

In 1997, Nike promoted "Penny" Hardaway and Jason Kidd.

The strategies of Nike and Adidas are different.

They mainly sign stars, and signing defenders is naturally to increase sales.

After the news was announced, his superficial brother Kidd sent a text message of congratulations, and also hoped that Lee could wear his sneakers next season and help him advertise.

Lee was not clear about the specific contract signed by his superficial brother, but the sponsorship he signed took more than half a month to negotiate.

When signing a sponsorship contract with a commercial company, Lee first established a company.

An independent company can better protect property safety and reduce financial risks.

Of course, setting up a company can also help Lee enjoy tax benefits.

Inno is the first company under Lee's name, and the company name was provided by his good friend Ivan.

The abbreviation of "Innovation" will also involve financial and consulting businesses in the future.

Friends who have been dazzled by the Internet firmly believe that they can discover the next Yahoo.

Agent Mark Bartelstein has already helped Lee to deal with these trivial matters, but the two sides have differences on the details of the contract.

Mark Bartelstein insisted on adding the "competitor" clause.

Adding this clause means that Nike not only has to pay Lee for endorsing Nike products, but also has to pay for part of the costs of competitors' products that he does not endorse.

It sounds like a play on words, but in fact, there is too much room for wrangling here, so both parties have to talk it out in advance.

The "exclusive" clause was also added.

Lee needed to help Under Armour promote sports bras, but Nike had not yet officially involved in this field.

In the end, both parties made concessions and completely resolved the issue.

Of course, the contract also involves "player awards", which is a protection clause for the sponsor.

If Lee does not win any "player awards" for two consecutive years, Nike has the right to reduce the sponsorship fee by 50%.

Of course, this clause is generally not activated.

Sponsors are not so stingy that they write it into the contract more to motivate players' performance.

In short, after signing this 5-year, 25 million US dollar sneaker sponsorship contract, Lee officially joined the ranks of millionaires.

On the afternoon of June 30th, the complex sponsorship contract was signed, and Clay Lee and Mark Bartelstein took the opportunity to hold a celebratory cocktail party.

Mark Parker had been in charge of the development of Nike shoes in the early years.

After being promoted and getting a raise in recent years, he made more money and spent more.

After signing the contract, he didn't even look at the staff on the other side, and immediately called Lee:

"Come on! Lee, we have to have a few drinks tonight. It's rare to meet young people who like old movies!"

Men are in their prime at 40. 42-year-old Mark Parker is a typical white American with big cheeks, bright eyes, and a well-managed body.

He has a happy family and colorful flags fluttering outside.

In addition to collecting artworks, he also likes to collect some classic movie props.

In Lee's opinion, he has money to burn:

"As long as we don't talk about contemporary art, we can have a few drinks!"

In addition to attending cocktail parties and playing ball in the evening, Lee spent most of his time in Chicago accompanying this man to visit art galleries.

There was no trace of artistic bacteria in his body.

Lee was overwhelmed by the strange paintings!

Mark Bartelstein also became amiable and no longer as aggressive as he had been a few days ago.

He immediately suggested:

"Green Mill, it's my treat tonight. Don't worry about the safety. Uptown Chicago is actually very safe!"

In order to please the other party, Lee had to go to this jazz club tonight.

This kind of place was often frequented by the mafia in the past.

It has a retro and fashionable atmosphere and is most suitable for those who like art.

The three of them started talking about the evening activities with a smile.

As for the promotion, naturally, the staff of other departments would be responsible for it.

On the morning of July 1, when Lee woke up in the hotel, the artistic big-breasted blonde from the University of Chicago that he had met last night had already left:

"I hope I can share every sunset with you!"

Looking at the note with lip prints and phone number, Lee scratched his head.

He forgot the other party's name. He came to the bathroom and saw his lifeless eyes.

He sighed for a moment:

"I have been hurt by alcohol and sex again and have become so haggard. Starting this month, I will stop drinking!"

"."

Lee returned to New York on the 3rd.

Next, he had to prepare for the summer courses at the University of Connecticut and he could not neglect his daily training.

Ray Allen, who had already flown to New York to accompany his girlfriend, also planned to ask Lee to go back to Connecticut for training.

When he visited him, he also brought a piece of news:

"Knight is likely to join the Celtics next season!"

Lee felt that his friend tasted lemon juice when drinking plain water.

As fate would have it, among his college teammates, only Ray Allen stayed in the small market, and will have to continue to be quiet in Milwaukee next season.

"It's a good thing to join the Celtics. Who did they draft this year? I remember the Spurs drafted Tim Duncan."

Ray Allen also knew that Lee had been staying in Chicago before, so he leaned on the sofa and gave a brief introduction:

"Chauncey Billups was selected with the 3rd pick, and Ron Mercer was selected with the 6th pick."

"Billups plays very steadily. Knight may get more playing time if he joins the Celtics. The Lakers have O'Neal, so there is no hope for him to be a starter."

Lee touched his chin. The memories in his mind often need to be triggered.

He really couldn't remember what kind of performance the rookie Billups had played:

"You will also have a chance next season. If Vin Baker is traded, your shooting rights will definitely increase."

"Data is still very important. Even if you get a sneaker sponsorship contract, there will still be internal competition."

Ray Allen also knew that Nike had placed a lot of advertisements for Anfernee Hardaway and even launched a trash-talking Lil' Penny puppet.

This kind of treatment as a biological son would make anyone jealous.

The fake successor to Jordan can be regarded as the second brother of Nike.

"The competition for Nike guards is too fierce. The two Hardaways, Jason Kidd, and Gary Payton, all have to postpone their signature shoes."

"If there is a chance, I would still rather sign with AJ. Mike Jordan is said to be retiring, but I think this is fake news, he just won the championship!"

Speaking of idols, Ray Allen looked respectful.

Lee curled his lips secretly.

If his friend knew that Michael Jordan was planning to go to the Golden Club, his idol halo would probably be shattered.

"You still have to compete. Even Michael Jordan cannot do without the marketing behind him. The data must be there, and the honors cannot be lacking."

"You can set a small goal first and strive to become the core of Nike. With the treatment of Anfernee Hardaway, you will also have an advantage in competing for the MVP award."

Hearing Lee's words, Ray Allen also showed a yearning look, MVP!

"This season's MVP should belong to Michael Jordan. Next season, maybe Michael Jordan can get this award again!"

"I think as long as the Bulls do well, the media that vote will compensate."

Lee felt helpless when he saw his friend entering into the crazy fan mode again.

After winning the fifth championship in his career, Michael Jordan's prestige became even higher.

Many young players even hope that Michael Jordan can complete his second three-peat and witness their idol become a legend.

There are many players who have such ideas.

Hearing Ray Allen excitedly talking about Michael Jordan's legendary performance in the Finals, Lee stroked his chin and was lost in thought for a moment:

"MVP is indeed a little difficult, but Nike should have a chance!"

...

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