When we first reported on LeBron James' lifetime deal with Nike back in December 2015, it relied on USA Today's sleuthing that pointed to the partnership being worth around $500 million USD. However, a profile on Maverick Carter, LeBron James' business partner, in GQ reveals that the deal is actually worth more than a billion USD.
While the entire interview is enligthtening and touches on James' thought process when it comes to exterior ventures, the below excerpt reveals just how dedicated Nike is to having King James a part of the Swoosh forever.
How much was the deal for? I can't say.
Come on, Mav! Can you ballpark it? What are people saying?
Kanye said a billion. So a billion. [Maverick smiles and points one finger skyward.]
Holy shit. Yeah. It's a fantastic deal. Nike feels great about the deal. That's the most important thing. As great as I feel, as great as LeBron feels—Nike feels fantastic about it. It's the largest deal in the history of the company. Their hope is he makes even more. And our hope is that, too, obviously.