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19 Years After Missing Out on $100,000,000 Energy Drink Deal, LeBron James Promotes PepsiCo’s ‘Billion-Dollar’ Brand

Nithin Joseph
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19 Years After Missing Out on $100,000,000 Energy Drink Deal, LeBron James Promotes PepsiCo's 'Billion-Dollar' Brand

LeBron James is a superstar both on and off the basketball court. And, like most superstars and athletes of his generation, The King has numerous endorsement deals, all of which provide for his $1,000,000,000 net worth. However, back in 2004, LeBron missed out on signing a deal of a lifetime with Vitaminwater. A deal that could have earned him $100,000,000, just as it did rapper 50 Cent. Well, 19 years later, it seems as though he has learned from his mistakes, as he has shared an Instagram post promoting PepsiCo’s newest potential billion-dollar brand, LIFEWTR.

King James’ success on the court and off it makes him a must-have for any brand. Just his presence alone can drive up the value of a brand by millions. So, it’s not that surprising to hear that he has brands lining up for his signature. That being said, Bron is a picky endorser and only signs with companies that match his own brand image.

Years after losing out on Vitamin Water deal, LeBron James endorses PepsiCo’s newest brand, LIFEWTR

LIFEWTR is the newest energy brand to be introduced by PepsiCo. Marketed as purified water, pH balanced, with electrolytes for taste, the company is looking to challenge some of the other major players in the industry. Companies like Hint, waterdrop, Flow Water, and Vitaminwater have all been put on notice since LIFEWTR’s arrival.

The brand is doing all it can to make a mark in what is now a saturated market. And, one of the steps they have taken is finding the right endorser. Taking to Instagram, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has announced his partnership with the brand. With some calming music, and the slogan “Whole body hydration” sounding out in the background, King James made the partnership official.

“Always staying hydrated with @lifewtr”

It’s a great deal for all parties involved. In addition to bringing a new brand into his list of endorsements, he can now get over his Vitaminwater deal. After all, back in 2005, The King passed on a deal with the Coca-Cola-based company. Rather than become an owner, LeBron opted for a one-time payment worth millions.

The wrong decision on his part, considering 50 Cent, who went for the opposite deal made $100,000,000 after signing on as an investor. Nevertheless, he has the chance to right that wrong. Having made $150,000,000 in revenue within its first 12 months, LIFEWTR could be PepsiCo’s 23rd billion-dollar brand.

LeBron switched allegiances from Coca-Cola to PepsiCo back in 2021

In 2021, LeBron James ended his 17-year partnership with Coca-Cola by switching to PepsiCo. It was a huge move for King James, who makes close to $50,000,000 from endorsements. Signing a multi-year deal with the company, he kicked off the association with Mountain Dew Rise.

Additionally, there were rumors that James’ pizza brand, Blaze Pizza was also integrated into the deal. And, while the exact figures are not known, it’s safe to say PepsiCo paid a pretty penny to prise him away from Coca-Cola.

With LIFWTR and Rise Energy in the bag, it’s likely that LeBron will be involved in some of PepsiCo’s future products. All of which is sure to add more and more to his $1,000,000,000 net worth.

    About the author

    Nithin Joseph

    Nithin Joseph

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    Nithin is a content writer at The SportsRush. Like his favorite athlete Kobe Bryant, the company has helped Nithin elevate his writing skills to a whole new level, especially as an NBA content writer. With over 1500 articles to his name, Nithin's love for the sport knows no bounds. And, as he continues to watch the sport on a daily basis, he hopes his fascination with the NBA, especially the Miami Heat will inspire more and more readers to give the sport a chance. Perhaps, one day making basketball in India as big as it is in the United States.

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