Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan signed a $2,500,000, 5-year deal with Nike back in 1984. It was the first 7-figure deal signed in the NBA for a global company looking to take on stellar athletes. Now, 25-year-old Austin Reaves has signed a deal expected to be worth 7 figures per year. That too, with a relatively unknown Chinese company, Rigorer.
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With Nike known to have more than half of NBA players wearing their sneakers, Reaves has gone a different way by signing with Rigorer. The move bears resemblance to the way in which Jordan himself ditched other brands in finally opting for Nike, back in 1984.
Austin Reaves signs 7-figure deal with Chinese company Rigorer
Austin Reaves had been wearing Rigorer’s War Ender shoes through the entirety of the 2022-23 NBA season. It seems as if the Lakers star has developed a particular liking for the brand.
Reaves’ first signature shoe, the AR1, was initially leaked in April on Twitter. After weeks of speculation, the 25-year-old himself made the announcement.
Speaking to Shams Charania, Reaves seemed delighted after signing the deal. Charania reported the contract to be worth more than a million per year. The exact details of the multi-year deal can be expected in due time:
“Honestly surprised. You know if earlier you would have told me I would have my own signature shoes, you know at 18, I would have looked at you and called you a liar you know? It’s not common for a 20-something to be in the NBA and have a signature shoe. Honestly, I am blessed to play basketball for a living and have to pinch myself sometimes just to really understand what’s going on.”
Reaves joins an elite club of NBA stars with signature shoes
While Reaves has signed with a relatively unknown company, he joins an elite list of NBA players to have their own shoes. Apart from Jordan and Nike, Adidas, Under Armour and New Balance form the majority of the market.
Reaves’ deal means that Rigorer gets a foothold in the most lucrative basketball league in the world. Reaves earned around $1.5 million as wages from the Lakers this season.
Reeves is in line for a raise in the coming off-season. For the time being, however, the Rigorer deal represents substantial money for a player who seems to be on an upward trend for his team. Other NBA stars may decide to sign with lesser-known brands, but it remains to be seen.
