LeBron James has turned into the biggest face in Nike, and his homecoming decision in 2014 gave the company a massive $340 million boost.
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The Lakers star made his NBA debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers after being selected first overall in the 2003 draft. LeBron was a hometown hero, growing up in Akron, Ohio, and now being the franchise savior for his home-state.
LeBron worked his way up in the league and started dominating the way everyone expected him to. He earned the ‘best player in the league’ mantel, but there was still one thing that eluded him.
With Cleveland, LeBron never had the team to be competitive and win a title. He got close. In 2007, he took Cleveland to the Finals. However, against the San Antonio Spurs’ dynasty, LeBron didn’t have the firepower to win.
Things boiled over in 2010 when LeBron became public enemy number one in Ohio (and much of the rest of the NBA) and left the Cavs for the Miami Heat, joining Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. He won two titles with the Heat, but he still felt empty. There was still something he needed to complete.
LeBron James’ homecoming gave Nike a massive boost
Before LeBron had left for Miami, he had promised the city of Cleveland one thing. He promised that he would win the city a title, no matter what the cost.
After leaving in 2010, fans felt betrayed that the King was reneging on his words. However, in 2014, LeBron proved that wasn’t the case.
He came back to the Cavaliers, joining Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love to fulfill his promise. They weren’t successful in year one, but in their second year, LeBron completed a historic comeback in the Finals to deliver on his promise.
LeBron’s homecoming was also a massive boost for Nike. Sales for his shoe line increased like crazy after he came back. The brand made $340 million in sales in a 12-month period following his return for a 13% rise.
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