Giannis renews Nike sneaker deal
Milwaukee Bucks star says deal is a "long term partnership."
Giannis renews Nike sneaker deal Milwaukee Bucks star says deal is a "long term partnership." Check out this story on jsonline.com: https://jsonl.in/2hQoRGg
James B. Nelson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Published 4:56 p.m. CT Nov. 7, 2017 | Updated 5:37 p.m. CT Nov. 7, 2017
Giannis Antetokounmpo drives toward the basket.(Photo: Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will remain a Nike man.
Antetokounmpo tweeted Tuesday that he had renewed his deal with the sneaker manufacturer after a short stint as a basketball shoe free agent. He called it a "long term partnership."
In his tweet, Antetokounmpo emphasized "Family, Loyalty. Legacy." He included a short video that concludes with him stating "family over everything."
Family. Loyalty. Legacy. Excited to announce my long-term partnership with @NikeBasketball#FamilyOverEverything@Thanasis_ante43pic.twitter.com/remyaTVuhZ
— GiannisAntetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) November 7, 2017
Antetokounmpo is playing in the first year of a four-year, $100 million contract. The sneaker deal could be worth upwards of $7 million per season, and possibly up to $10 million per year, the Journal Sentinel's Matt Velazquez reported in September. According to multiple reports, Nike had a match clause in its expiring deal with Antetokounmpo, giving the sneaker giant 20 days to match any offer by a competing company.
The sneaker deal could be especially lucrative for Nike given the international attention received by the Bucks' 22-year-old Greek star.
ESPN reported in September that Nike and other manufacturers courting Antetokounmpo were offering him his own line of sneakers as part of the deal.
Last month, Antetokounmpo said he was enjoying being a sneaker free agent and the free shoes coming from various manufacturers.
Then, he said, "I haven't decided yet, I'm not even close yet. … I'm not in a rush right now, I'm just focusing on basketball."
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and his Nike sneakers at the Bucks' media day earlier this season. (Photo: James B. Nelson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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