James Harden, who played on the US team during the final game of FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain, is now sponsored by Adidas. Photo: Marcos Mesa Sam Wordley | Shutterstock.
Houston Rockets guard James Harden switched his endorsement contract this summer from Nike to Adidas for a new $200 million contract over 13 years. Nike did not want to match the package.
The Adidas deal didn’t technically start until October 1st this year but things got a little strange when Harden was spotted wearing Nikes after the signing. To get the attention away from the Nike fiasco, Adidas made an event of the partnership at Harden’s home in Houston on October.
They created a video with a ‘special delivery’ to Harden with hundreds of Adidas shoes and swag. The Rockets player will be wearing Adidas Crazylight Boosts on the court. Considering how much Harden is being paid there will likely be a signature shoe soon with the sneaker brand.
Harden said that the switch wasn’t just about the money but also that he likes that he will have a voice. At a practice last week, he said, “Just everything, however I want it, I have a say-so. I have a voice that can and will be heard. I have a pretty strong voice, whether it’s designing my shoe, designing my clothing, just everything, everything that the brand has to offer. I’ll definitely voice my opinion.”
Adidas has been continuing this year to show their ability to win over new athletes and celebrities and really compete with Nike who currently is the number one sportswear company in the world. The deal Adidas made with Harden is huge, considering its half of what the brand paid for 11 seasons as the NBA’s official uniform supplier.
