I think you have to compare the "brand" of Jordan vs. Lebron. Jordan has had almost 30 years to mature. Lebron is not even half that.
Interesting to see how this compares & will play out compared to other deals (Under Armour has equity deals with Brady / Curry) which insinuates longer term deals - even if it's not explicit.
> Jordan has had almost 30 years to mature. Lebron is not even half that.
This is a reasonable thing to say, but celebrity branding doesn't necessarily get better with time, and I think is actually particularly unlikely to do so compared to other forms of branding.
Part of the reason for Jordan's success is that he's the GOAT - and an umbrella for other players. His "Jordan" line doesn't just include his signature shoes, but players like CP3, Blake Griffin, Carmelo Anthony and Russel Westbrook.
Way easier to pull in other players after you're retired than it is while you're still in the game. That's why you're seeing Jordan take up 58% of the basketball shoe market.
Interesting to see how this compares & will play out compared to other deals (Under Armour has equity deals with Brady / Curry) which insinuates longer term deals - even if it's not explicit.