CLEVELAND - LeBron James has snapped up another big endorsement deal.
The Cleveland Cavaliers' rookie star signed a four-year, $5 million contract with Bubblicious bubble gum, popping his sponsorship deals to nearly $135 million.
Like his idol, Michael Jordan, the 19-year-old James chews gum during games and occasionally blows a bubble or two - making him a natural fit for London-based Cadbury Schweppes PLC.
He appeals to a large audience and he loves the brand
marketing director Sydney Taylor said yesterday. He's been chewing our gum for quite a while.
James will appear in television and print advertisements for the gum, the first time a pro athlete has endorsed the product, Taylor said. James' agent, Aaron Goodwin, said Bubblicious will have a LeBron James-inspired flavor.
James has been racking up big-money endorsement contracts with sponsors since May, when he signed a seven-year, $90 million deal with Nike, the richest initial shoe contract ever offered to an athlete.
He has deals with Coca Cola/Sprite ($16 million), Juice Batteries ($8 million) and Upper Deck ($5 million). He also signed a guaranteed three-year, $13 million deal with the Cavaliers in July.
Despite his riches, James said money will never change him.
Money is not an issue he said. I've got enough money to last my lifetime my kid's lifetimes and their kid's lifetimes. I'm just trying to experience new things.
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