Michael Jordan's reps are telling possible business
partners that the "bidding starts" at $20M for Jordan's
product endorsement, according to Josh Gotthelf of the
SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL. Jordan reps recently told one
company interested in his services that the "starting point
for discussions" was a 10-year deal worth $2M annually
(SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 8/24 issue). In N.Y., Richard
Wilner cites the report, and writes that "despite the price,
Jordan delivers." A Sara Lee spokesperson said, "We
certainly think Jordan is worth every penny we pay him" to
endorse its Hanes underwear line (N.Y. POST, 8/25).
JUMP UP, JUMP UP AND GET DOWN: In Chicago, Steve
Rosenbloom reported that Jordan recently met with Nike to
find out "which player would wear" the Air Jordan brand
sneaker this season. While some NBA players wear sneakers
from the Air Jordan line, only Jordan himself wears the Air
Jordan shoe. Nike said that it was "counting on Jordan" to
be the one who wears that shoe (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 8/24).
SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL's Gotthelf also reports that first
round draft picks Mike Bibby and Bonzi Wells are "close to
signing" with Nike, and that Bibby "will probably endorse"
Jordan's "Jumpman" brand (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 8/24).
