Ohio Gov. Argues To Keep LeBron "Witness" Sign On Building

Ohio Gov. Wants Giant LeBron Sign To Stay On Side Of Cleveland Building

PAYING DIVIDENDS: In Portland, Joe Milicia writes with James making the NBA Finals in just his fourth season, Nike’s $90M investment in him has “never looked better.” Nike business manager for James Brian Fairben said, “The world changed for a lot of us at Nike in that Game 5 [in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pistons].” Fairben said that Nike is “looking to expand James’ influence in Asia by launching a version of his signature shoe there.” The company is also looking at Europe as James’ next growth market. Meanwhile, SportsOneSource Marketing Dir Neil Schwartz said that James’ No. 23 jersey is currently the league’s top-selling jersey, and it has been “steadily increasing in recent weeks.”  Upper Deck Authenticated VP Tim Muret said James’ $900 road jerseys have been sold out since Cavaliers-Pistons Game Five, and other jerseys and signed memorabilia are on backorder.  Upper Deck is “going to capitalize with more products including commemorative signed photos” from the game (Portland OREGONIAN, 6/7).

CHAMPIONSHIP VALUE: Pickett Advertising Exec Creative Dir Bob Dorfman said that winning the championship “may increase [James’] sponsorship take by about $10[M].” Sports Business Group President David Carter "said James's age makes him a perfect fit for technology or mobile communications companies that try to appeal to young people."  Carter: "He can take his marketing message, his brand, much more directly to the people than Michael Jordan of a marketing generation ago, when you pretty much just had traditional forms of media” (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 6/7).

WAITING GAME: James’ second child is due to be born June 17, the same day as Game Five of the Finals. James said his girlfriend, Savannah Brinson, “knows that if there is an opportunity to be there, I will. And if not, I’m going to support my teammates” (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 6/6).

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