Gatorade Signs Zion Williamson To Multiyear Endorsement Deal
Pelicans rookie F Zion Williamson is the "latest addition" to Gatorade's stable of athletes after he recently signed a "multiyear endorsement deal" with the company, according to Kurt Badenhausen of FORBES. Financial terms were not released, but Williamson is "expected to net seven figures annually under the pact." Despite its close ties to basketball, Williamson "marks only the fourth current NBA player under contract with Gatorade," joining Clippers F Paul George, Celtics F Jayson Tatum and T'Wolves C Karl-Anthony Towns. The PepsiCo-owned brand also has deals with Michael Jordan and Dwyane Wade, as well as WNBA Washington Mystics F Elena Delle Donne. Williamson and Gatorade are a "natural fit since the brand already is the official sponsor of the NBA, Pelicans and Duke" (FORBES.com, 9/26). FOX BUSINESS' Thomas Barrabi wrote Williamson has "emerged as one of the NBA's most marketable young stars" since he was selected first overall in the Draft. He already has deals with Jordan Brand, the NBA 2K video game franchise and memorabilia company Panini America (FOXBUSINESS.com, 9/26).