NBA: Nike signs a lifetime contract with LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers)

Nike has signed a lifetime contract with LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball (NBA) star, announced the US sports equipment brand on 07/12/2015.

"We can confirm that we have agreed to a lifetime relationship with LeBron that provides significant value to our business, brand and shareholders," Nike said in a statement, without specifying the amount of the contract. However source source close to the deal told the US pay-TV operator and media group ESPN that it easily surpasses the 10-year, $300m deal Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant signed" with Nike in summer 2015. David Falck, a former agent of Michael Jordan, estimates the total amount between $400m and $500m (€368m and €458m).

Partnered with Nike for 12 years, LeBron James, a two-time NBA champion (2012, 2013) and four-time MVP (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013) has become the first athlete to sign a lifetime contract with the US company. Nike is selling 13 different variations of shoes bearing the image of 3-year-old player in 2015, which will generate almost $400m (€368m) in sales, according to ESPN.

• Nike aims to…