Chapter 317 1997 NCAA Division I Men"s Basketball Tournament 5
Chapter 317 1997 NCAA Division I Men"s Basketball Tournament 5
"A Nike representative has already talked to me and offered me a very bad proposal a few months ago."
"So you don't want to work with them anymore? That's a shame, I have good contact with some Nike directors after a lot of deals I've done with them, but I can try to get a good deal with Adidas and Reebok."
"You got me wrong David, I want to work with Nike, in fact, I'm not interested in what other companies can offer before you try to get as much as possible from Nike."
David was confused about why Jake seemed to like Nike more than other companies, Nike has grown a lot in recent years thanks to the influence of Michael Jordan, but Adidas and Reebok were also big companies.
"I thought that because they had underestimated their value by offering a bad offer you wouldn't want to work with Nike, or would prefer Adidas or Reebok unless Nike offered an indispensable offer."
"That's because you don't know me, David, this is business and it's nothing personal, more than offended I'd say I was disappointed with Nike's offer, I thought they'd be smarter."
"After all a few months ago I had achieved a lot of things in the marathon and was playing very well at the university, with a decent offer I could sign with them and they could say they had signed with an Olympic champion and world record holder."
"Especially because I'm an American and they currently have more clients in the United States, and in the future at least it was almost certain that I would join the NBA, but they offered less than my other sponsors paid."
"You even know how fearful they are to make new contracts, even with Michael Jordan they asked for several clauses in case it didn't work out they could terminate the contract."
"And Michael Jordan wasn't annoyed at being underrated and renewed his contract with them a few years later."
David was amazed that Jake could calm down and think about it alone without having any unnecessary pride or arrogance, after all, Michael Jordan had him to advise making the most rational decision.
Also, times were different and even Michael Jordan thought it was normal for Nike to doubt that this deal could have worked, of course, he was glad he made that deal and lost a little at the time because he would continue to receive royalties for life by Nike for the shoe brand with his name.
"I think you're right and did well not to hold a grudge, which I don't understand is why do you prefer Nike over other shoe companies?"
"It's partly because of you, David, I believe Nike will make many billions in the future and win a lot of basketball market because of you and Michael Jordan, because of you the Nike brand will be much better known."
"For you too, many new talents will want to sign with Nike and they will grow even more so it will be good for me to associate with this growing brand."
David thought for a moment and realized that Jake was right, Nike had grown and gained a lot of market in recent years even though it was a less influential company than the other companies because of Michael Jordan.
Even after Michael Jordan retired he would still be an idol for many athletes, and other talented players might want to sign with Nike to try to replicate Michael Jordan's success just as Jake wanted to do.