Big Name Companies Passing on Lonzo Ball
With the biggest part of the NFL Draft (1st Round) just passing, we are about 2 months now from the NBA Draft. One of the biggest prospects heading into the draft is UCLA Guard Lonzo Ball. How could you not know who “Ball” is? Most people only know LaVar Ball, the father of Lonzo. The focus of this article isn't the player himself, it is about the the cash and endorsement deals he is trying the bring in. His biggest problem right now, his father.
Back in March, Lonzo planned on getting the shoe deal that he had anticipated for a large amount of money. In an interview in March, Ball added that he needed a “billion” at least. That being 100 mil over the next 10 years. Fast forward to now when Nike, Adidas and Under Amour passed on a deal with Lonzo because of his father’s demands.
“Ball’s father, LaVar, confirmed that the three shoe and apparel companies informed him they were not interested in completing a deal with his son. Sources with the three companies told ESPN.com that they indeed were moving on.
This is something that we have never really seen, a big name shoe company stepping away from a potential high draft pick. When LaVar met with all three companies, he was more interested on getting his brand “Big Baller Brand” licensed. The big companies didn’t like that and turned him away. Ball wasn’t looking for an “endorsement deal”.
A prime example to look at is Nike itself. Imagine if LeBron and Kobe broke off and started something for their own, would you want someone apart of your company with that reputation?
For continued coverage of the NBA Draft, stay with Upstate Sports Zone… @upstate_sports
By Jake Martino
