Jefferson jokingly said, “There’s a one thousand percent possibility that there’s a one hundred percent chance that LeBron drives a Kia.
Unsurprisingly, LeBron appears in a lot of Kia ads. One of these commercials made fun of all the skeptics who said LeBron James would never drive a Kia.
This season, LeBron earned about $23 million, while the Kia K900 begins at $49,000. The automobile is reliable. Why LeBron would do it is understandable.
The marketing team at Kia is now Jefferson’s biggest supporter of his Snapchat game.
In This Article...
LeBron James is a Kia athlete.
LeBron James is supporting Kia, which may surprise some people given that he is one of the most marketable players in the world.
The basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers inked a contract with the automaker to serve as the face of its K900, a new luxury sedan.
Before Wednesday’s game between Cleveland and the Indiana Pacers in Cincinnati, James stated, “They’re also the main sponsor of the NBA and they done a lot of wonderful advertising as far as the game.” “And me being one of the best players in our league, I believed it was fitting to attempt to promote the game.”
James, a car lover, reportedly asked his business partner Maverick Carter if he may drive the new $66,000 car around this past summer. James has previously donated Kia cars he received as a result of winning the league’s MVP award to charity.
The NBA’s official vehicle, Kia, which is entering its seventh season as such, gladly complied.
Although the multiyear, multimillion-dollar contract’s terms were not made public, the business will employ James in already-shot television commercials.
James stated, “I want everything I do to be true to who I am. “In terms of what they stand for, they’re a fairly good company to work with. Just being able to be with them makes me happy.”
When James shared images of the automobile on Instagram in August, he gave away his plan.
According to a source, James must drive himself to Cavaliers games as part of the agreement. It’s comparable to Tiger Woods’ previous Buick contract, which called for the golfer to attend events driving the car manufacturer.
James is not required under the agreement to just operate the K900, though. He owns more than 20 vehicles in his collection, including a Lamborghini, Porsche, Ferrari, Maybach, and Rolls-Royce.
This transaction is not a danger for us, Carter declared. He is a huge fan, he likes vehicles, and he owns a K900.
Carter claimed James persuaded one of his other sponsors to utilize the K900 in a commercial by using his clout. James and “Mr. Monopoly” are riding in the backseat in a McDonald’s space as they enter Cleveland.
Before hiring James, Kia performed some research. According to data the firm received, James is among the top 1% of celebrities who influence the 40+ age group, which is the target market for this car.
James won’t feel the need to sell Kia’s most expensive vehicle right away. Kia has nine vehicles in its lineup. Selling an automobile that is $20,000 more expensive than the next-highest-priced vehicle is going to be difficult and take some time.
Only 1,106 K900s were sold by Kia in the United States from January to September of this year, compared to more than 122,000 Optimas, the South Korean automaker’s best-selling model, which it also extensively promotes thanks to its partnership with the NBA. The K900 presently accounts for 0.2% of brand sales in the United States.
Chaney declared, “This is not simply about selling a few high-end vehicles. “We are counting on LeBron to raise the profile of our brand.”
The 420-horsepower vehicle boasts a V8 engine, heated and reclining rear seats, leather upholstery, and wood trim.
In its 20 years in the United States, Kia has experienced exponential growth. The automaker claims it is on track to sell more than 500,000 cars in the nation for the third year in a row. It has surpassed brands like Starbucks, Johnson & Johnson, and MasterCard to become the 73rd most powerful brand in the world, according to Interbrand.
James has never had a car deal, but his mother gave him a $50,000 Hummer H2 as a gift during his final year of high school, which allowed him to become associated with one particular brand earlier in his career.
Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers, Michelle Wie of the LPGA, and Rafael Nadal of tennis are all Kia endorsers. The company also supports the Australian Open and the FIFA World Cup.
Nike, Coca-Cola (Powerade), Beats By Dre, McDonald’s, Samsung, Audemars Piguet, and Dunkin’ Donuts throughout Asia are just a few of James’ current endorsement relationships.
What vehicle is LeBron’s favorite?
The pinnacle of luxury, a Rolls-Royce Phantom is undoubtedly LeBron James’ finest automobile. This car, which has a V12 engine and a top speed close to 250 km/h, is said to have been purchased for LeBron James by his former teammate Shaquille O’Neal, who is reportedly a billionaire at the moment. A Rolls-Royce is unquestionably suitable for a King and is always the pinnacle of luxury automobiles.
Michael Jordan drives what kind of vehicle?
Jordan frequently drove his Ferrari, which he adored. Jordan was fascinated by the Italian brand but had a soft spot for Porsches.
Throughout his NBA career, Jordan had the 930, 964, and 993 models. Interestingly, the Porsche he possessed served as the source of inspiration for the pattern design of the Air Jordan VI sneakers. Since 1963, the German company has produced the sports automobile and has been able to continue doing so. Porsche has continuously improved the 911 throughout the years, and the vehicle came in fifth in a global election to choose the Car of the Century.
How does Kevin Durant’s vehicle look?
The legendary race car, often known as the “Ferrari Killer,” won the Le Mans 24 Hours four years in a row and is now exclusively possessed by the extremely wealthy.
Durant’s collection also includes a $200,000 Ferrari California, a customized all-red Camaro SS, and the tough off-road favorite, the Jeep Wrangler.
The 2007 second-overall pick also has a magnificent fourth-generation Lincoln Continental and a Cadillac Escalade, rounding off the impressive lineup.
The entire fleet surpasses LeBron James and his prized Lamborghini Aventador Roadster to rank as the most costly car collection of any NBA player.
The Los Angeles Laker may have fifteen more cars at his disposal, but their combined value is less than Durant’s.
What Is the 2020 Kia K900?
Kia’s premier full-size sedan is the K900. It is propelled by a standard 3.3-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 engine with 365 horsepower that is mated to an eight-speed automated transmission. All-wheel drive is required. The Cadillac CT6 and Genesis G90 are rivals.
What Features in the 2020 Kia K900 Are Most Important?
A 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation system, satellite radio, a Lexicon premium stereo, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, wireless device charging, heated power-folding side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power trunk lid, a power-adjustable steering column, a power rear sunshade, rear side window shades, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel are all standard convenience features.
A 360-degree video system, a driver attention monitor, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, and automatic high beam headlights are just a few of the standard active safety features.
Should I Buy the 2020 Kia K900?
The K900 delivers numerous luxurious features at an alluring price even though it doesn’t bear the emblem of a conventional luxury brand. The multimedia system is outstanding, and the V-6 powertrain provides quick acceleration. Compared to other conventional luxury cars, the interior luxury is lacking, but the cabin is still cozy and spacious.
Which businesses back LeBron James?
The Lakers star has lucrative endorsement contracts with numerous companies. In addition to his salary as an NBA player in 2020, James received an additional US$60 million from endorsement deals, according to Forbes. TwoK Sports, AT&T, Beats Electronics, Coca-Cola, GMC, KIA Motors, Nike, RIMOWA, Walmart, Ruffles, Tonal, Mountain Dew, and Wheaties are a few of the brands he has endorsed. Details on a couple of his endorsements are provided below.
Ruffles
To introduce the fans to new ridges marketing, LeBron formed a multi-year collaboration with the official NBA chips brand Ruffles. These advertisements seek to motivate Americans to overcome hurdles in life and achieve their objectives. James was chosen as the spokesperson for this campaign, which debuted in December 2020 and consists of several other ads on social media, in retail, and elsewhere.
Tonal
Lebron James invested in Tonal, a “smart home gym,” in 2019. As one of the greatest athletes of all time, LBJ uses the brand’s equipment in his own gym and promotes exercise and health through co-branded ads.
Lebron is only one of more than 30 brand investors, including elite athletes like Serena Williams, Steph Curry, and many others, in Tonal, which aids players in strengthening their physical conditioning. The fact that Tonal has 90 percent of the market share in the strength-training sector demonstrates what a wise investment the Lakers player has made.
Mountain Dew
LeBron James joined together with Mountain Dew to launch the MTN DEW rise energy in 2020. This new energy drink was created to increase the body’s immune system and jump-start the morning.
The multi-year PepsiCo partnership with James activates PepsiCo’s portfolio in unusual and surprising ways, including the Snack category, and includes Beverages with MTN DEW RISE ENERGY.
AT&T
A long-term collaboration between AT&T and James has been established with the goal of advancing society via the use of technology, entertainment, and innovation while also promoting AT&T’s newest goods and services.
As part of the agreement, James will participate in the AT&T TV national ad campaign, which will debut in March 2020. As part of this comprehensive initiative, AT&T has pledged to create graduate hotels for students and families in need of immediate safe and stable accommodation as well as a learning institute devoted to the Lebron James Family Foundation.
KIA Motors
Since 2014, LeBron James has served as the luxury ambassador for Kia Motors. He joined with the automaker in 2018 to produce the LeBron James Stinger GT, a racing sports vehicle.
Space Jam
When Space Jam 2: A New Legacy was revealed in 2014, it was a highly anticipated film for fans. After filming began in 2019, LeBron assured fans that the COVID outbreak had no impact on the project because only animation work remained. According to reports, LeBron earned hundreds of millions of dollars from the film as the lead actor, and it debuted to US$31.6 million at the box office.
Beats by Dre
James signed a promotion contract with Beats in 2008, earning more than $1 million per commercial, before investing in a small portion of the business. LeBron received US$30 million when Apple purchased the business for US$3 billion a few years later. After the takeover, the super star allegedly made even more money than $500 million.
Is Sprite still LeBron James’ sponsor?
James inked his contract with Coke and started working with its Sprite brand when he was an 18-year-old superstar. He appeared in numerous ads for Sprite and Powerade while he was employed by the corporation, and he even debuted a limited-edition taste. He and Coca-Cola amicably decided to separate ways in September.
The choice was made when Coke was reviewing its financial situation in light of the pandemic. Less people going to restaurants, athletic events, and movie theaters impacted the company’s sales. Coke stated at the time that it was looking to invest in areas with long-term growth prospects. Coke reduced its worldwide drink portfolio from 430 brands to 200 brands in addition to eliminating more than 2,000 positions, abandoning trademarks like Tab soda and its smoothie business.
James remarked, “I had an incredible experience with Coke, and I still have some really excellent friendships over there. But when this chance presented itself, it was the ideal time for us to go on.
According to Stanford, Coca-Cola probably couldn’t justify the expense of hiring James. The value of the agreement is unknown, but to put it in perspective, Nike’s contract with LeBron James is worth more over $1 billion.
When it comes to attracting young consumers, “he’s got his hands in a lot of buckets today in media, sports, and entertainment,” according to Stanford.
Regarding the worth of the purchase, Pepsi declined to comment. According to the statement, James is the first athlete to introduce a whole new brand, and the relationship employs a novel approach to provide James with assistance that goes beyond that of an athlete. He will collaborate with Pepsi on programs in marginalized communities, social justice, and educational challenges.
The majority of the collaborations and activities I engage in at this time are related to my foundation and our efforts to promote both my community and other communities that lack a voice and opportunities, according to James.
His foundation’s charitable activities include supporting The I Promise School in Akron, Ohio, his old home town. He also participated in More Than A Vote, an organization supported by athletes that works to oppose voter suppression.
When it comes to issues of social justice and narrowing the income divide, James remarked, “I think we can all do more.” We can all improve, he remarked.
LeBron didn’t rule out a future with Pepsi’s sports drink Gatorade, which would seem to be a logical fit.
He chuckled, “We shall see, we shall see. “Of course, we should take baby steps and crawl before walking. Right now, things are going well, and we’ll see what future chances best suit us “said he.
Gatorade publicly mocked James in a tweet from 2014 before apologizing “It wasn’t one of our clients who was cramping. Our sportsmen can withstand the pressure, “James exited the NBA Finals game 1 due to leg cramps.