Zion Williamson's Reported Deal With Jordan Sure Isn't as Big as We Thought it Would Be
Zion Williamson announced Tuesday that he would be signing with the Jordan Brand to adorn his favorite player's logo. Reports quickly followed with claims that Williamson took less money in the deal, but it was never clear just how much less.
According to an industry source, Williamson's contract is a seven-year, $75 million deal.
Zion’s sneaker deal is 7 years, $75-million, one source says. https://t.co/bddwtHaHHm
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) July 23, 2019
After signing the potential superstar, Jordan commented: "Zion’s incredible determination, character and play are inspiring. He’s an essential part of the new talent that will help lead the brand into the future. He told us he would ‘shock the world,’ and asked us to believe him. We do."
An expert believes that Williamson could have received a bigger contract, as much as $100 million, if he were in a bigger consumer market like New York instead of New Orleans.
Zion Williamson: “I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of the Jordan Brand family. Since I was a kid, I dreamed of making it to the league & having the type of impact on the game Michael Jordan had & continues to have today. He was one of those special athletes I looked up to."
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) July 23, 2019
Regardless, the no. 1 pick of the NBA draft is officially a member of the Jordan Brand and the Nike family, which keeps him close to his college roots.
At Duke, Williamson wore the 'Swoosh' all season and even worked through the infamous 'shoe blowout' with the company. Nike's success in handling the situation probably allowed Williamson to be at ease with his decision to join 'Jumpman'.
Now, the only thing left to do is watch Zion Williamson play out his rookie season and await information on his first signature shoe, whenever that will come out.