Chapter 265 Historical Intersection
In the history of professional sports, Nike and Jordan signed a unique contract, and Jordan can get profit sharing from his product line.
However, all of this has a historical background, because at that time, Nike was deteriorating, and its market share was fully squeezed by Adidas and Converse. Without such a contract, Jordan would not even look at Nike at all——
Everyone knows that Jordan likes Adidas and has decided to sign with Adidas.
Nike chose to go all-in, and this resulted in the only profit-sharing contract in the history of professional sports.
There has never been one before, and there will be no one after.
Until now, even LeBron James has not had such treatment.
Of course, LeBron's market value is still not comparable to Jordan's.
According to statistics, last season, LeBron’s annual market value to Nike was 30 million U.S. dollars, far ahead of other professional players; at the same time, Nike’s dividend to Jordan was 100 million U.S. dollars. This is just a dividend. As you can imagine , the market value created by Jordan is another astronomical figure.
The difference is obvious.
No matter what, Jordan's contract is unique.
Nike has also made up its mind that they refuse to give any player the same contract again, and in fact, they have kept their word over the years.
Until this time.
It turned out that Donald was seeking a profit-sharing contract.
3% of global sales?
There is no doubt that this is against Jordan.
There is no harm if there is no comparison. Now looking at the conditions of ten million dollars per year, it suddenly becomes friendly and amiable, and it doesn't seem to be a big deal.
This is the negotiation skill——
Donald gave Nike two options, either $10 million per year or $2.5 million per year plus dividends.
After a comparison, anyone should choose the former without hesitation.
This is a simple math problem.
But is it really so?
Edwards was no fool and he knew there was a third hidden option:
Nike rejected them all, gave its own conditions, and did not play by Donald's rules of the game.
In my mind, my thoughts are whirling.
Edwards leaned forward slightly, "Donald, Nike can give Levi a five-year contract worth five million dollars per year, so what do you think?"
Dividends? No need to talk!
Instead, Nike is willing to give Levi an astonishing annual salary figure that breaks the league's ceiling. This is the sincerity shown by Nike.
At this point, you can see Edwards’ ability——
The flash of lightning showed a decisive attitude. While rejecting Donald, he also threw out a very gay and convincing condition.
If your will is slightly unsteady, you may just nod your head and sign immediately.
For a brief moment, Donald admitted that he too was moved.
However, with an emergency brake, Donald still controlled himself.
"It seems that we can't reach a consensus today."
Donald knew that no matter what, at least Nike had shown sincerity, and the final offer was indeed above the current NFL superstar level. However, despite determination but not courage, Donald was still not satisfied.
However, it is useless for both parties to sit here and continue to argue. Bargaining for half a million dollars and half a million dollars is meaningless. It is better for each of them to calm down and have a good discussion again.
"Of course, I feel Nike's sincerity, and I will tell Levi. I believe Levi will be flattered, but I am just a part-time worker, and the decision-making power is not mine. How about we continue next time?" He is flexible and flexible, neither humble nor arrogant.
One second he was aggressive and tough, and the next second he was smiling like a spring breeze.
Donald also showed a unique skill of changing faces and cut through the mess with a sharp knife to cut off the negotiations.
Edwards admitted that Donald was very tricky, very, very tough, he was tough when he was hard and soft when he was soft, and he always kept his brain clear, did not waver easily, and had an accurate understanding of his strengths and weaknesses——
The negotiations ended today, and both Adidas and Under Armor should have heard about it. The next step will be up to their internal decision-making and judgment.
Edwards realized that they may once again be standing at the crossroads of history. To the left or to the right, the next ten years may be a completely different picture.
So, is there a possibility:
The three brands all believe that Donald is too open-minded and has a weak heart, so they all reject this cooperation because they are dissatisfied with Donald's greed?
Of course, this is a possibility. After all, the development and profitability of the rugby market does face many challenges, and the brand itself also needs to weigh the pros and cons.
But the possibility is very, very small.
Under Armor is eyeing it, and Adidas has been trying to get a piece of the pie, and Edwards doesn't think they will give up easily.
On the one hand, they need to race against time. If Levi continues to win, Donald's voice will become more and more important.
On the one hand, they need to stay calm, observe the reaction of their competitors and observe Levi's subsequent performance.
What if - just what if, Levi loses next? What about sluggish performance?
While the brand won't completely turn things around, at least Donald won't be as aggressive; and, the next week's game is...
After sending Donald away, Edwards thought about it carefully and finally believed that they should wait and see another game. After all, the fifth week is a focus.
Absolute focus!
The NFL thinks so too.
On October 8th, Sunday night game, the Kansas Chiefs went away to face the Houston Texans.
In the NFL, night games are a top priority because they are prime time in the evening and can often detonate ratings. The arrangement of three night games every week is naturally crucial——
Thursday night games, Sunday night games, Monday night games.
Generally speaking, when the schedule is released, the night games are all arranged, and the league needs to confirm that each team will appear on the night game stage at least twice; but the league also hopes to mobilize ratings, so the night game arrangements will occasionally change temporarily. Adjustments will be made based on the team's performance during the season.
One argument is that the Dallas Cowboys, known as "America's Team," often appear on the night game stage for at least three or even four games a season, because their number of fans ranks first in the league all year round and no one can shake it.
In the fifth week of the regular season, a highlight is scheduled for the Sunday night game.
The Kansas Chiefs, who have four wins and zero losses, face the Houston Texans, who have two wins and two losses.
Some people may wonder, the Houston Texans have an average record this season, so why does this game suddenly become the highlight?
There are many reasons.
First, in the 2015 playoffs, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans met in the first round of the playoffs. At that time, the young and energetic Houston Texans showed an upward momentum and were preparing to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs, while the Kansas City Chiefs were in the process of defeating them. After more than two decades of losing in the playoffs, public opinion is generally optimistic that the Texans will win.
Result, "0:30".
The Kansas City Chiefs gave the Houston Texans a humiliating defeat to end their long winless record in the playoffs. They gave the Houston Texans a hard blow in the heart and walked away with the joy of breaking the shackles.
Last season, the two teams met again in the second week of the regular season. This time, the Houston Texans achieved sweet revenge. The defensive team gave the Kansas Chiefs' offensive team a hard lesson and did not miss a single touchdown in the entire game. Array.
After the game, Houston Texans fans ridiculed and attacked the Kansas City Chiefs, and let out a fierce breath——
The beam was thus forged.
And, this is just one of the reasons.
(End of chapter)