It appear Russell Westbrook, the NBA's reigning Most Valuable Player, has just signed a new 10-year extension with Nike's Jordan Brand that will be the most lucrative endorsement deal for a Jordan Brand athlete to date, according to reports.
The long-term extension will link the 28-year-old Westbrook with Jordan Brand through the 2025-26 NBA season. The deal will also include both on and off the court signature sneakers, which will be new territory for Westbrook. As he has continued to be the face for the Air Jordan game shoe each season, the brand launched two off-court-geared shoes, dubbed the Westbrook 0.1 and 0.2, but held off on designing him a performance signature shoe for the hardwood. However that’s going to change now.
The process has already got underway to begin developing an on-court Westbrook signature shoe ESPN reports. The shoe is expected to highlight his flashy and unpredictable fashion lens, "unlike anything that Jordan Brand has done before," according to an industry source.
In addition to the money & upcoming shoes, the new deal also includes an annual donation by Team Jordan to Westbrook’s "Why Not?" Foundation, which will aim to launch even more "reading rooms" and other educational and athletic initiatives for kids in Westbrook's two home states of Oklahoma City and Southern California. The deal also includes a rare "ambassador clause," providing Westbrook with appearance opportunities and additional Jordan Brand legacy potential even after he retires from the NBA.
All in all, Westbrook just got a sweet ass a deal, and most likely a boat load of money in the process. We’ll let you know the dollar amount when that information becomes available.
In other related news, Russell Westbrook just released his own “style” book last week called “Russell Westbrook: Style Drivers," which you can cop for $55 dollars right here if interested.
“This book is a collection of stylish and inspiring images and text that provide a rare glimpse into Westbrook’s world, revealing how he uses style as a psychological weapon on and off the court and how he has redefined the role of a contemporary athlete turned cultural figure.”