Volume 1 Western Cowboy Chapter 080: Driving up the price of Wei 2.0

The next afternoon, Wayne met with Nike's negotiators in a room at a five-star hotel in New York as planned.

Wayne is actually not used to this kind of occasion. In the past two days, various interviews and talks have basically filled Wayne's life.

Running around everywhere in a suit and tie made Wayne feel extremely tired.

Old Sutton was right. With an agent, Wayne no longer had to spend time worrying about things off the court.

But... Wayne's time was fully scheduled from then on.

The majority of the interviews were from Chinese media, and it is said that CCTV is preparing a documentary about Wayne's participation in the draft.

There isn't even a single NBA game to play yet, but the level of attention is already so high. Is this the power of the semi-final MOP + the Chinese market?

"Wayne, it's a pleasure to meet you. We have been planning to sign you for a long time. Under Nike, your influence will surely continue to expand."

In front of Wayne, the Nike representative shook hands with Wayne cordially, then looked at Schwartz, who was smiling at the side, very vigilantly.

As we all know, this seemingly harmless middle-aged man is the big boss today.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the two sides got down to business. The Nike representative produced a contract that he claimed "no one could be more sincere than us" - a 5-year, $10 million, cash contract.

Sneaker contracts are generally divided into three categories: signature shoe contracts, cash contracts, and merchandise contracts.

As the name suggests, a signature shoe contract means that the company will launch a special signature shoe for you, which is usually exclusive to superstars.

A commodity contract is one in which the company does not pay you a salary but provides you with equipment for free. Most of the marginal players in the league sign this type of contract.

Most NBA players sign cash contracts, which means they can get endorsement fees and use equipment for free, but it's not to the point of releasing signature shoes.

In fact, for an ordinary No. 12 rookie, this contract is not bad.

It’s nearly 2 million a year, which is about the same as the annual salary of a rookie contract.

But in Schwartz's eyes, Wayne is not just an "ordinary" No. 12 rookie.

An ordinary 12th pick, can the market behind him be as big as Wayne's?

The price of a sneaker contract has nothing to do with your draft position; it all depends on your ability.

"Well, this contract... let me be honest, it's far from what we expected." Schwartz shrugged without beating around the bush.

"Mr. Schwartz, you know the market."

"Of course, but I think you should also remember how you missed Yao." Schwartz played his first card.

Sure enough, after these words were spoken, the Nike representative paused.

In 2003, Chairman Yao originally planned to renew his contract with Nike.

Nike's offer to Chairman Yao was a ridiculous 4-year, $1.6 million...

Obviously, Yao Ming's team rejected such an offer, and Nike was surprised at the time that they would reject it.

After that, Reebok took advantage of the situation and successfully poached Chairman Yao with a 7-year, $50 million contract.

Just like that, Nike missed out on China's most commercially valuable athlete.

This incident has always been a great annoyance to Nike's top management.

So when Schwartz brought up this matter, Nike representatives were not calm.

This hit Nike in the sore spot and warned them not to make the same mistake with Wayne.

"We can add another $1 million signing bonus. That's as much as we can give, Mr. Schwartz."

Wayne on the side was already confused. How could you talk about hundreds of millions of dollars as if it were a joke... A signing fee of 1 million was arranged just like that.

No, after becoming a professional player, I have to keep up with my temperament. Ahem... I can't be a loser like Tony anymore.

"Well...how about this, let's think about it again, okay?" Schwartz pretended to be thinking carefully, but in fact he hadn't thought about it at all.

"Of course, of course, no hurry."

"Okay, Wayne really needs a rest. Tomorrow, he has a meeting with Adidas. By the way, there is also Reebok the day after tomorrow." Schwartz said, turning his head towards Wayne.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm a little tired. Let's go back and think about it." Wayne nodded in agreement.

Schwartz played his second card, continuing to put pressure on Nike and telling it indirectly: "If you don't raise the price, there are people who are willing to do so."

The Nike representative looked solemn, even though he knew that Wayne and Schwartz were doing the same thing on purpose.

But Adidas...they are really willing to spend a lot of money to compete with Nike for talent.

Nike just missed out on Chairman Yao back then, but Adidas missed out !

Among all sports brands, Adidas was the closest to James, and they were even close to signing him.

But later, Adidas suddenly withdrew its offer due to disagreements among senior management, leading to an awkward end to the cooperation.

Now, Adidas must be regretting it very much. They also know very well that you can't catch the wolf without sacrificing the knife.

Therefore, Adidas’ offer will definitely not be low, at least not lower than Nike’s.

They can no longer let any potential player slip away from them, let alone a player who has a strong presence in the Chinese market.

This is the competition in the sneaker market.

After David Stern , here comes another person who drives up the price of David.

Schwartz looked at the Nike representative's expression and smiled smugly.

Even a fool can see how great Yao Ming's commercial value is.

Although the inside player doesn't sell shoes, his influence is still there.

You may not believe that Wayne can become the next Yao Ming, but you have to take the gamble.

If you don't gamble, there are plenty of people who will.

What's more, one point Schwartz has always emphasized is: "Wade's style of play is more outside-oriented, and his shoe sales will never be as poor as those of ordinary inside players."

Sure enough, the next day, the news that Adidas offered 10 million for three years spread throughout the circle.

Although both are 10 million, it is only a three-year contract for Adidas.

They have already signed Howard, the No. 1 pick in 2004, and are already strategically ahead of Nike. Now, facing Wayne, they are pursuing him relentlessly and taking advantage of the victory.

Three years is a very cunning time. If you lose the bet, you can get rid of it as soon as possible and stop the loss in time. If you win the bet, Adidas also has the right to match the offer.

On the third day, Reebok expressed its willingness to pay 13 million for three years.

This price war is getting intense with one party taking the stage after another.

Nike's bid was completely suppressed and the situation was getting worse and worse.

Finally, they couldn't hold it in any longer and invited Schwartz and Wayne for a second meeting.

But unexpectedly, Schwartz did not agree!

The reason is: "We are in deeper communication with Adidas."

In fact, Wayne didn't go anywhere that day. He just took his parents around New York.

This "deeper communication" is just a trick played by Schwartz.

This little game lasted for 24 hours before Schwartz told Nike: "A second meeting is possible, but the price must be sincere because Wayne and Adidas are close to signing a contract."

In other words, this is Nike's last chance.

Wayne was impressed.

Schwartz's actions put Wayne in the active position throughout the whole incident.

This feels really good, because in previous drafts, the initiative was in the hands of the team and Wayne could only be selected.

Now that I have the initiative in my hands, I know what it means to be the boss of my own territory.

The main thing is that Wayne himself doesn't worry about anything. He just eats and sleeps every day and watches his net worth go up.

If a junior agent had handled this matter, he would probably have collapsed when he heard the first offer of 10 million.

After all, a 15% commission on 10 million is not a small amount.

So when they met for the second time, Nike couldn't hold back any longer and revealed its cards.

25 million for 3 years, plus a 1 million signing bonus, plus two bonus clauses:

The best rookie award is 1 million, and being selected into the best rookie first team is another 1 million.

All in all, 28 million for 3 years is not much different from the 30 million for the top pick Sparks.

This is an all-in with Adi!

The Chinese market + driving up the price of wool makes it so valuable.

This time, Nike's offer immediately outbid Adidas and Reebok. They were also telling the other two companies: "It's all over now, this guy is the one we want! Yao Ming missed it, so Wayne must not miss it again."

Schwartz also knew that this was Nike's final offer. After all, they had been forced into this state, which meant that this was their highest price.

If you push them further, they might just stop playing.

Know when to quit, being too greedy will only leave you with nothing.

Schwartz nodded and had Wayne sign the contract.

After three years and many twists and turns, Nike finally signed Wayne for 28 million.

The Nike representative was about to cry.

If he misses Wayne again after Yao Ming, he will probably lose his job.

Although it is 2 million less than the No. 1 pick Howard, for a 12th pick rookie, this contract is almost sky-high.

Wayne's endorsement fee will be calculated from next month and paid evenly every month for three years.

But the 1 million signing fee was immediately given to Wayne.

After seeing off the Nike representatives, Schwartz loosened his bow tie, drank a large glass of cold water, and looked relieved.

Although Schwartz always remains calm during negotiations, he is actually under tremendous pressure.

It's just that he can't show the pressure he feels.

"Phew, sorry Wei, it still didn't reach 30 million in the end."

"That's very good, Jeff, much better than expected." Wayne could see that Schwartz had indeed tried his best.

"Haha, as long as you are satisfied. Now, you have $1 million in your hand, you can buy what you want."

Schwartz smiled and said that most players of Wayne's age would buy themselves a sports car or something first.

Well, I will definitely take my family on a shopping spree tonight.

But Wayne's next words were exactly what Schwartz had expected: "Then I'll pay you the money you paid before the draft, and Tony's share will also be mine.

By the way, Jeff, is Mike Mancias still in touch with me? I want him to be my personal trainer, preferably for five years.

And there is a press officer. I need a press officer, preferably one with experience. I don’t want to write press releases myself anymore.

Also, I think we can sign a long-term contract, and I'm very satisfied with your performance during this period, Jeff."

After Wayne finished speaking, he found that Schwartz was looking at him with a puzzled look.

"Uh...I'm sorry Jeff, you should take a few days off. You've been working hard lately."

"No, that's not what I meant. It's just... Wayne, you are really special. Don't worry, I'll take care of whatever you need. As for the long-term contract... Thank you for your trust."

Schwartz smiled and took another sip of water. He didn't know if his bet was right this time.

But he felt that he had most likely won the bet!

Early the next morning, the news that Wayne signed a contract with Nike for $28 million caused a sensation.

Everyone exclaimed: "What stimulated Nike?"

"28 million to sign a No. 12 rookie? Who is capable of doing such a thing!?"

"Wayne can retire now. He has earned a lot of money that many NBA players will never get in their lifetime."

"The mysterious oriental power is so terrifying!"

And while people were still discussing such boring things, Wayne had already done two things.

First, deal with Mancias and the press officer.

The press officer is a 31-year-old girl named Jenny...er, big sister, let's just call her Aunt Jenny for now...

Second, Wayne resumed training and prepared for the upcoming summer league.

As a result, Wayne has become the most talked-about rookie after Howard.