Los Angeles Lakers’ superstar LeBron James, who has been endorsed by Coca-Cola since entering the NBA in 2003, will sign a new deal with Pepsi.
According to Front Office Sports, James will be the face of Mountain Dew’s upcoming energy line, “Rise Energy.” James will join the expanding team of athletes rebranding Mountain Dew. The list includes; NBA star Zion Williamson, Joel Embiid, Jamal Murray, and WNBA player A’ja Wilson.
The pending deal may also include a form of integration of Blaze Pizza. Currently, the Pizza Chain only sells Coca-Cola products at its more than 300 locations. James owns about 10 percent of those.
Although representatives for Pepsi have yet to comment, Coca-Cola has been open about the mutual decision to end the endorsement.
A Coca-Cola spokesperson told Front Office Sports that James’ deal ended in September.
“LeBron’s contract came up at a time when both he and The Coca-Cola Company were actively reviewing all of its resources to make sure it was investing in places that ensured long-term growth,” Coca-Cola said. “After many discussions with Lebron and his team, we mutually agreed to part ways.”
Forbes refers to the Legendary NBA player as an “endorsement darling,” acknowledging his numerous endorsement deals. James signed with Nike, Bubblicious Bubble Gum, Upper Deck Trading Cards, and Juice Batteries in his rookie year.
With countless endorsements and a competitive NBA salary, it’s estimated that James has made $450 million in his NBA Career.