NBA: I am the card dealer

Chapter 181 Is it a beautiful sword?

As soon as this sky-high endorsement contract came out, it not only caused a sensation, but also triggered a series of chain reactions.

For example, an ESPN reporter questioned whether Xue Liancheng deserves this contract? Are you qualified to build a personal brand?

The annual endorsement fee is 2500 million knives!

James and four-time scoring champion Durant only have 3000 million in endorsement fees. Is Xue Liancheng, a rookie, comparable to the league's appearance?

and……

He also established his own sneaker brand.

Even top stars like Kobe, James, and Durant have not achieved this, but Xue Liancheng became the second player in the NBA as a rookie.

Just ridiculous.

Many fans even stood up and sneered.

"Is Under Armor a fool?"

“Foolish people have too much money!”

"No one would give 2500 million annual endorsement fees to a rookie!"

"The most difficult thing to understand is that you actually established a personal brand for Xue Liancheng. Are you crazy?"

"How valuable can a small company like Under Armor be in establishing a personal brand for players?"

"That's right. The revenue is only a fraction of that of Nike. What kind of future can a company like this have?"

"I'll just watch when you become a joke."

The whole screen is filled with the feeling of not being able to eat grapes and talking about sour grapes.

There are also many fans who are more direct and complain about their idols.

"When will Nike also build a personal brand for me?"

"Currently, only Kobe and James are qualified to build personal brands."

"Kobe is at the end of his career. It's probably hard to get a chance. I'm the only one worthy of it."

"Xue Liancheng can do it, why can't Kobe?"

"Durant, the four-time scoring champion and the future number one in the league, can definitely do it."

"Mad! Durant can do it, and so can Westbrook."

"If Westbrook can build a personal brand, then Harden will be no problem either."

"I'm sorry, where did you put Duncan who won last season's championship?"

In the end, almost all fans felt that their idols were qualified to establish their personal brands. They looked confident and confident, and their chests were banging...

And some reporters asked the major stars what they thought of Xue Liancheng's sky-high endorsement fees.

The reporter asked Kobe: "Xue Liancheng signed a sky-high endorsement contract, did you know?"

Kobe: "This is incredible, but I still want to congratulate him. His future achievements are worthy of this contract."

The reporter asked Kobe: "Xue Liancheng has also established a personal brand. What do you think of this?"

Kobe Bryant said: "Judging from the market behind him, he is very likely to succeed and become Jordan in the eyes of the Chinese."

The reporter asked again: "Will you propose to Nike to build a personal brand?"

Kobe smiled bitterly: "Do you think I still have a chance?"

……

The reporter asked James again: "Xue Liancheng signed a sky-high endorsement deal. What do you think?"

James said expressionlessly: "Congratulations to him."

The reporter asked again: "Are you surprised that Under Armor established a personal brand for Xue Liancheng?"

James: "It was really unexpected."

The reporter then asked, "As Nike's current top brand, do you think you have the opportunity to build a personal brand?"

The haze flashed across James's eyes, and he said in a joking tone, "I think based on my current achievements, I should be respected."

This can be considered a disguised shout-out to Nike.

But things are different now.

At the time of Jordan, Nike was still a small company. Since signing Jordan, it has skyrocketed and become the dominant sports brand.

At that time, Nike and Jordan established personal brands, which complemented each other and grew together.

Now that Nike has become a giant company with a market value of over $700 billion, how can it still be eager to give money to players?

You know, Nike pays Jordan hundreds of millions of dollars in dividends every year.

That's right.

Jordan sits at home and doesn't have to do anything.

Nike has to offer hundreds of millions of dollars with both hands.

Hundreds of millions of dollars!

What is this concept.

NBA team salaries are only tens of millions, so you can imagine how terrifying Jordan's influence is.

It is obviously impossible for James to copy Jordan and steal money from Nike.

unless……

James signed with a small company like Under Armor, and then single-handedly defeated Nike and brought this small company to a dominant position.

if not.

It's impossible in this life.

It is impossible for Nike to use the dividend model to build personal brands for other players.

But jumping to a small company and starting a little-known small brand on your own, is it easier said than done?

The market share is so big, just like a cake, if you cut one piece off, there will be one missing piece. Nike can only be happy!

You have such influence!

In fact, the stars and the brand side go in both directions.

When a star signs with a big brand, you can easily obtain more resources and expand your influence.

For example, James signed with Nike.

Because Nike's market share is here, there are already many people who buy Nike products. After you endorse Nike, more people will know you and recognize you.

Then exposure, advertising, public relations, labels, media rights, etc. will follow.

For James to have the momentum he has today, Nike definitely owes a lot of credit.

But the other way around.

James also used his performance on the court to give back to Nike. The better he played, the more fans he gained. He used his personal influence to consolidate Nike's dominance.

This is the reason why they complement each other.

If there is a choice?

Of course it is better to sign with a big brand, there is no doubt about it.

pity.

Nike is now a powerful Klaas, full of arrogance and rudeness, and the price given to Xue Liancheng is the lowest.

Of course it is impossible for Xue Liancheng to hold Nike in his mouth...

In addition to asking Kobe and James, reporters also asked Westbrook, Durant, Harden, Curry and other emerging stars of the new generation.

Westbrook: Nothing to say except congratulations.

Durant: Building a personal brand? This takes courage, and at least for now, Under Armor is very courageous.

Harden: Xue is a great player, but getting $2500 million in endorsement fees still surprised me.

Curry also joked to Under Armor: I will talk to Under Armor President Plank later to see where I still fall short.

Their reaction was still a bit sour.

Especially Curry, he only received 400 million in endorsement fees. On the other hand, Xue Liancheng received 2500 million at once. This damn thing... it's a ghost to be emotionless.

It's human nature.

This……

In fact, this is the effect Under Armor wants.

Overnight, he became famous.

A small company that was originally unknown became known to the public in an instant.

Plank had warned Xue Liancheng in advance about the consequences of announcing the sky-high price contract, saying that once it was announced, both parties would definitely be ridiculed, and Xue Liancheng would face even greater pressure from public opinion.

In order to cooperate with the company's publicity, Xue Liancheng agreed.

after all……

There were many people who scolded him, and there were countless people who ridiculed him.

As long as you can get money, what is this pressure?

In fact, some people have seen the essence behind it. Under Armor is betting on the Chinese market behind Xue Liancheng.

Once successful, Under Armor will be able to open up a huge market without any effort. What is 2500 million years of endorsement + building a personal brand?

But all this chaos.

None of them bothered the Heat.

16 number.

They were in Sacramento, challenging the Kings.

The current king is still sinking.

Although they have a top center like Cousins, their record has not improved at all, with 16 wins and 22 losses. Obviously, there is no place for them in the West.

Although the process is somewhat tortuous, the result is still the same.

The Heat defeated the Kings 109:85.

Xue Liancheng made 13 of 6 shots in this game and scored 18 points and 9 assists. His performance was pretty good, but compared with the previous game, it was not only inferior, it was simply unsightly.

but.

When the Kings counterattacked in the third quarter, he stood up and scored 6 points in a row to stabilize the situation for the team.

In the fourth quarter, he sent out 4 consecutive assists, taking the Kings away in a wave.

Besides.

The team also had as many as six players scoring in double figures.

Gasol had 16 points and 6 rebounds.

Ibaka had 14 points and 6 rebounds.

Marcus Morris scored 12 points.

PJ Tucker scored 10 points.

Chalmers also scored 11 points.

Batum also scored 10 points.

The Heat's current firepower output is very fierce, and it takes almost an instant to penetrate the opponent's defense.

The most important thing is that the quality of defense has indeed improved.

Without garbage time, the Kings' scoring would be miserable.

On the other hand, the king.

Cousins ​​was completely suppressed by Gasol, shooting 12 of 4 from the field, scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds relying solely on free throws.

Darren Collison, the core of the backcourt, was also overwhelmed by PJ Tucker. He made 13 of 5 shots and only scored 13 points and 6 assists.

Neither the internal or external dual-core can be driven. It is impossible to win against the Heat.

After beating the Kings, the Heat's five-game streak in the West is over.

It is very, very rare to win all five battles and escape unscathed.

Among them are top teams such as the Warriors, Clippers, and Trail Blazers. The Heat's strength after the trade has gradually emerged.

After five consecutive wins.

The Heat's record has reached 28 wins and 12 losses, surpassing the Toronto Raptors and moving into second place in the Eastern Conference.

The Toronto Cute Dragons lost to the Hawks today. They finally stopped being fierce and turned into a Cute Dragon in an instant. Their score has dropped to 27 wins and 12 losses. Their glory is no longer there.

The Washington Wizards also lost today, but 27 wins and 13 losses is still good, ranking fourth in the Eastern Conference.

The Chicago Bulls ranked fifth in the Eastern Conference with 27 wins and 14 losses.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are still solid, with 20 wins and 20 losses, ranking sixth in the Eastern Conference.

The top spot in the East, of course, is the Atlanta Hawks, with 32 wins and 8 losses. They have won 11 consecutive victories, and they are in the limelight for a while.

It is the most powerful team in the league besides the Warriors.

Basically, the pattern of the Eastern Conference has not changed much, and the top six are very stable.

But Xue Liancheng knew that after the trade, the Cleveland Cavaliers would soon rush in.

For the Heat, they also need to stabilize their record before the All-Star Weekend.

in this way.

After the All-Star break, they'll be able to hit the ground running.

but.

Four days later.

They will be tested.

Back home, they will face the challenge from the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The two stars of Durant and Westbrook are currently the hottest top stars in the league. The media hailed them as the future faces of the league.

Actually, that's not wrong.

It's just that Stephen Curry popped up, coupled with James' super standby, the two ended up being neither fish nor fowl.

It even caused the Thunder and Thunder to dismantle their team. Du Xiaoshuai turned around gorgeously and voted for the Golden State Warriors.

but.

Xue Liancheng felt that Du Xiaoshuai should be able to avoid the nickname surrender.

why?

Because he's coming.

Because after the trade this season, the Heat are definitely one of the best in the league.

Once the heat completes its climb to the top.

Even if Du Xiaoshuai goes to the Warriors again, there will be no talk of surrender.

Because the Warriors did not win the championship, they are also losers. If the losers join the losers, there is no so-called surrender.

of course.

The premise is that we can successfully snipe our great James and defeat the elementary school student Curry in the finals.

This drama can happen again next season.

challenging.

Xue Liancheng didn't dare to pat his chest and guarantee that he would be able to save Du Xiaoshuai.

of course.

He will try his best.

……

……

Back to Miami.

Xue Liancheng didn't dare to relax even more, and spent more time in the gym.

Now he is indeed under pressure.

If he can't play well, he will lose a lot of small money, and even make himself a laughing stock.

2500 million US dollars in annual endorsement fees!

He must be worthy of the price.

He also wants to accumulate influence for his upcoming personal brand.

His goal is to be like Jordan, even if his legs are broken or his limbs are degenerated, he can continue to be prosperous and wealthy in the second half of his life.

of course.

His requirements are not as high as Jordan's.

As long as his personal brand can bring him tens of millions of dollars in revenue every year, he will be satisfied.

and so.

He must train hard and continue to improve himself.

And training is a boring thing.

Fortunately, Gasol and PJ Tucker were with him, so he wouldn't be so bored.

After Gasol experienced the battle with the Warriors, he also realized the importance of three-pointers and trained very actively.

It was midnight again.

Dragging my tired body back to the apartment.

Once the door is opened.

He greeted his old father's concern, "I'm back..."

Seeing his old father fiddling in the kitchen, Xue Liancheng froze for a moment, "Dad, why are you here?"

Old father: "Mr. Plank wanted us to implement the signing as soon as possible, so I rushed over."

Xue Liancheng said with deep eyebrows, "Let's find a professional agent and lawyer first, and then take them along."

This money cannot be saved.

What if there is a pitfall?

He couldn't see it, and the old father couldn't see it either.

Old father: "I know, I will look for him tomorrow."

Xue Liancheng: "It would be best if the annual salary is paid directly. If there is a commission, I feel a bit shortchanged."

This sky-high endorsement deal was negotiated by himself, and if he had to pay a commission, it would be a huge loss.

The old father said, "I know, come... let's have supper first."

talking.

Come out with hot food.

According to the past, Xue Liancheng did not have late night snacks, but today is different, it is a good day...

Father and son had a good drink.

The two of them chatted while eating.

Old father: "In addition to sports brand endorsements, there are actually many other endorsements. Let me give you an overview."

Xue Liancheng's eyes narrowed and he saw a lot of small coins, "Well..."

The old father took out a piece of paper: "Patek Philippe's endorsement fee is 2000 million for five years, Chow Tai Fook's image spokesperson is 1200 million for four years, Toyota's image spokesperson is 2200 million for five years, Midea's image spokesperson is 1000 million for four years, and Xiaomi's endorsement fee The fee is 1500 million for five years, and the China Merchants Bank image spokesperson is 3000 million for seven years..."

Xue Liancheng was in a daze as he listened.

I blanch...

It turns out that making money is so simple and easy.

As long as he plays well, money will flow to him like water.

These brands are actually not suitable for his athletes, but they still spend a lot of money to invite him. Although the price is not as high as that of sports brands, it is still three to four million US dollars a year!

and many more……

Xue Liancheng thought of something, woke up, and quickly asked, "Dad, is it a beautiful knife?"

The old father was stunned for a moment, "This kid, of course, is a beautiful knife."

Xue Liancheng felt relieved and said, "That's good..."

What the hell...

Startled him.

If it wasn't for the US knife, then he was too worthless.

Although his annual income of three to four million yuan is quite a lot, it is completely inconsistent with his net worth.

after all……

Under Armor even gave over million votes.

His teeth are now very good and his appetite has increased. He really doesn't like ordinary small money.

After the old father finished reading, he said: "Actually, my idea is, wait a little longer..."

Xue Liancheng was stunned for a moment, "Why?"

If you get all these endorsements, it will be equivalent to a big contract of 1 million U.S. dollars. Isn’t this money earned?

He felt sorry for the brand's trust in him.

The old father thought for a while and said, "I think the Heat have a lot to do this season. If you can go further in the playoffs, your commercial value will be even greater."

Xue Liancheng frowned and thought for a moment, feeling that it made sense.

This season, the Heat have both offense and defense, with Gasol and Ibaka as barriers inside, and him and Wei Wei as the main attackers on the outside. Coupled with a group of outstanding role players, their strength cannot be underestimated.

What about the Eastern Conference Finals?

He thinks it shouldn't be a big problem. If there are no surprises, it will be the Heat and Cavaliers.

of course.

If there is an accident, it can only be an early encounter.

If the Heat really sniped at me, King James, defeated the elementary school student Curry, and successfully climbed to the top to win the supreme championship trophy.

Then his value is incredible.

It’s late January and June isn’t that far away.

He could afford to wait for this little time.

If he really reaches the top by then, his value will definitely double.

oh well...

That is really a way to attract wealth.

Thinking about it made him a little excited.

The income of nearly million US dollars a year was unimaginable before.

but now.

Not only did he dare to think, but he could do it.

At this time, the old father's voice came again: "Also... we will have more choices by then. In this case, we can try our best to choose domestic brands to endorse."

Xue Liancheng nodded, "Then take it slow..."

At this time, his mind was already overflowing.

He wants to slow down not just because the Heat could go further this season.

He wanted to wait for the golden thigh.

But it's been so long.

Why is there no movement at all from Golden Thigh?

Now his performance on the court has reached its limit, which is the bottleneck.

Although training can help him, it is not as great as before, and he has entered a period of gentle and stable growth.

If you want to make a breakthrough.

You can only count on golden thighs.