Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant has signed a lifetime endorsement deal with Nike, making him the third NBA player to do so after Michael Jordan and LeBron James. The financial terms of the deal have not been revealed. Durant signed his first endorsement deal with Nike when he was an NBA rookie back in 2007. His 16th Nike shoe will be released soon, but his relationship with the brand extends beyond footwear, and Nike has supported his philanthropic efforts through the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation.
Durant, who is in his 15th NBA season and is a 13-time All-Star, made the announcement on Boardroom, the media outlet he co-founded. He said, “When I first signed with Nike, I couldn’t have dreamed of how far we’d go in this partnership. We’ve done amazing work creatively and philanthropically. We’ve traveled the world together and built a business that will now last forever. I’m excited for the future and honored to be in rare company with this deal.”
John Slusher, Nike’s executive vice president of global sports marketing, said, “As one of the best basketball players in the world, Kevin Durant has been an important part of the Nike family for the past 16 years. We look forward to continuing to serve the next generation of athletes together.” Durant led the Suns to a series win over the LA Clippers in the first round of the playoffs and is expected to feature prominently as the team marches on in the NBA playoffs.
