Update: “I think the major factor, the major reason, in my decision was the best opportunity to win, and to win now and to win into the future also," ... "Winning is a huge thing for me." – LeBron James on his decision to join the Miami Heat. (July 8, 2010)
With literally thousands of news articles, blog posts and counting, LeBron James, and the spectacle surrounding his decision for which team he will allow the privilege of paying him millions of dollars to entertain us, has reached a fever pitch. A self-anointed King, James has recently indicated through his newly acquired Twitter account, @KingJames, and perfectly timed self-named website launch, http://www.lebronjames.com/, that our appetite for the spectacular will be rewarded when he names the team he will join on Thursday, July 8th.
A professional basketball player, with amazing athletic skills, an almost un-matched work ethic, and arguably one of the most recognized athletes on the planet, James will reveal which professional organization he will call home on ESPN (Entertainment Sports Programming Network), in a nationally televised one-hour special in the highly coveted prime-time slot.
As we watch, yes, I will be watching, we will not only bear “witness” to James announcement, but also the emergence of ESPN’s, ability to create and break news.
From the clever LeBron Tracker to the countless articles and tweets, ESPN has managed the marketing of the LeBron James free agency period less as a niche specific platform, choosing instead to go global as a “fan experience”.
James coming-of-age and ESPN’s behemoth influence on popular culture have converged to create the “perfect storm” of entertainment, sports, and economics. Among the teams in contention for LeBron’s services, are the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, New Jersey Nets, and the Chicago Bulls. I expect, whichever team James selects, will be thrilled with the sustaining economic benefit, as well as the heightened interest and audience in all things ESPN and NBA.
James and his career curators have identified the non-profit organization, Boys and Girls Club of America as the recipient of all the sponsorship income generated from tomorrow’s broadcast. In a time of severe economic stress and fundraising challenges, this was an astute business decision, and will aid in extending the legacy and brand of LeBron James well beyond the court.
Do I really care where LeBron goes? Not really, I’m enjoying the spectacle of it all too much. An African-American from Akron, Ohio, grows up and conquers the business world with a basketball as his weapon. No one could have scripted this --- but here we are, caught up and participating in a real life game changer. Are we not entertained?
[Note to ESPN: The time is now to launch ESPNWomen]
Photo courtesy of @NBA _Photos
Hi Jeanie - Great story! Thanks for sharing it with us you must share with others. Please submit and publish at the local newspapers of each city that has been awaiting the arrival of his majesty “King James”:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nytimes.com/
http://www.chicagotribune.com/
http://www.miamiherald.com/
http://www.nydailynews.com/
http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/
They can all electronically publish this article (online) prior to the staged press conference tomorrow. It will aid in the procession of the HUGE announcement. And yes, I'll be tuned in. (MLT)
Good story my boys are looking at ESPN everyday to find out where he will be they are big fans!
ReplyDeleteGreetings Max and Gioia!
ReplyDeleteThis is a what I think I'll call a magnificent spectacle and I'm pleased that you both are along for the ride. Thanks for the blessings.
LeBron James provided media outlets something to draw the attention of the hyperactive, over-indulgent public. His talent, charisma, youth, and timing, provided the perfect set of circumstances leading to today's prime time airing of his choice of NBA franchises.
ReplyDeleteIn today's world, marketing is everything. That's why nobody found it unusual for a 4-month pregnant housewife to be marketing and signing margarita bottles.
LBJ is the biggest star in this rapidly growing information age. His reluctance to join Twitter probably had more to do with the reduction in his brand value than anythig else. Imagine how elated ESPN is to have exclusives on his "show" tonight! How much would it have been worth to him to announce his choice via Twitter?
The startegy is flawless, largely because he's writing the book. I'm as excited as you are for so many reasons. The opportunites are mind-boggling!
The NBA free agency period began on Thursday, July 1. Since then, LBJ has dominated the news in every possible medium. Things move so rapidly that ONE WEEK has seemed like an eternity! I'd hate to be Brett Favre right now. Under normal circumstances, he would be the focus as we approach the start of the various NFL franchisess training camps. "Favre Watch" has taken a back seat to King James...and I bet Brett HATES it! His brand was rejuvenated with teh "Watch" over the past 5 years or so. Now, this young guy has taken the world in an entirely new direction.
Move, b*itch! Get out the way!
Kemic, Please believe my interest in this story was driven by Team LeBron's realignment of who, or is it whom, controls his brand. Clearly, that point was driven home last night.
ReplyDeleteI wish him well as he joins the Miami Heat. Not too well though, I'm still a devout Laker fan!