Shogun12 wrote:One thing I haven't seen discussed much, but I think is worth mentioning, is the international business implications associated with LeBron James signing with the Chicago Bulls.
Anyone who has traveled extensively internationally or lived abroad, knows well that there is incredible nostalgia for the Jordan-led teams of the 1990's and the Chicago Bulls brand is very strong. In fact, I can't recall how many conversations I've had over the last decade with people in places as far-ranging as Japan to Croatia to Spain to Germany about how that Bulls dynasty introduced them to the NBA and how they would stay awake at odd hours of the night and early morning to watch Jordan and Pippen battle the various foes of the era (New York, Portland, Seattle, Utah, etc).
In an ever-globalizing world, LeBron coming to Chicago and attempting to emulate Jordan's success could recapture the imagination of a great number of fans both domestically and internationally. I'd even go as far as to predict that LeBron would lead the league internationally in jersey sales and NBA ratings throughout Europe would exponentially grow with him in a Bulls uniform. Of course, more international exposure for LeBron means increased commercial opportunities. Athletes like Michael Schumacher, David Beckham, and Roger Federer have made tens of million in endorsement deals in just Europe over the past 5-10 years.
Before anyone mentions New York.. They too, are an international city and offer increased marketing opportunities, but on paper, are a much riskier option due to less overall basketball talent. For an athlete entering his limited prime years, that matters.
In the end, I don't think the story of LeBron in New York City would be as compelling internationally, as LeBron in Chicago. This might be a unique and positive twist on the "LeBron caught in Jordan's Shadow" talk, but I firmly believe LeBron can best achieve his basketball and business aspirations (which are inherently tied together) most effectively in Chicago.
Finally someone else gets this
I have brought this up on a few seperate occasion s over the course of the last several months with basically no reply
The Chicago Bulls is an international brand thanks to Michael Jordan... a brand that has been chronically underleveraged since MJ left ( due to lack of real talent of relevance )
Lebron to the Bulls would explode globally ..much much more than Lebron remaining a Cav or being a Knick
Lebron as a Kick is a domestic story . even quite an insular one.
Lebron to Chicago is a genuine international story
And the icing on his Asian cake is acquiring Yi Jianlian .
I became a Bulls fan ( as an Australian ) ...because one of my countrymen was playing with the greatest player in the game ) . Its the same premise behind acquiring Yi if you trust people are people and will buy/support a product more when an element of national pride is also in the mix. Lebron and the Bulls would be successful enough in Asia I would asssume without Yi - but as I said - its the icing on the cake.
There are $22,000,000 Australians.
There are hundreds of millions of Chinese and probably like half a billion Asians
Big basketball loving market that.
If its not - it should be a major piece of the puzzle for James Inc.
"GarPax played Grab Ass with Mirotic for 5 years and been in Omaha playing Hide the Salami with Doug McBuckets for the 1.5 years and they've developed feelings for him. Well, I say "F feelings and F loyalty!" I want CHIPS! Jerry Krizause