The Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant has retained the top spot on the NBA’s Most Popular Jerseys list, the ranking he has held since the start of the 2008-09 season. The rankings are based on sales at the NBA Store in New York City and NBAStore.com since the start of the 2009-10 NBA season.
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James maintains the No. 2 spot, while the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard and the Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose appear in the Top 5 for the first time. Howard makes a dramatic jump, moving from No. 10 to No. 3 on this year’s list. Rose’s popularity continues to grow and moves into the No.4 spot from No.11 last season. The Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade rounds out the Top 5.
Shaquille O’Neal makes his way back into the Top 10 for the first time since June 2008 at the No. 9 spot, while Kevin Durant re-emerges on the list for the first time since January 2008. Denver Nuggets’ Carmelo Anthony also moved up the list from No. 15 to No. 11.
The Los Angeles Lakers once again top the list of Most Popular NBA Team Merchandise. The Boston Celtics hold on to the No.2 spot for the second year in a row while, the Cleveland Cavaliers move up from No. 4 last season to No. 3.
This season marks the fourth with adidas as the official oncourt uniform and apparel provider for the NBA. Below are the NBA’s Most Popular Jersey and the Most Popular Team Merchandise lists.
On the day before World Aids day some of the world’s best footballers joined Bono at announcement of partnership between NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) and (RED).
Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Andrei Arshavin (Arsenal), Marco Materazzi (Inter Milan), Denilson (Arsenal), Lucas Neill (Everton), Clint Dempsey (Fulham) and Seol Ki-Hyeon (Fulham), came together in London today to announce a partnership between NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) and (RED).
This unique partnership delivers a two-pronged approach to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa by delivering funds to support programs that offer education and medication on the ground and will harness the power of sport to engage youth around the world in the fight against AIDS in Africa.
In making the partnership announcement, Mark Parker, President and CEO of NIKE, Inc., Susan Smith Ellis, CEO, (RED) and Professor Michel D. Kazatchkine Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS , Tuberculosis and Malaria were joined by footballers from around the world and U2 vocalist and (RED) co-founder Bono, to emphasize the need for global action and participation to eliminate AIDS in Africa.
"The fight against AIDS in Africa needs great brands to drive awareness and engagement,” said Susan Smith Ellis, CEO, (RED). “Nike is the right partner to connect education with sport, and in so doing help drive social change, prevention and understanding of HIV/AIDS. We are thrilled to have them with us."
Nike has a proven history of elevating global causes to create consumer awareness and participation. “As a global brand and creative company, Nike can play a role in amplifying this important issue,” said Mark Parker, President and CEO of NIKE, Inc. “With football as the catalyst, Nike is joining the (RED) movement to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.”
The Nike and (RED) concept is a simple one that invites people to “Lace Up. Save Lives” by purchasing a pair of NIKE (PRODUCT)RED™ laces. One hundred percent of the profits from (NIKE)RED laces will be split equally between The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which funds AIDS programs that provide medicine for those living with HIV, and football-based community initiatives that deliver education and understanding around HIV/AIDS prevention. This unique partnership delivers programs that both medicate and educate.
Progress has been made in the drive to reduce HIV infections in Africa, with fourteen countries reporting a decline in the prevalence of the disease. This is great news and proves the fight can be won. But AIDS remains one of the greatest challenges facing the world today. An estimated 3,800 men, women and children die in sub-Saharan Africa every day, in addition to 6,000 new infections every day among 15-24 year old men and women.
“The (RED) Nike laces can tie athletes around the world together with people living under threat from HIV in Africa in a beautiful way ,” said Professor Michel D. Kazatchkine, Executive Director of the Global Fund. “Wearing these (RED) laces is a sign that you care about others – and it helps us to protect and treat millions of people who every day risk infection or struggle with the effects of HIV.”
“(RED) has created a sustainable way to engage business in funding the fight against AIDS in Africa on a grand scale. Its partnerships not only deliver funds to buy medicine to keep people alive but also provides the leverage needed for us to demonstrate to the public sector that this partnership works and to garner additional support,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Minister of Health of Ethiopia and Chairman of the Board of Directors, The Global Fund. “The addition of Nike to the (RED) initiative will only strengthen this impact as it will help us take this message to millions of football fans around the world and engage them in this issue through their passion for sport.”
(Nike)RED laces will be available December 1st at Nike Store locations and key retailers worldwide. In addition, (Nike)RED laces will be available at nike.com for purchase. And additional (NIKE) RED products will be introduced in the coming months.
On the day before World Aids day some of the world’s best footballers joined Bono at announcement of partnership between NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) and (RED).
Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Andrei Arshavin (Arsenal), Marco Materazzi (Inter Milan), Denilson (Arsenal), Lucas Neill (Everton), Clint Dempsey (Fulham) and Seol Ki-Hyeon (Fulham), came together in London today to announce a partnership between NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) and (RED).
This unique partnership delivers a two-pronged approach to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa by delivering funds to support programs that offer education and medication on the ground and will harness the power of sport to engage youth around the world in the fight against AIDS in Africa.
In making the partnership announcement, Mark Parker, President and CEO of NIKE, Inc., Susan Smith Ellis, CEO, (RED) and Professor Michel D. Kazatchkine Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS , Tuberculosis and Malaria were joined by footballers from around the world and U2 vocalist and (RED) co-founder Bono, to emphasize the need for global action and participation to eliminate AIDS in Africa.
"The fight against AIDS in Africa needs great brands to drive awareness and engagement,” said Susan Smith Ellis, CEO, (RED). “Nike is the right partner to connect education with sport, and in so doing help drive social change, prevention and understanding of HIV/AIDS. We are thrilled to have them with us."
Nike has a proven history of elevating global causes to create consumer awareness and participation. “As a global brand and creative company, Nike can play a role in amplifying this important issue,” said Mark Parker, President and CEO of NIKE, Inc. “With football as the catalyst, Nike is joining the (RED) movement to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.”
The Nike and (RED) concept is a simple one that invites people to “Lace Up. Save Lives” by purchasing a pair of NIKE (PRODUCT)RED™ laces. One hundred percent of the profits from (NIKE)RED laces will be split equally between The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which funds AIDS programs that provide medicine for those living with HIV, and football-based community initiatives that deliver education and understanding around HIV/AIDS prevention. This unique partnership delivers programs that both medicate and educate.
Progress has been made in the drive to reduce HIV infections in Africa, with fourteen countries reporting a decline in the prevalence of the disease. This is great news and proves the fight can be won. But AIDS remains one of the greatest challenges facing the world today. An estimated 3,800 men, women and children die in sub-Saharan Africa every day, in addition to 6,000 new infections every day among 15-24 year old men and women.
“The (RED) Nike laces can tie athletes around the world together with people living under threat from HIV in Africa in a beautiful way ,” said Professor Michel D. Kazatchkine, Executive Director of the Global Fund. “Wearing these (RED) laces is a sign that you care about others – and it helps us to protect and treat millions of people who every day risk infection or struggle with the effects of HIV.”
“(RED) has created a sustainable way to engage business in funding the fight against AIDS in Africa on a grand scale. Its partnerships not only deliver funds to buy medicine to keep people alive but also provides the leverage needed for us to demonstrate to the public sector that this partnership works and to garner additional support,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Minister of Health of Ethiopia and Chairman of the Board of Directors, The Global Fund. “The addition of Nike to the (RED) initiative will only strengthen this impact as it will help us take this message to millions of football fans around the world and engage them in this issue through their passion for sport.”
(Nike)RED laces will be available December 1st at Nike Store locations and key retailers worldwide. In addition, (Nike)RED laces will be available at nike.com for purchase. And additional (NIKE) RED products will be introduced in the coming months.
Kobe Bryant already had the most popular jersey in the U.S. and Europe, and now also has the most popular jersey in China... again
Reigning NBA Champion Kobe Bryant, of the Los Angeles Lakers, had the top selling NBA jersey in China during the 2008-09 season, marking the third consecutive season he has topped the list. Bryant, who also had the top selling jersey in the United States and Europe this past season, was followed by LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers who moved up five spots after winning the 2008-09 NBA Most Valuable Player award presented by Kia Motors.
China’s Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets ranks No. 6 and Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets ranks No.10. Anthony and the Nuggets tipped off NBA Games 2009 today against the Indiana Pacers in Taipei and the two teams will meet again in Beijing on Oct. 11.
Several rising NBA stars are gaining recognition in China and made the top 15 including Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets, Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls - winner of the 2008-09 Rookie of Year award presented by Kia Motors, and two-time NBA All-Star Brandon Roy of the Portland Trailblazers. Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs is ranked No. 13 and is the first European player to make the list in China.
The 2008-09 rankings are based on sales from official NBA Stores in China this past season. adidas is the official on-court uniform and apparel provider of the NBA.
NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) today introduced the Nike Air Max LeBron VII, the latest and most innovative shoe in LeBron James’ signature line, at a global media summit in Akron, Ohio featuring James and performance footwear designer Jason Petrie.
The Nike Air Max LeBron VII is designed to deliver maximum comfort and stability. It features an innovative, basketball-specific Max Air airbag unit, a cushioning first for the company, and a Flywire engineered upper using higher tensile-strength cable than in previous performance basketball shoes.
“The new LeBron VII takes my signature line to a new level of innovation,” said LeBron James. “As the demands of my game evolve and increase, Nike consistently designs and develops shoes helping drive my on-court success.”
The Nike Air Max LeBron VII will be available globally beginning October 24, with a suggested retail price of $160 USD.
“When designing the Nike Air Max LeBron VII, we envisioned a shoe that was both strong and comfortable,” said Jason Petrie, Nike Footwear Designer. “We delivered a shoe that is a perfect combination of superior performance and luxurious style, embodying LeBron himself.”
Comfort Revolution Nike’s first basketball-specific Nike Max 360 air sole is designed and engineered for the multi-directional movements of the modern basketball player. This basketball-specific air sole contains 80 percent more air than the previous full-length unit for ultimate comfort. The air sole is strategically contoured with a thinner forefoot and deeper heel placing cushioning where it is needed most.
Moving upward from the court floor, the insole and upper of the shoe match the mid-sole’s innovation. The seamless integrated bootie not only makes for a comfortable ride with no irritation, but also provides the lockdown support basketball players covet. Nike Flywire technology, first introduced in the highly successful Nike Hyperdunk, provides support without adding unnecessary weight by integrating tensile fibers with a minimal use of materials. Its crisscross lineage not only provides basketball specific stability, but also creates a diamond pattern that LeBron has asked be integrated into his signature footwear and apparel lines each year.
Heritage The Nike Air Max LeBron VII pays homage to the sport of basketball and reflects the personality of LeBron. On the outsole, five flex grooves represent the five players on the court while 23 stripes in the midsection represent LeBron’s number. The outsole also features a 3D decoder key which, when the shoe is rotated, displays LeBron’s credos – Passion, Fearless, Tradition, Community, Family, Loyalty – and other call-outs from his life.
Additionally, the seven Nike Flywire strands on the tongue of the shoe represents the Nike Air Max LeBron VII as the seventh shoe in the signature series. This same call-out is repeated with the V-shaped metal eyelets on the top of the shoe and Roman numeral II embossed directly underneath it.
Craftsmanship The Nike Air Max LeBron VII is constructed with a full-grain leather upper and patent leather throughout, giving it a plush feel and luxurious aesthetic. The goal was to bring the highest quality detailing to LeBron’s latest shoe, and this is evident throughout due to its superior design. The Nike Air Max LeBron VII was made for the basketball player who is looking for cushioning and strength with a sense of style.
NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) today announced a limited edition set of three performance basketball shoes commemorating the worldwide premiere of the Transformers film sequel. The collaboration includes the Nike Zoom Flight Club, Nike Zoom FP and Nike Sharkalaid complete with special packaging, retro graphics and vibrant color combinations.
Nike worked closely with Hasbro on this special project. The Transformers franchise, spanning a range of media over the past 25 years, is based on transforming robots representing good and evil. No detail went unnoticed when Nike began the design process. The shoe packaging mimics the nostalgic toy boxes complete with original Hasbro graphics, J-hooks for hanging display and decoder profiles on the back of the boxes that highlight each robot’s powers.
Transformers fans around the globe are abuzz over the sequel full-length film that debuted internationally last week and the momentum continues. Each of the three Nike designs can be purchased individually and include special colorways honoring the Transformers characters Megatron (Nike Zoom Flight Club), Soundwave (Nike Sharkalaid) and Bumblebee (Nike Zoom FP).
Nike Zoom Flight Club - Megatron
The Nike Zoom Flight Club includes a distinctive shroud, a supportive upper covering that creates an aerodynamic look. A Phylon midsole, supportive ankle strap and Zoom Air unit provide ultimate performance. The purple, red and black coloring, neon grid lining and Decepticon logo on the strap pay homage to Megatron, the ultimate villain in the Transformers franchise.
Nike Zoom FP - Bumblebee
The Nike Zoom FP (“FP” for Fun Police) has a modern style and lightweight durability. The Fun Police included a small group of elite Nike basketball players that appeared in a 1990’s Nike commercial and who were committed to keeping basketball fun. The Transformers hero Bumblebee was bestowed with the Nike Zoom FP honor.
A leather upper with reinforced stitched quilting, an injected Phylon midsole, visible Zoom Air unit and forefoot support pillars provide lateral rollover protection without sacrificing flexibility. The Bumblebee character transforms into a yellow car, which is reflected in the sheen of the shoe’s vibrant yellow upper and splashes of silver that mimic chrome.
Nike Sharkalaid - Soundwave
The Nike Sharkalaid is the hybrid between the Nike Air Shark and the Nike Air Raid, two of Nike’s most popular outdoor basketball shoes. The Sharkalaid includes a rubber outsole and two straps which provide basketball players with the traction and flexibility needed to play on outdoor courts. Soundwave was a Decepticon and transformed into a tape recorder. Graphics in this shoe pay tribute to a tape recorder with the original Decepticon logo on the tongue top and sock liner.
The Nike Transformer shoes will be available in limited quantities in China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Taiwan and the U.S. at House of Hoops beginning July 1. The Nike Zoom FP and Nike Sharkalaid will cost $100 USD and the Nike Zoom Flight Club will be $120 USD.
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He is contributor to Baseball Prospectus, and is available as a freelance writer.
Shoes and Apparel
The Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant has retained the top spot on the NBA’s Most Popular Jerseys list, the ranking he has held since the start of the 2008-09 season. The rankings are based on sales at the NBA Store in New York City and NBAStore.com since the start of the 2009-10 NBA season.
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