Allen Iverson was a generational player, and Nike lost him to Reebok, a missed opportunity, former Nike executive Howard White remembers to this day. Michael Jordan was also mentioned in the same context, as Nike would have had to offer Iverson more than what Jordan was earning, which made all the difference.
Howard White Discusses Nike Losing Allen Iverson to Reebok
In a recent episode of the “All the Smoke” podcast, White recalled the time Nike almost signed an icon like Iverson, but Reebok stepped up with a better deal straight out of college.
White was the longest-tenured African American executive in Nike history and the person behind Michael Jordan’s commercial legacy. He became a confidant, daily manager, and mentor of the greatest player the day he signed an endorsement deal with Nike that changed the landscape of the footwear industry.
White witnessed the 63-year-old Jordan win six NBA titles, add a host of honors and accolades to his résumé, and see his signature Air Jordan sneakers take shape in 1984 before becoming pathbreakers in the years that followed. White also helped with the creation of Jordan Brand in 1997 and has been serving as the vice president for years.
“I remember the day Boo Williams called me, and he said, ‘H, I got one. But I need help with him, though.’ Who is that? Allen Iverson?”
Williams, who served as Iverson’s summer league coach and mentor, had a prior connection with White from high school. He said that Williams pleaded with him to come down and discuss the deal, adding that Iverson’s mother, Ann, was ready to accept an offer.
“Boo called me. He said, ‘H, he’s out of school. He’s leaving school.’ I said, ‘He’s leaving?’ He said, ‘It’s done. It’s over.’ He just came home in a brand new Benz. He ain’t going back to school. He [Boo] said, ‘You need to come down here, because Ann will do whatever you want her to do. You need to come down here and sign them now.’”
White didn’t waste a minute calling Phil Knight to discuss a potential Nike contract, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. However, Reebok also viewed Iverson as a key marketing investment, which would have cost Nike more than it was paying Jordan.
“We could have probably changed it around, but that was like more than MJ was making. There was no way on any planet I’m doing that. And I remember he asked his mother, ‘Momma, what about H?’ And she said, ‘Well, we’re going to go for the money.’”
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The 11-time NBA All-Star Iverson had an illustrious NBA career and won the NBA Rookie of the Year award with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1997. The 50-year-old’s electrifying style of play won the hearts of many fans, as he averaged 26.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game.
Iverson signed a $50 million deal in his rookie season, and in 2001, he signed a lifetime contract with the brand. He is guaranteed $800,000 per year for the rest of his life, along with access to a $32 million trust fund upon turning 55.
