This article contains information about American professional basketball player Russell Westbrook’s brand endorsement deals and business ventures.
Russell Westbrook brand endorsements and sponsors over the years — Nike, PepsiCo, Hennessy, Subway, Samsung, True Religion Apparel, Six Star Pro Nutrition, Kings and Jaxs Boxer Briefs, Foot Locker, BancFirst
CURRENT ENDORSEMENTS
Nike
Originally tied to a five-year contract with Nike-owned footwear brand Jordan since October 2012, in September 2017, Westbrook signed a mega ten-year extension deal with the footwear brand, making it the most lucrative endorsement deal for a Jordan athlete at the time.
The current deal is set to run through the 2025/26 NBA season. It also includes annual donations from Jordan made to Westbrook’s “Why Not?” foundation in Oklahoma City and southern Los Angeles, as well an “ambassador clause,” meaning Westbrook and Jordan’s partnership will extend after his retirement.
PepsiCo
In February 2015, PepsiCo, an American multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation, announced the signing of a multi-year partnership deal with Westbrook in February 2015.
As part of the multi-year deal, Westbrook became the face of the American company’s popular beverage brand Mountain Dew. He also served as the face of the “Mtn Dew Kickstart” campaign, which launched two new flavours in “Pineapple Orange Mango” and “Strawberry Kiwi”.
Hennessy
Hennessy, the world’s best-selling Cognac and the Official Spirit of the NBA, the WNBA, the NBA G League, and USA Basketball, roped in Westbrook, “Literally Balling” artist Victor Solomon, and Hoop York City founder Alex Taylor as the faces of its “Make Moves That Start Movements” campaign in June 2021.
As part of the multi-year deal, Westbrook was the main hero as well as narrator of the campaign.
PAST ENDORSEMENTS
Subway
Subway, an American multinational fast-food restaurant chain that specialises in submarine burgers, roped in the 2017 NBA MVP as a brand ambassador in February 2014.
As part of the multi-year deal, apart from being a brand ambassador, Westbrook also participated in many Subway campaigns.
Samsung
South Korean multinational tech conglomerate Samsung signed a sponsorship deal with Westbrook back in January 2012. This association lasted for nearly a decade before the two parted ways in 2020.
True Religion Apparel
In February 2015, Westbrook joined the ranks of David Beckham and Michael Jordan as athletes-turned-fashion stars by partnering with denim powerhouse True Religion Apparel as marketing creative director of the brand’s spring 2015 campaign, “Be So Bold”.
Six Star Pro Nutrition
In February 2012, Six Star Pro Nutrition, a leading sport supplement brand in the US, announced the signing of three professional athletes to join its elite roster of endorsers.
The NFL’s Rob Gronkowski, the NBA’s Russell Westbrook, and MLB’s Mike Stanton each signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Six Star. They joined UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub as the company’s athlete spokespeople.
Kings and Jaxs Boxer Briefs
Kings and Jaxs Boxer Briefs, an American underwear manufacturer, signed a multi-year partnership deal with Westbrook in November 2013.
According to many reports, the deal was reportedly worth over US$1 million annually.
Following the deal, the Russell Westbrook line of Kings and Jaxs premium performance boxer briefs was launched later that year.
Foot Locker
Foot Locker, a New York-based American sportswear and footwear retailer, roped in Westbrook as a brand ambassador in December 2015.
Following the deal, Westbrook appeared in numerous commercial campaigns for the company.
BancFirst Loyal
BancFirst Corporation, operating under the name BancFirst, is a state-chartered bank in Oklahoma with over 100 banking locations serving 60 communities throughout the state.
In November 2011, Westbrook signed a multi-year endorsement deal with the state-chartered bank.
Investments
Like many NBA stars, Westbrook has also been investing some of his earnings into a variety of industries, including food (Magic Spoon, Luvo, Pizzana), drinks (Flow, Poppi), muscle recovery (Hyperice), social media (Triller), investment firms (Tulco, Tiger Global), tech companies (Flow, Genies), furniture retailer Heal, pharmaceutical company Health House, clothing brands (Mason, Honor The Gift), and mobile banking start-up Varo Bank.
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