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LeBron James Signs Deal With Sprite
19 minutes ago


ATLANTA - LeBron James has signed a six-year marketing deal with Powerade and Sprite.


Coca-Cola Co., the parent company of both drink brands, has stopped running Sprite ads featuring Kobe Bryant (news), who is charged with sexually assaulting a woman in Colorado. Company spokesman Scott Williamson said Thursday that the deal with James — this year's No. 1 pick — was "unrelated to Kobe Bryant's situation."


James has already secured over $100 million in endorsement deals, including a $90 million contract with Nike in May. The Coke deals comes a week after sports-drink company Gatorade pulled out of negotiations with the Cleveland Cavaliers (news).


James twice was named Gatorade's player of the year, and it had been assumed he would become one of its pitchmen, following in the footsteps of his idol, Michael Jordan.


His new deal with Powerade and Sprite will include advertising, promotions and appearances.


"I have been drinking Sprite and Powerade for a long time," James said in a statement. "I have always admired the way Sprite and Powerade spoke to young people and athletes, and I can't wait to be a part of it."


In addition to the Nike deal, James has signed a $6 million contract with Upper Deck trading cards.


The 18-year-old Akron, Ohio, basketball star entered the NBA draft out of high school. He has a $13 million contract with the Cavaliers.