How did the endorsement deals with celebrity athletes influence Nike's corporate strategy?

Endorsement deals with celebrity athletes played a significant role in Nike's corporate strategy. These endorsements helped Nike to gain visibility and credibility in the competitive sports market. The athletes served as brand ambassadors, promoting Nike products during their games and public appearances. This strategy not only boosted Nike's brand image but also increased its sales, as fans were likely to purchase products endorsed by their favorite athletes. The endorsement deals also allowed Nike to diversify its product offerings and target different sports segments, further expanding its market reach.

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So, in 1973, to give him a sense of purpose and get him back on his feet, we hired Pre as our National Director of Public Affairs. He was our second celebrity athlete endorser. Our first was a fiery young Romanian tennis player who tore his way through the Rainier International Classic tournament in the fall of 1972 in a brand-new pair of Nike Match Points. His name was Ilie Nastase. After the tournament, I got ahold of his agent and negotiated a sponsorship deal for $10,000.

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Shoe Dog - Anecdotes From Nike

The iconic Nike sporting goods company started over 50 years ago as a ‘crazy idea’ in the mind of a young runner in Oregon. Shoe Dog is Phil Knight’s ...

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