Snapshot
November 06, 2014
Audemars Piguet signs on as official sponsor for LeBron James

Participating in this sponsorship deal:

Data Lebron james (24)
Read More
LeBron James, the NBA two-time champion and four-time most valued player, teamed up with Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet to design a $51,500 limited edition watch. "I always liked watches growing up. When the opportunity presented itself it was easy to say yes," James told CNBC in Geneva, Switzerland, at the watch factory in late August. The watch, called the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph, comes with an 18-karat pink gold case, black ceramic and diamond set push pieces, and a hand-stitched gray crocodile strap. Six-hundred of these watches went on sale at the end of September. (Read more: Rafael Nadal's $690,000 watch is now part of his game) "Anytime I do anything or have a partnership with anyone that has my name on it, I like to have a lot of personal trace in it," said James, whose signature is printed in blue on the sapphire crystal in the back of the watch. The Swiss watchmaker has a long history of working with athletes and has had partnerships with everyone from basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal to PGA golfer Keegan Bradley. "He [LeBron] is truly a unique person," said François-Henry Bennahmias, CEO of Audemars Piguet. "When we met for the first time there was a good connection and we knew that we would do something together." James, an avid watch collector, said when it comes to his brand he's mostly focused on what he does best. "The LeBron James brand is built around basketball. If I'm doing what I need to do on the basketball floor at a high level everything else takes care of itself." Off the court, current sponsorships include Nike, Coca-Cola, Samsung and McDonald's. "I don't do partnerships with people that I don't use and don't have on a day-to-day basis," James said. "It has to speak volumes as to who I am as a person." Back on the court, he's not thinking about his future yet, "Miami has been great to me." (Read more: The $500,000 Nadal watch is now sold out) Source: Audemars PiguetRoyal Oak Offshore Chronograph James is focused on winning a three-peat, back-to-back-to-back championships, something last done by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2000-2002. "Who doesn't like success," said James. "If we stay hungry and motivated success will follow. There's a process on trying to be great and you can't cut corners doing it." Next summer, he could become the most sought after free agent if he opts out of his Miami contract. "Once I get to the point where I have to cross it I will handle it then." (Read more: Highest-paid players in major American team sports) His ultimate goal? "I want to be the greatest of all time, that's my personal goal. I have a lot of kids that look up to me as a role model. Every day that I step out of bed it's a huge burden that I love." —By CNBC's Jessica Golden. Follow her on Twitter @JGolden5
Read more at www.cnbc.com »
Comparable Deals
Nearby Deals

View cost of comparable deals

Signup as Professional
Deal Analysis

View Deal Details

Signup as Professional
People

View Deal Makers

Signup as Professional