[Saba Sports News] Joel Embiid is opting for a different path, steering clear of the big players in the basketball shoe industry in favor of a somewhat more modest brand.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the reigning MVP of the Philadelphia 76ers, Embiid, is on the verge of finalizing an endorsement deal with Skechers, where he will serve as their prominent spokesperson. Additionally, Skechers is launching a new basketball division and is anticipated to secure endorsement agreements with Julius Randle of the New York Knicks and Terance Mann of the LA Clippers.
Embiid, a six-time All-Star, had previously been affiliated with Under Armour. However, he is now poised to make a change, just one season after winning his first MVP award.
While Skechers boasts a significant market cap of $7.6 billion, it pales in comparison to industry giants like Nike (with a market cap of $157.9 billion) and Adidas ($33 billion).
Furthermore, Skechers has not yet ventured specifically into basketball sneakers, apart from some aggressive advertising campaigns targeting competitors. Nevertheless, with Embiid on board, they aim to make a substantial impact in this arena.