The first openly gay pro athlete, whether he be in football, baseball, or basketball could very well land sponsorship deals worth millions of dollars. And a promise from Nike is already on the table, Bloomberg reports:
Nike asked former Phoenix Suns executive (and openly gay) Rick Welts to deliver a message to anyone thinking about becoming the first openly gay athlete in major U.S. team sports -- the company wants him as an endorser.
“They made it clear to me Nike would embrace it,” Welts, 60, now president of the National Basketball Association’s Golden State Warriors, said in a telephone interview. “The player who does it, they’re going to be amazed at the additional opportunities that are put on the table, not the ones that are taken off.”
Nike isn't the only one who sees the upside of coming out. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban called the opportunity "a marketing goldmine for all involved."
Gay marketing strategist Bob Witeck agreed: "the first openly gay team-sport athlete -- provided he’s a recognizable name -- would earn millions in endorsements and speaking engagements..."
Just this week, the National Hockey League aligned itself with gay-rights organization You Can Play Project, an organization that promotes equality in sports, to develop "what appears to be the most comprehensive measure by a major men’s league in support of gay rights," according to The New York Times.
(via Towleroad)
But aren't we supposed to be boycotting NIKE? they are the Evil Empire! they started the manufacturing overseas phenomena. i have been boycotting for years!! ??
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