Tracy McGrady Signs New Endorsement Deal With Adidas 2 Years After Parting Ways With The Retailer
Tracy McGrady is back with adidas.
As AFROTECH™ reported, the former NBA star signed a six-year shoe endorsement deal with the retailer in 1997, valued at $12 million before starting college. He received his first paycheck, $500,000 in cash, and stored it in his bed. On “The Pivot” podcast, he mentioned that one of his first tasks was to ensure the well-being of his mother, father, and grandmother.
“It was life-changing, bro,” McGrady said on the podcast.
When that agreement was about to expire, McGrady re-signed with the retailer for a $100 million perpetual agreement, according to Sneaker News. In 2022, however, McGrady described his relationship with adidas as “rocky” during the Hashtag Sports conference and predicted the partnership could be nearing its end.
“The treatment that I’ve gotten from them over the last 10 years, it is what it is… I deserve better. I think it’s coming to an end,” McGrady told the audience.
He added that adidas did not support the Ones Basketball League (OBL), a one-on-one basketball league that McGrady founded in 2022, according to information on the league’s LinkedIn.
“When I started OBL, I was told I couldn’t pull this off by adidas,” McGrady added during the conference. “So, that’s why I feel that way.”
In 2023, McGrady and adidas officially parted ways, but now the partnership has been revived. McGrady has signed a new endorsement deal with adidas, per Sports Illustrated. The adidas T-MAC line of shoes will hit the market once again, the outlet reported.
“Adidas has always been family to me,” McGrady said in a statement, according to Sports Illustrated.
“Some of my proudest moments in the game came while wearing the Three Stripes. I’m excited to inspire the next generation and remind people why T-Mac is back,” McGrady continued.
Cam Mason, head of sports marketing at adidas basketball, commented, “T-Mac is back, and we couldn’t be more excited. Tracy’s legacy is timeless, and his influence on the game and culture continues to resonate today.”
