Is Aaron Judge signed with the Jordan Brand?
Is Aaron Judge signed with the Jordan Brand?
By Oliver Wiener February 22, 2024 21:52
The latest news surrounding New York Yankees' star outfielder, Aaron Judge, has created quite a stir in the sports world. According to a recent announcement by the Jordan Brand, Aaron Judge has officially become the latest star athlete to sign a shoe deal with the Nike-owned brand. This significant development has sparked widespread interest and speculation within the sports community, and fans are eager to learn more about this collaboration and its potential impact on both Judge's career and the world of sports at large.
Contract Details
Aaron Judge's signing with the Jordan Brand makes him the fifth current Major League Baseball (MLB) player to join the brand, following the likes of Mookie Betts, Manny Machado, Vladimir Guerrero Jr, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. The 31-year-old outfielder, who had been associated with Adidas since 2018, revealed last year that he had become a free agent. Judge has been frequently spotted wearing Jordans on-field throughout the season, and the brand's recent announcement has confirmed that he will exclusively wear its shoes. Notably, Judge has already been exclusively given ‘Double Gum’ Air Jordan 1 Low shoes to wear during batting practice, with more designs expected to be showcased as the season progresses.
Impact and Implications
The signing of Aaron Judge with the Jordan Brand holds significant implications for both the player and the brand. As one of the most recognizable names in baseball, Judge's influence and star power are expected to further elevate the prestige and marketability of the Jordan Brand within the realm of professional sports. Notably, Judge's No. 99 jersey was reported to be the fourth-highest seller heading into the 2023 All-Star break, underscoring his immense popularity among fans. Despite being limited by injuries to 67 games and the New York Yankees' challenging position in the AL East, Judge's standing within the sport remains formidable.
From a financial perspective, signing with the Jordan Brand is anticipated to substantially boost Aaron Judge's earnings. After signing a nine-year, $360 million deal to return to the Yankees last offseason, Judge's association with the iconic brand is expected to further enhance his off-field earnings. Notably, according to estimates by Forbes, Judge was ranked third in terms of off-field earnings among MLB players in 2023, with a total of $44.5 million. With this new endorsement deal, Judge is poised to climb even higher in the rankings, potentially solidifying his status as one of the highest-paid athletes in the baseball world.
Comparison with Other Endorsement Deals
The signing of Aaron Judge with the Jordan Brand also invites comparisons with other high-profile endorsement deals within the world of sports. Notably, the announcement of Judge's deal comes in the wake of Philadelphia Eagles star Jalen Hurts also securing an endorsement deal with the Jordan Brand, underscoring the brand's strategic expansion into various sports. Additionally, the presence of other MLB players such as Manny Machado, Mookie Betts, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. within the Jordan Brand's roster further highlights the brand's concerted efforts to establish a strong foothold in the realm of professional baseball.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Aaron Judge's partnership with the Jordan Brand presents an array of exciting prospects for both the player and the brand. Judge's association with the iconic brand is expected to open up new avenues for collaborative projects, promotional initiatives, and the development of signature merchandise that resonates with fans and enthusiasts. Moreover, Judge's impact within the world of sports and popular culture is likely to be further amplified through this collaboration, paving the way for a dynamic fusion of sports, fashion, and lifestyle elements.
Aaron Judge's signing with the Jordan Brand represents a significant milestone in his career and a compelling development within the sports marketing landscape. The partnership between Judge, an esteemed figure in professional baseball, and the iconic Jordan Brand is poised to usher in a new era of innovative collaborations and commercial opportunities. As the sports world eagerly anticipates the unveiling of exclusive designs and promotional activities associated with this partnership, the impact of Aaron Judge's association with the Jordan Brand is poised to reverberate across the realms of sports, fashion, and popular culture.