Who is Nike's most paid athlete?

LeBron James and Nike

When it comes to the biggest earners in the sportswear industry, LeBron James stands completely alone at the top. While sneaker partnerships and major endorsement deals are common in professional sports, the landscape changed forever in 2015 when Nike made sports history.

Rather than sticking to the usual multi-year renewals typical for elite players, the brand locked down the basketball icon with a lifetime agreement. It marked the first time the company ever handed out a lifetime contract to an athlete, cementing a partnership that began when LeBron first entered the league. Valued by analysts at upwards of a billion dollars, this blockbuster arrangement ensures that his signature line and brand influence will continue to thrive long after his playing days on the court are finished.