The next morning, Kai Chen received a call from his agent, Rich Paul.
The content of the call was simple.
Another sports brand wanted to discuss an endorsement deal with Kai Chen.
This company was different from Nike and Adidas, which he had dealt with before, it was smaller.
Anta directly dispatched its founder and chairman, Ding Shizhong, to Los Angeles to discuss cooperation with Kai Chen.
In his past life, Anta was an already an established sports brand, but currently only Klay Thompson was the face of the brand.
Anta in only a couple of years would become one of the top three brands in china comparable to Adidas and Nike.
"Kai, Mr. Ding's invitation is for ten o'clock in the morning."
Rich Paul sent Kai Chen a text message: "He will arrange for a driver to wait at the entrance of Beverly Hills."
"No problem, Rich. See you later."
Kai briefly replied, then explained the situation to Coach Rivers on the phone.
"Kai, go ahead and take care of your business."
Coach Rivers agreed without hesitation, joking, "If you sign a big contract, you got to treat us to a meal, hahaha."
After getting leave, Kai Chen quickly washed up and got into the car arranged by Ding Shizhong, heading to the designated location.
No words were exchanged along the way.
Upon arrival, Rich Paul and Ding Shizhong were already waiting at the entrance.
"Kai Chen, it's great to see you!"
As soon as Kai stepped out of the car, Ding Shizhong strode forward. "Your performance for the Clippers has been incredible. My whole family are your fans."
"Thank you, Mr. Ding. You've always been someone I admire."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the two were led by staff into the suite.
Once seated, Ding Shizhong took a document from his secretary and handed it to Kai Chen.
"This is our brand-new plan — The ANTA Kai Collection."
ANTA Kai Collection? Isn't this the name of Kyrie Irving's future partnership with Anta?
Kai Chen reached out and took the document.
He quickly realized that Anta was creating a brand-new signature shoe specifically for him.
That was not what surprised him, afterall Nike and Adidas also did.
What truly surprised Kai Chen was that Anta would establish the Kai Collection as an independent brand.
In other words, if Kai Chen signed this contract, he would become the first person in Anta's history to build an entirely new independent brand with them.
This type of situation is very similar to what Air Jordan is to Nike.
"Kai Chen, the Kai Collection is tailor-made for you. If the cooperation succeeds, you will receive a thirty percent share of the profits, twenty percent equity of the Kai Collection, and will be the Chief Creative Officer."
"In addition, Anta will offer you an endorsement contract worth 30 million US dollars per year, obviously scaling as your name becomes bigger."
Guaranteed income plus revenue sharing plus equity in the brand.
It could be said that Anta's contract was kind of crazy.
For example, Michael Jordan signed to Nike for 5% of the net sales from the Jordan Brand.
In 2019 Jordan Brand generated just over 3 Billion dollars, Jordan himself walked away with at least 100 Million after taxes.
Looking back, few stars had ever signed a deal structured like this.
And to put it bluntly, even if Kai Chen's shoe sales were poor, he would still receive 30 million US dollars annually.
"Crazy…"
Rich Paul, standing nearby, took a sharp breath. "Kai, this might be the best endorsement contract I've ever seen."
"Mr. Ding, to be honest with you."
Kai Chen calmly met Ding Shizhong's gaze.
"Before you came, both Nike and Adidas approached me."
"But I rejected them. I want my brand to become known worldwide. And I was also after equity."
Kai lifted the contract with a faint smile.
"But I didn't expect such a generous offer."
"As Chief Creative Officer, will I have the final say in how the shoe looks?"
"That won't be a problem. As long as you sign, this brand will belong to you."
Ding Shizhong agreed immediately.
"We will do our best to incorporate your ideas into the shoe designs."
"Rich, what do you think?"
Kai Chen turned to Rich Paul with a grin.
"If you dont sign that contract, I will start crying right now!"
At Rich Paul's statement, Kai Chen just smiled and signed the contract.
"Kai Chen, welcome to the Anta family!"
Watching Kai finish signing, Ding Shizhong stood and extended his hand.
"I have a feeling that one day your shoes will surpass Air Jordan."
"And with you joining Anta, we will soon surpass Nike."
"Surpass Nike…"
Ding Shizhong spoke passionately. Kai Chen's eyes were steady.
"Let's hope for the future."
As soon as Kai Chen's signing with Anta was finalized, the media immediately obtained the news.
"Breaking! The most expensive contract in NBA history — Anta signs Kai Chen!"
"Big news! Anta creates a new independent brand for Kai Chen to compete with Nike and Air Jordan!"
The announcement shocked nearly everyone.
Some believed Anta and Kai Chen were simply crazy.
"Anta is insane. How dare they challenge Nike in the US market?"
"Competing with Nike? That's like a fishing boat racing an aircraft carrier."
"Why didn't Kai Chen sign with Nike? That would boost his popularity even more."
Of course, others saw it differently.
"Are people serious? Is anyone still questioning Kai Chen's commercial value?"
"He's achieved what many superstars haven't. His contract reflects that."
"Kai Chen's shoes will absolutely sell. He has no shortage of fans."
"Nike is about to face real competition. Anta is rising fast."
"Why is no one freaking out, a thirty percent revenue split is insane!!"
"All of you are stupid, they are obviously targeting the Chinese market, they got a billion people over there"
The news of Kai Chen's signing quickly topped trending searches worldwide.
This only strengthened Ding Shizhong's confidence.
At the same time, Nike grew uneasy.
With Kai Chen signing elsewhere, several of the most dazzling rookies had already secured endorsement deals.
Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young signed with Puma.
Dallas Mavericks phenom Luka signed with Adidas.
Nike had only secured the number one pick, Deandre Ayton, and now deeply regretted it.
No one expected that their biggest signing this year would feel as soft as toilet paper.
His performance on the court and influence off it were difficult to compare with Kai Chen.
==========
[!] This Chapter had a lot more editing than I usually do, let me know what you guys think!
Thank you for the support.
100 power stones = Bonus Chapter
Check my P@treon for 25+ advanced chapters
[email protected]/JustTranslate