McDonald's® USA Tips off Relationship With LeBron James
McDonald's Confirms Multi-year Deal with Six-Time NBA All-Star and 2009 MVP
PRNewswire
Jan 28, 2010
OAK BROOK, Ill., Jan. 28/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- -- McDonald's confirmed today that LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers has agreed to a multi-year deal with team-McDonald's. The relationship will kick-off with James' appearance in a remake of the iconic 1993 Super Bowl commercial "The Showdown," which is set to launch during pre-kick of Super Bowl® XLIV, in Miami.
Although financial details of the contract will not be disclosed publicly, James' agreement includes support of several McDonald's programs and promotions, as well as McDonald's charity of choice, Ronald McDonald House Charities®.
"LeBron is an all-star, both on the court and in the community," said Neil Golden, McDonald's USA chief marketing officer. "We're looking forward to working with LeBron to showcase our brand in surprising ways while also raising awareness of and support for Ronald McDonald House Charities."
"McDonald's and I make a great team," said LeBron James. "We share many of the same core values, including a commitment to excellence and giving back to the community. I am also excited about the opportunity to work with Ronald McDonald House Charities, which helps improve the lives of so many children and their families around the world."
"This is a perfect fit," said Maverick Carter, CEO of LRMR Innovative Marketing & Branding. "LeBron looks to partner with leading companies like McDonald's and we are thrilled to be associated with one of the most recognized and renowned brands, as well as with the many opportunities to work together in the coming months."
In March, James will support the 2010 McDonald's All American High School Basketball Games in Columbus, Ohio. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. In 2003, James earned McDonald's All American Game MVP and Player-of-the-Year honors.
About McDonald's
McDonald's USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to more than 26 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local business men and women. Customers can now log online for free at any of the 11,000 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter (@McDonalds) and Facebook (Facebook.com/McDonalds) for updates on our business, promotions and products.
About LeBron James
LeBron James is an internationally recognized basketball superstar for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the 2009 NBA MVP. Selected to the NBA All-Star team every year since he joined the league as the overall No. 1 pick in the 2003 draft, LeBron has electrified fans across the globe with his dazzling play and record-breaking achievements. He is the youngest player in NBA history to win Rookie of the Year honors and reach 12,000 career points. LeBron served as a co-captain of the Team USA basketball team that won the Gold Medal with an undefeated record at the 2008 Summer Olympics in China. In addition to his athletic accomplishments LeBron is a contributing member of his community and involved in a variety of philanthropic endeavors. In addition to the creation of the LeBron James Family Foundation, he also organizes the Annual King for Kids Bike-a-thon, which benefits community organizations in Akron, Ohio.
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: blincoln@golinharris.com
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PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
SOURCE: McDonald's
CONTACT: Heather Oldani of McDonald's USA, +1-630-623-8150,
heather.oldani@us.mcd.com; or Ben Lincoln of GolinHarris, +1-312-729-4466,
blincoln@golinharris.com, for McDonald's
Web Site: http://www.mcdonalds.com/