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Campus Visit
Michael Jordan had to be forced by his parents to fly out to Oregon to even meet with Nike. Campus visits, which include meetings with upper management and previews of the company’s future growth, are the key to convincing a new draft pick to sign a sneaker deal with a brand. Beyond the footwear and numbers, the recruitment also includes a pitch that lays out a plan for each individual’s personal brand.
Nike (Jordan Brand): Beaverton, Oregon
Nike HeadquartersVictor Oladipo: “I just went with what felt comfortable and what I felt comfortable with. What I felt like could build my brand, you know, build what I’m trying to build as a player – what shoe company could help me do that. So, I went with Jordan because I feel like they can do the best job.”
Nike Headquarters Michael Jordan museumadidas: Portland, Oregon
adidas HeadquartersTim Hardaway Jr.: “It was a great energy and a great vibe. Everybody there treated the rookies coming in like family, and it was a great feeling. I would call it an organization that is treating you as family and treating you like you have been there for years. So I had that type of vibe when I went there, and now I’m glad to be a part of it. The most exciting part of the whole journey is looking at what new ideas are coming in the future. While I was at the adidas headquarters in Portland, I really got a sense of what they are working with. I really liked their ideas and what they are going to come out with in the future and towards the end of the upcoming season. I was excited and I’m ready to wear any shoe that they want me to wear.”
adidas Headquarters Gym
