NBA: Built to Dominate

Nike's Revolutionary Plan

"Let the consumers define Alex Mo's value."

"And at the same time—let them pay for it."

Phil Knight's proposal stunned the Nike executives into silence.

At first, there was resistance.

But soon, they realized what their chairman meant.

"Isn't this too risky, sir? If we…"

"Jared, you need to think long-term."

Phil Knight cut him off.

"Look, there's a limit to how much we can offer upfront."

"But the purchasing power of consumers? That has no upper limit."

Nike's endorsement cap had already been reached.

Could they go from $20 million to $30 million a year?

Impossible.

But if Alex Mo had his own brand?

Where he received a 50-50 revenue split on all sales—sneakers, apparel, accessories?

Then, his true value would be whatever the market dictated.

The floor might be low…

But the ceiling?

Limitless.

Phil Knight made his final decision.

"I'll fly to Los Angeles myself."

The room fell dead silent.

The last player Phil Knight had personally met with?

Michael Jordan.

And now, he was treating Alex Mo the same way.

That's how much potential he saw in him.

Meanwhile in Los Angeles…

Alex Mo's house was swarming with endorsement offers.

Reebok:

6 years, $90 million.Joint ad campaign with Allen Iverson.

Converse:

5 years, $86 million.Hyped their historic NBA legacy.

Adidas:

6 years, $124 million.Highest bid on the table.Signature sneaker in Year 1.

"Mo, I think Adidas is the best choice," Bill Duffy, his agent, suggested.

"They're offering the most money, and they're serious about making you the face of their brand."

Mo nodded.

But he wasn't rushing into anything.

Nike had yet to make an offer.

And he wanted to see what they would do.

"Maybe Nike isn't interested?" Bill speculated.

"If Nike lets me slip away," Mo replied, grinning, "then they'll regret it for the next 20 years."

Moments later, Bill's phone rang.

Nike HQ.

"What?! Mr. Phil Knight is flying here in person?!"

Bill jumped out of his seat.

"Okay, got it. We'll be ready."

He hung up and turned to Mo.

"You were right. Nike made their move."

"And they're sending Phil Knight himself."

Reebok sent project managers.Converse sent marketing reps.Adidas sent their U.S. division head.

Nike?

They sent their chairman and founder.

The stakes had changed.

Lakers Training Camp – A Surprise Celebration

Mo didn't sit around waiting.

He had afternoon practice at the Lakers' training center.

As soon as he entered the locker room—

SPLASH!

Ice-cold water drenched him.

"CONGRATS, PLAYER OF THE MONTH!"

"Mo, you did what Michael Jordan NEVER did!"

"You're a legend, man!"

Allen Iverson, standing nearby, held up his hands defensively.

"Look, it wasn't my idea! Blame Kenny and Dell!"

Mo just grinned.

"Oh, really?"

Minutes later, Iverson was screaming as Mo dumped an entire bucket on his head.

In the next practice session, AI spent the whole time taking it out on Kenny Smith and Dell Curry.

"Why us?!" they yelled.

"Go after Mo!"

But AI didn't care.

Revenge had to be taken somewhere.

The Nike Meeting

8:40 PM – Alex Mo's Home

Phil Knight and his Nike team arrived straight from the airport.

No rest.

No delays.

They had to lock in this deal before Adidas did.

Bill Duffy greeted Knight at the door.

"Welcome to Los Angeles, sir."

Knight shook Mo's hand.

"Mo, I'm Phil Knight. I didn't come here to waste my time."

Mo smiled.

"I hope not."

They sat down and got straight to business.

"No fluff. No negotiations. Here's our offer."

Knight slid a folder across the table.

Mo opened it.

And the first thing he saw?

A brand-new logo.

A red circular sign.A blazing fire symbol.A diagonal slash across it.

And underneath—

"INFLAMMABLE MATERIALS."

"We studied your Chinese name," Knight explained.

"It translates roughly to 'Don't Burn.' We wanted something that captures that energy."

"You're dangerous. Unstoppable. Like a fire that can't be contained."

"So we created something bigger than a signature shoe."

"We're giving you an independent brand: The IM Series – Inflammable Materials."

The Contract Terms

Mo flipped to the details.

Not just sneakers.Clothing, accessories, full lifestyle brand.50-50 revenue split.Pre-tax earnings covered by Nike.Guaranteed $2 million base salary.

Bill immediately spotted the risk.

"Mo, this has no guaranteed money."

"If sales flop, you could make less than Adidas' $124M deal."

For Mo to match Adidas' offer, the IM Series would need to generate at least $36M in sales per year.

This was a gamble.

But Mo didn't hesitate.

"If you have the deal ready now, when can I wear my first sneaker?"

"By Christmas."

Knight was prepared.

"That's perfect timing. Your first Christmas game… against Michael Jordan."

That sealed it.

Mo's Final Decision

"I'm signing now."

Bill tried to hold him back.

"Mo, think about it. Adidas is—"

"Bill, Adidas is offering me a set price."

"But this deal?"

"This deal lets me prove my true worth."

Phil Knight smiled.

"That's exactly what I wanted to hear."

Mo's confidence was unshakable.

Where others feared risk—he saw opportunity.

Nike's boldest deal ever was now in motion.

And the IM Series was about to change the sneaker game forever.