LeBron James’ endorsement deal with Fanatics includes on-demand helicopter service, according to Daniel Roberts of Front Office Sports and TMZ Sports.
Roberts noted that “a small handful of other athletes with big contracts with Fanatics enjoy the same access.”
TMZ shared a photo of the Philadelphia 76ers star traveling in a Fanatics-branded helicopter after the team’s scrimmage on Saturday.
From the time he signed with the Sixers, rumors surfaced that James intended to establish a base in New York and fly to Philadelphia by helicopter. A one-way trip can be completed in an hour.
This creates a very unique situation.
“The ride has sparked outside curiosity, but doesn’t seem to faze anyone in the organization who is used to seeing Sixers managing partner and principal owner Josh Harris come and go in similar fashion,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported.
Of course, there’s a difference between a member of ownership arriving from New York and a player doing so.
The grind of the NBA schedule might require James to have some sort of accommodations in the City of Brotherly Love. Staying in Philadelphia makes more sense than going to New York when the Sixers have back-to-back homes.
The logistics of private air travel are also very different and much more dependent on weather conditions than those of commuting by car.
We’ve at least answered a question about who’s footing the bill for LeBron’s expensive trips.
Gn sports
