Michael Jordan Came Oh-So-Close to Adidas Contract

Peach Bowl Chief Executive Officer Gary Stokan joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including how as a young Adidas executive he came oh-so-close to convincing Michael Jordan to sign with the German company over Nike. He tells the story of how one trip to Nike's headquarters changed it all. Stokan also discusses how he convinced big-time programs like Alabama to take part in early-season games like this weekend's Kickoff Game against Duke. Stokan also talks about the national nature of big-time college sports and how it has changed how the sport is sold to corporations like Chik-fil-A, which sponsors the Peach Bowl the the Kickoff event in Atlanta. He also discusses the attendance dip in college sports, and what coaches and administrators can do to convince students to buy tickets. 

Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr Producer: Colin Tipton

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.