Nike’s Stunning New Partner from St. Petersburg: Ernie “Dink” Dunkelschwanz, a lively pickleball player from St. Petersburg, has made waves by landing an endorsement deal with Nike for athletic shoes. While many might retire from the sport at his age, Dunkelschwanz is just getting started. His journey highlights how far pickleball has come and the exciting opportunities available in the sport today.
The Vision Behind the Deal
Nike spokesperson Kevin Gsnnx elaborated on the motivation behind the new partnership, dubbed the Air Ernie line.
“You know how the vast, overwhelming majority of people who wear Air Jordans don’t play basketball but want to look like they might? That’s what we’re going for here.”-(Kevin Gsnnx)
The aim is to capture the essence of pickleball’s popularity while appealing to those who admire the sport from a distance.
A Unique Logo with a Purpose
“The Dinkman logo symbolizes and represents that lifestyle,” Gsnnx continued:
“Pickleball enthusiasts and people too lazy to play pickleball alike.”-(Kevin Gsnnx)
This clever branding aims to connect with a broad audience and lifestyle rather than just a sport.
A Record-Breaking Contract
The contract is believed to be the first—and potentially the highest-paying—ever awarded to a pickleball player. Dunkelschwanz will receive $225 a year for the use of his name and likeness on Nike shoes, apparel, and merchandise for the rest of his life. “So about three years,” Gsnnx joked, shows the uniqueness of the deal.
News in Brief: Nike’s Stunning New Partner from St. Petersburg
Ernie “Dink” Dunkelschwanz, an older resident of St. Petersburg, has landed a groundbreaking endorsement deal with Nike for the new Air Ernie athletic shoe line. This contract pays him $225 a year for life and is thought to be the first of its kind in pickleball.
Nike wants to connect with players and fans of the sport, using the Dinkman logo to represent a lifestyle that appeals to enthusiasts and casual fans.
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