Patrick Ewing left Adidas in 1989 primarily because the company was experiencing significant internal disarray, prompting him to seek a more stable and promising future for his endorsement career.
At the time of his departure, Ewing had a "totally workable $1 million-a-year deal" with Adidas. However, the sneaker industry was rapidly evolving and "catching fire" due to the immense success of lines like Air Jordan. Despite his lucrative contract, the internal issues within Adidas led Ewing to make the strategic decision to leave.
Factors Contributing to Ewing's Departure
Ewing's decision was influenced by several key factors:
- Company Disarray: The primary reason for his exit was the reported internal disarray within Adidas. This instability likely created an environment where Ewing felt his long-term interests or the potential for growth of his signature line were not optimally supported.
- Dynamic Market Environment: The late 1980s marked a boom in the athletic shoe industry, significantly propelled by the meteoric rise of signature lines like Nike's Air Jordan. This created a competitive landscape where athletes had more options and greater leverage to seek partnerships that aligned with their brand aspirations and potential for expansion.
- Seeking New Opportunities: Despite a substantial existing deal, Ewing opted to leave for what was perceived as "an uncertain future." This move ultimately proved to be a "pretty good call," as he went on to launch his own successful brand, Ewing Athletics.
Ewing's departure from Adidas highlights a pivotal moment where an athlete prioritized the long-term vision and stability of their brand over an existing lucrative, but potentially unstable, partnership.
