By Brian Windhorst, The Plain Dealer
March 31, 2010, 4:49PM
UPDATED: 5:19 p.m.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- On Monday, LeBron James filmed a Nike commercial ticketed for NBA playoff telecasts at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron. It was just the latest in a series of spots dating back seven years, reflecting James' now long-standing relationship with the shoe giant. There will be many, many more.

James' seven-year contract with Nike was set to expire in a couple of months, but a new long-term deal has been reached that will keep Nike and James together for at least the next seven years. That means tens of millions for James -- but it also may mean some peace of mind for concerned Cavaliers fans about Nike's role in James' upcoming free agency decision.

According to multiple sources, James' new Nike deal does not have any bonuses for playing in a larger market such as New York, Chicago or Los Angeles. There has been some speculation that such clauses would be something for James to consider when he becomes a free agent in July.

Instead, James will continue to focus on winning, which is helping shoe sales. The current version of James' signature shoe, the Zoom LeBron VI, has been the best-selling version of the shoe. Two Final Four teams, Butler and Michigan State, will be wearing LeBron styles at the Final Four.

The increase in popularity can be attributed to James winning the Most Valuable Player Award and the Cavs' success over the last two seasons. It is giving momentum for Nike to roll out more James products and likely with a new logo after he completes his number change next season.

"We have a great relationship with Nike and LeBron's relationship with (Nike Senior Director of Basketball) Lynn Merritt is irreplaceable," said Maverick Carter, the CEO of James' Cleveland-based LRMR Marketing and Branding, which put the Nike deal together.

In the last year, Carter has also extended James' relationship with Coca-Cola and signed James to an endorsement deal with McDonald's.

"The way the deal works is a testament to how much work has gone into LeBron's brand," said Carter, who had talks with Nike over 18 months about the new contract. "The team LeBron has there means the world to us."

LTrain23 wrote: Yeah he said he's not playing in the worlds, but I don't think that keeps him from playing in the Olympics.

wildcats20 wrote:

LTrain23 wrote: Yeah he said he's not playing in the worlds, but I don't think that keeps him from playing in the Olympics.

Actually, it does according to the Team USA brass. Who required a 3 year commitment from the players. But like High Roller said, if Bron doesn't want to play this summer he will still have a spot on the Olympic roster. Same could be said for Kobe, D Wade, and Howard.

jpake1 wrote: A few people believed that. Please tell me if I'm wrong (need proof), but I thought it was a violation of the CBA to have that kind of insentive. If it is, obviously it wouldn't be in a contract. Plus, there are ways around it if Nike really wants to. Before anybody jumps down my throat... he isn't going to NY.

wildcats20 wrote: I could care less if Bron or anyone else for that matter plays in the World games, as long as they are there for the Olympics when it matters.