Jaylen Brown became the first NBA player to sign with Kanye West’s DONDA Sports recently, with the billionaire rap and fashion mogul extending his hands into sports management. Brown is an All-Star caliber player and has taken a risk by signing with West over many of the more established agencies for his media and marketing rights.
In addition, West’s media reputation of being erratic is one that could rub off negatively on Brown. However, Jaylen is an extremely intelligent man and has made this decision after deliberation and calculation.
Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson of Bally Sports interviewed Jaylen Brown on the court prior to the NBA Finals matchup between his Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors. Robinson asked Brown about his decision to sign with West and how he looks at the artist behind it all.
Celtics F Jaylen Brown & his representation deal with Kanye West’s @DondaSports is a marketing deal Brown shared with @ballysports.
“Just trying to make an impact make an influence.” @FCHWPO on @kanyewest: “A legend, someone who broke barriers.” pic.twitter.com/2O3ZcOKhWe
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) June 16, 2022
“Marketing, but it’s a little bit of everything. Trying to make an impact and influence, take our platform and, rather than going through the ups and downs of dealing with higher up, we get to come at a different angle. That’s what we’re looking to do.”
About West, “Pioneer, a legend. Somebody who broke barriers. started as a producer, and then transcended the game in that way. Then arguably had a better rap career. Now he’s doing business and fashion, clothing lines, somebody who has always been about breaking down walls and barriers.”
Kanye is a Chicago native and saw the Michael Jordan heyday in the city when they won 6 championships in 8 years. West has made references to Jordan in many of his songs.
DONDA Sports has also signed 3-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald to its list of athletes. How much more can this list grow in the world of basketball is something we will see over time, but signing Jaylen shows a real sign of intent behind Kanye’s newest venture. The Celtics guard endorsing the move may open the eyes of others around the league.
