In case you had any doubt about the power and fame of LeBron James, look no further than the new “LeBron James Innovation Center” at Nike’s world headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.
The new building — which spans 85,000-square-feet — is an ode to the future of athleticwear, an example of Nike putting their best foot forward.
Featuring an NBA-sized basketball court, a 200-meter endurance track, a 100-meter straight away, and an artificial turf training pitch, the company looks to use this new center to inspire its next wave of products.
Speaking on the honor of having the building in his name, LeBron James had this to say after touring the fancy new facility.
“Over the course of my career and my time here at Nike, for all of this to come together is surreal. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense to me, but I’m definitely honored,” says James. “Having my name on the Innovation building feels very fitting because I’m always trying to figure out ways I can continue to innovate and continue to break the timeline of what they say is your prime.”
According to Nike VP Matt Nurse, James called the new building a “sanctuary” for athletes.
“We had him in and it was amazing,” says Nurse, recalling James’ first tour of the new building. “He came in, he referred to it as his sanctuary. And we would like this place to be a sanctuary for athletes of all skills and all abilities. All backgrounds and all body shapes.”
LeBron has been a part of the Nike family for over a decade now, dating all the way back to when he was a teenager.
But over the past 10+ years, James has cemented himself as not only a basketball icon but also a powerful figure and face in the cultural and business world.
So, it’s only natural that he be immortalized in the company headquarters forever.
