• Loading stock data...
Friday, March 29, 2024
2024 Best Venues nominations are open now through April 8! Submit Now

Adidas Weighed Risk of Relationship With Ye For Years

  • Adidas has discussed the risks of a relationship with Ye as far back as 2018.
  • The company ended its ties with the rapper and designer in October.
Adidas
Shutterstock

Adidas cut its ties with Ye — formerly known as Kanye West — in October, but the pair’s relationship has reportedly been a topic of discussion for a while. 

As far back as 2018, the company’s chief executive Kasper Rorsted and senior leaders discussed the risk of continuing their links to Ye, according to The Wall Street Journal. 

In a presentation to board members that year, a group including Rorsted highlighted mitigation strategies including ending the relationship, but senior executives decided to share various proposals with Ye instead. 

  • Analysts estimate around 8% of Adidas’ annual sales came from the Yeezy partnership.
  • Ye asked for more money and control during a September meeting this year. 
  • Adidas agreed to some of his demands — including offering to continue the partnership through at least 2026

During the September meeting, Ye allegedly showed executives clips from an adult video and accused Adidas of stealing his designs. 

Not So Yeezy

Adidas decided to end the relationship just one month later after Ye made antisemitic comments — and not long after he wore a “White Lives Matter” T-shirt at his fashion show. 

The company called his comments “unacceptable, hateful, and dangerous, and they violate the company’s values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect, and fairness.” 

Dropping Ye is expected to bring a $247 million hit to Adidas’ net income. 

Rorsted stepped down earlier this month.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Spring Football’s Big Bet: An Unlikely TV Marriage, and Crazy Rules

The United Football League launches this weekend on ESPN and Fox.

MLB Looks to Return Focus to the Field After Turbulent Offseason

The league aims to turn the page after grappling with several difficult problems this winter.

Leonsis Makes Stunning Turn Back to D.C., Will Renovate Capital One Arena

D.C. to spend $515 million on venue renovations as the Virginia plan is now dead.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

MLB Opens Season With MLBPA, Ohtani, and Ownership Dramas

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

March 22, 2024, Brooklyn, NY, USA; Northwestern Wildcats guard Brooks Barnhizer (13) and Northwestern Wildcats guard Boo Buie (0) react in overtime against the Florida Atlantic Owls in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at the Barclays Center.
March 27, 2024

‘An Expensive Game’: March Madness and NIL Collectives Are Intertwined

At schools nationwide, collectives are fueling NCAA tournament runs and vice versa.
Iowa’s Caitlin Clark (22) waits to be announced in the starting lineup against West Virginia in a NCAA Tournament round of 32 game Monday, March 25, 2024 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
March 26, 2024

The Women’s Trading Card Market Is Overlooked. Can Caitlin Clark Change That?

Traditionally, women’s sports cards have been a marginal part of collectibles.
The Sports Illustrated cover signed by Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, February 27, 2019, at Don & Charlie's, 7501 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale. Don Charlie S
March 24, 2024

Everything You Need to Know About the Ongoing ‘Sports Illustrated’ Saga

Understanding the strange state of affairs for the nearly 70-year-old publication.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Live Nation
Multiple - USA Careers
Adidas
Multiple - USA Careers
Spotify
Multiple - USA Careers

Planned Timberwolves, Lynx Sale Turns Bitter As Taylor Pulls Teams Off Market

The current majority owner claims that Rodriguez and Lore failed to meet the latest deadline.
March 20, 2024

A-Rod and Lore’s Timberwolves Ownership Plans Still on Track

The duo currently owns 40% of the NBA team and its WNBA counterpart.
March 28, 2024

Alex Rodriguez–Led Bid for Majority Control of Timberwolves Falls Through

Minnesota owner Glen Taylor said the team was no longer for sale.
Sponsored

How Daily Fantasy Sports Solved NBA Fantasy

The remarkable growth of the #1 Discord sports server in the world.
Manchester United stadium Old Trafford as viewed from above.
March 19, 2024

Another Wall Street Giant Wants a Piece of Sports

The investment bank forms a new team devoted to sports deals.
March 4, 2024

Drake, LeBron James Make PGA Tour Investment

The rapper and NBA star will try to boost the PGA Tour, despite not having a strong association with golf.
Commanders
February 28, 2024

FedEx Field No Longer, Commanders’ Stadium Will Get New Name

The Commanders must stay in Landover through 2027.
Josh Harris
February 28, 2024

Josh Harris, David Blitzer Set to Part Ways with Steelers Stake

Harris’s purchase of the Commanders prevents him from keeping the Steelers’ stake.