Kobe Bryant, a valuable brand for business?

As one of the most recognizable sportsmen in the world, Kobe Bryant has been undeniably a valuable asset for brands building a global reputation. Already topping the NBA payroll, the retiring star has been showered with endorsements deals. He jets globally for promotional tours, making 12 trips to China in the past 14 years. The retiring Lakers player will put an end to a dazzling 20-year career at a home game on Wednesday night. Bryant will walk off the court eventually, but this doesn't mean the Kobe brand will die down. Here is an analysis of Bryant's monetary success.

The Lakers great was ranked 39th on the 2015 Celebrity 100 Earnings Forbes list. His salary contributed to less than half of his total earning at $49.5 million. Bryant had the highest salary in the league for the fifth straight year at $23.5 million during the 2014-2015 season, according to Forbes.

In 2013, Bryant set up Kobe Inc., a sign that the basketball superstar had already planned his post-retirement future. The firm's first move was a $4.6 million investment in 2014 buying more than 10 percent of emerging sports drink BodyArmor, according to Forbes. The magazine's website also reported that Bryant will sit on BodyArmour's board of directors and focus on the marketing and branding of the product.

Another possible option is investing in a team. It is not a new practice for retired basketball players to pursue ownership of a franchise. A group that includes Lakers legend Magic Johnson bought the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012, while Bryant's former teammate Shaquille O'Neal purchased a stake in the Sacramento Kings in 2013.



The above news was reproduced by China towel supplier Shenzhen City Dingrun Light Textile Import and Export Corp.Ltd, a company specialized in producing baby diapers, baby bibs, blankets, bath towels, tea towels, compressed towels, microfibier towels etc.