These 15 Athlete Ads Made History—And Big Money
Athlete commercials have shaped the advertising landscape in ways few other endorsements can match. They’re funny, intense, or just flat-out unforgettable. This lineup highlights the commercials that pushed boundaries, built new audiences, and, sometimes, marked a turning point for athletes and the brands willing to bet on them.
Pepsi Pits NFL Stars Against Roman Ruins
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Travis Kelce dodging tigers. Justin Jefferson dancing in a crumbling arena. Pepsi’s 2024 “Gladiator” spot had more CGI than subtlety, but everyone looked like they were in on the joke. It was high-budget silliness with touchdowns thrown in. The mix of absurdity and star wattage gave the ad serious replay value.
Nikola Jokic, Misunderstood by Minions
Credit: Youtube
Nikola Jokic playing himself as confused and dry is funny enough. Add a Minion horde, mistaking him for Gru, and you get a Despicable Me 4 promo that’s unexpectedly on-brand. Jokic’s line, “I’m not your boss,” was delivered deadpan in therapy.
Bronny and Lebron, Generational Bait-And-Switch
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Just before Bronny James’ NBA debut, he and LeBron starred in a cereal-filled prank ad. LeBron filled Bronny’s car with cereal boxes while smugly reminding him not to be late. Bronny fired back, “You’re too old for this.” The light tone introduced Bronny as a personality in his own right, while his jersey sales topped $50M.
Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese Stake Their Claim
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In a commercial aired during the NBA Finals, Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso sat in a velvet-draped lounge, coolly stating the room was “for champs only.” Their delivery turned a short brand spot into a declaration. The ad leaned on letting two rising stars deliver confidence without explanation.
Anthony Edwards and Aliyah Boston Raise the Stakes
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Adidas handed the mic to Anthony Edwards and Aliyah Boston during a pressure-cooked moment in their commercial. They shrugged off the tension by speaking directly to younger players mid-game: “It’s only a shot. Just throw it away.” The message, subtle and bold, was one of control.
A’Ja Wilson Takes Her Moment—And Owns It
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A’ja Wilson’s Nike ad paused on her face as praise rolled in. She just stared back, steady. “Winning isn’t for everyone,” the brand declared. Wilson’s expression said it all, and the stillness gave the MVP an almost mythical presence.
Angel Reese Speaks to Every Kind of Athlete
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In a Beats by Dre montage, Angel Reese’s narration tied together footage of Lionel Messi, Shohei Ohtani, and Serena Williams. “Living legends get it,” she said, before adding, “So, what’s stopping you?” The ad stitched together star power and ambition.
Caitlin Clark Reminds Us Where She’s From
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“Still that girl from Iowa.” That’s all Caitlin Clark said in her Gatorade spot, but it stuck. With $818K in endorsement deals and pressure on her WNBA debut, the ad chose sincerity over sparkle.
Diana Taurasi Reclaims Olympic Dominance
Credit: Youtube
Nike gave Diana Taurasi the mic right after Team USA’s 2024 Olympic win over France. “Every four years, teams come from around the world to compete … for second place,” she said. The ad’s restrained tone matched its sharp message that supremacy doesn’t have to shout when history already backs you up.
Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, Battling Over a Burger
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In a McDonald’s spot from the ’90s, Jordan and Bird launched into an escalating game of HORSE, competing for a Big Mac. The shots got ridiculous: thanks to their rhythm of rivalry. The gag became a reference point, and fans still quote it.
Jayson Tatum Silences the Critics
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After his NBA championship, Tatum had just one line in his Jordan ad: “Maybe they’ll stop talking now.” The delivery matched a player who’s built his career on a steady grind. The quiet tone hit harder than any dunk montage would’ve.
Lebron James Goes Full Bond
Credit: Youtube
In this brand commercial, LeBron became “Agent 1707.” He stepped into a sleek scene with Victoria Justice while delivering the line, “The name is James—LeBron James.” This played into fan fantasies while keeping the self-awareness intact.
Shaq vs. Shaq: The Show We Didn’t Know We Needed
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Before split-screen duels were common, Shaquille O’Neal took on his own mirror image in a shoe commercial. “Who you guarding?” he asked himself. “The big, good-looking guy,” came the reply. It was absurd, confident, and just self-aware enough to become a classic.
Michael Jordan and Mia Hamm Redefine Competition
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Michael Jordan and Mia Hamm teamed up for Gatorade’s 1997 “Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better” ad. The ad showed them fencing, golfing, playing tennis, and trading trick shots, all set to the playful lyrics from Annie Get Your Gun. It worked on many levels: two all-timers, each at the top of their game, competing with good-natured swagger.
Tiger Woods Makes Nike’s Ball Drop Pay Off
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In one of the most iconic sports ads ever filmed, Tiger Woods casually juggles a golf ball with his club before launching it mid-air into a swing. The 1999 Nike commercial became a cultural phenomenon. Golf fans and casual viewers alike tried to mimic it, and Nike saw a massive spike in golf gear sales.