After Xiao Hua arrived, the two exchanged pleasantries.
Once they were done, Ann Herbert got straight to the point. "Adam, I'm here today to discuss how much sponsorship money we plan to give the NBA next season."
Xiao Hua was a shrewd man, and he knew that was just an excuse.
He had known for a long time that Ann had made a foolish decision three years ago, and he also knew Wang Yi was all but certain not to sign with Nike.
So he didn't need to think twice to know why Ann had come to see him.
But as the old fox he was, he still replied politely, "We're deeply grateful. Nike has supported the NBA over the years, and on behalf of all the team owners, I'd like to thank your company for its generous backing."
Ann knew those were just formalities.
"But before we discuss the sponsorship, I'd like to ask the president for a favor."
Xiao Hua rubbed his gleaming bald head, then pushed his glasses up. "Please, go ahead. If there's anything I can help with, I'll do my best."
He had chosen his words carefully.
If you need help, I'll do my best to help you.
Whether I can actually get it done after doing my best, though, is beyond my control. All I can control is how hard I try.
Ann knew all about Xiao Hua's tricks, too.
But she didn't have time to dwell on them. She simply said,
"If you can arrange a meeting between Nike and Wang Yi so we can sign a contract, we'll add another hundred million dollars to our sponsorship next season."
Adam Silver heard Ann Herbert's words.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
The NBA had previously signed an eight-year, one-billion-dollar jersey sponsorship deal with Nike.
Nike