LeBron James’ business empire continues to grow.
On Monday, the three-time NBA champion announced that his foundation has signed a two-book deal with HarperCollins Publishers. James will author his first book, I Promise, which publishes in the U.S. on Aug. 11.
“Books have the ability to teach, inspire, and bring people together. That’s why these books, and the opportunity to get children and parents reading together, mean so much to me,” said James, who is also a father to three children.
The book is being illustrated by New York Times bestselling illustrator Nina Mata. A second book, targeted to middle-school students, will follow a year later.
The four-time MVP said his picture book was inspired by the values and initiatives of his foundation’s I Promise program in Akron, Ohio.
The LeBron James Family Foundation has invested millions of dollars to provide educational resources to the kids of James’ hometown, which includes a public school for 1,400 students. Last week, the foundation announced that every student from the inaugural graduating class will be receiving a full scholarship to Kent State University.
James’ deal with HarperCollins adds to his growing portfolio, which includes entertainment company SpringHill Entertainment, behind NBC’s “The Wall,” Showtime’s “Shut up and Dribble,” and HBO’s movie “Student Athlete,” among others.
There’s also his media company, Uninterrupted, that he started with his friend and business partner Maverick Carter in 2014. The multimedia company produces series, podcasts and documentaries, including HBO’s “The Shop.”
Outside of Hollywood, James has a diverse range of investments. He was an early investor in Beats By Dre, earning him a reported $30 million when the company was bought by Apple in 2014. He was also an early investor in the fast-growing Blaze Pizza chain. The Lakers star bought an ownership stake in a professional soccer team, Liverpool FC, in 2011. He even has a health and wellness company, Ladder, that provides sports supplements to help athletes.
In his latest venture, the Akron-native said he hopes his books will help kids everywhere work towards a better future, with the key to this being excelling in school, doing your best and keeping your family close.
“Most importantly, we wanted to make sure these stories are ones that every single kid can see themselves in,” he said.
LeBron James Reveals The Name Of His First Ever Children’s Book
LeBron James is a multitalented human being who can pretty well do anything he sets his mind to. Recently, LeBron James started the “I Promise” network of schools which helps bring better education to those who might not have the proper access. His “I Promise” school in Akron, Ohio has been a godsend for families throughout the city and now, he’s looking to bring the “I Promise” philosophy to new avenues.
That’s right, LeBron is now writing his very own children’s book. As you can imagine, the book is going to be called “I Promise” and will give parents an opportunity to read a positive story alongside their kids.
“Books have the ability to teach, inspire, and bring people together,” James said via USA Today. “That’s why these books, and the opportunity to get children and parents reading together, mean so much to me. Most importantly, we wanted to make sure these stories are ones that every single kid can see themselves in. ‘I PROMISE’ is powerful in that way, and I can’t wait for people to read it.”
It appears as though the book will be released closer to August so be sure to be on the lookout for that. This venture is yet another example of how LeBron is much more than an athlete.
