1. Michael Jordan – Cincoro Tequila
Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan co-founded the ultra-premium tequila brand Cincoro in 2019 along with four other NBA team owners – Jeanie Buss of the Los Angeles Lakers, Wes Edens of the Milwaukee Bucks, Emilia Fazzalari and Wyc Grousbeck of the Boston Celtics.
Cincoro offers four expressions – Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo, priced between $70 to $1,600 per bottle.
Cincoro has won over 20 awards at international spirits competitions.
Jordan has been closely involved in developing Cincoro‘s brand identity and award-winning liquid. He has leveraged his global celebrity status and competitiveness to quickly establish Cincoro among the most coveted luxury tequila brands.
2. LeBron James – Lobos 1707 Tequila and Mezcal
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James partnered with Mexican spirits entrepreneur Diego Osorio in 2020 to launch the ultra-premium tequila and mezcal brand, Lobos 1707.
The brand offers Tequila Joven, Tequila Reposado, Tequila Extra Añejo, and Mezcal Artesanal, ranging from $50 to $160 per bottle.
Lobos 1707 spirits are finished using Pedro Ximénez (PX) wine barrels from Spain using a unique solera blending system that gives them a distinctly sweet, smoky, and complex flavor profile.
James works closely with Osorio on Lobos 1707‘s brand development and promotion.
3. Dwyane Wade – Wade Cellars Wine
Three-time NBA champion Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat co-founded Wade Cellars luxury wine label in Napa Valley along with renowned winemaker Jayson Pahlmeyer in 2014, while Wade was still an active player.
Wade Cellars offers Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and a red blend called ‘Three by Wade,’ priced from $18 to $125.
Wade Cellars has earned critical acclaim, including 93 points for its flagship Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
As a Black-owned wine brand, Wade Cellars is focused on making luxury wine culture more inclusive and diverse. Wade is closely involved in Wade Cellars‘ winemaking, branding, and outreach initiatives.
4. Carmelo Anthony – VII(N) The Seventh Estate Wine
Ten-time NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony partnered with fellow NBA player Channing Frye and entrepreneur John Ceriale to launch VII(N) – The Seventh Estate in 2021.
Seven is Melo‘s jersey number. This Oregon-based brand offers affordable, quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wine.
The Seventh Estate wines are sourced from premier vineyards in Willamette Valley, Oregon. Anthony is closely involved in the winemaking process and brand-building.
The brand embodies his passion for wine culture and desire to make luxury wine inclusive for all wine lovers.
VII(N)‘s wines retail between $14 to $28 per bottle.
5. C.J. McCollum – McCollum Heritage 91 Wine
New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum launched his premium wine label, McCollum Heritage 91, in partnership with Adelsheim Vineyard in 2021.
The brand is named after the year of McCollum’s birth.
It offers elegant Pinot Noir crafted by one of Oregon’s most reputed winemakers, using grapes from Chehalem Mountains and Ribbon Ridge AVAs.
As an Oregon native, McCollum grew up close to wine country and has been an avid wine lover from a young age. McCollum Heritage 91 allows him to combine his passion for wine with his Portuguese family heritage and NBA career.
The Pinot Noir retails around $60 per bottle, offering flavorful accessibility.
Sources:
www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/5-nba-players-alcohol-brands
thesportsrush.com/nba-news-from-michael-jordan-to-charles-barkley-exploring-nba-stars-with-their-own-alcohol-brands/
