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Everyone knows Michael Phelps is going to be double-fisting endorsement deals for years to come. But who knew that his mom’s getting a piece of the action?
The brands are clamoring for a piece of Phelps, Inc. Michael Phelps is endorsed by Speedo, AT&T Wireless, Powerbar, Omega Watches, Pure Sport, and Kelloggs. He’s doing double duty for the cereal company- Phelps will soon adorn the boxes of not only Kelloggs Corn Flakes, but Kelloggs Frosted Flakes as well. For the past few years, he’s been making $3 to 5 million per year in company endorsements. That’s all in the past, though. Everything changed this weekend when he became the most decorated Olympic athlete in history. Now he’s expected to make at least ten times that per year.
Phelps’ agent, (aka the happiest man in the world) Peter Carlisle, told the WSJ that Phelps has received over 50 proposals for business opportunities per day since his record-breaking gold. He stated, “What is the value of eight golds in Beijing before a prime-time audience in the US? I’d say 100 million dollars over the course of his lifetime.”
But Michael Phelps isn’t the only Phelps with value. The savvy Debbie Phelps, who has received more prime-time coverage than most Olympic athletes in Beijing, has a sponsor list of her own. After taking “the hearts of America in terms of parenting and mom of the year,” per Carlisle, she is doing some work with Johnson’s (of Johnson & Johnson) Baby. She also appears to be endorsed by Chico’s, the ladies clothing store who is claiming to be her lucky charm. She even has her own collection!
Mrs. P contrivedly endorsed the brand, “They drape beautifully, don’t cling, and flatter all body types. I’m a jewelry person, so I love that you can change the accessories and have an entirely new look. It’s fun. I love Chico’s.” Chico’s, which has seen 75% decline since last year, is reveling in Phelps-mania, claiming “women everywhere want to know how to get Debbie’s look.” Somehow, we doubt that’s true.
Be sure to check out more of what Diana learned today here.
Comments (8)
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Good for her. I mean, she raised him by herself and everything. My two parents weren’t half as supportive as she is, and I was also a swimmer.
posted by Lelah on 8-20-2008 at 12:37 pm
Jesus Christ that is an awful clothing line. It’s what the fat women at Passover seders tend to wear.
posted by Pablo on 8-20-2008 at 2:07 pm
Jesus Christ and Passover seder in the same sentence… that’s an accomplishment.
posted by TaylorH on 8-21-2008 at 1:18 am
Debbie Phelps was told her son had ADD and to medicate him immediately, age 7, if she wanted him to have any hopes of success……She didn’t……hmmmmmm.
posted by erichansa on 8-21-2008 at 8:16 am
erichansa:
A quick google search reveals Phelps WAS put on medication, and it is the only thing that could manage his behavior.
Stop making things up please. Thanks
posted by Doug, USA on 8-21-2008 at 9:12 am
Jesus Christ and Passover were in two separate sentences.
posted by kevin on 8-21-2008 at 9:45 am
“women everywhere want to know how to get Debbie’s look.” … Haha, classic marketing ploy.
posted by Free Xbox 360 on 8-21-2008 at 11:24 am
Maybe it’s just me, but Debbie Phelps reminds me of Mike Myers “Linda Richman” character.
I was diagnosed ADHD back before it was a fad. I think my parents made a mistake when they took me off the Ritalin. I had 12 years of teachers telling my parents that I was a good student but would be better if it wasn’t for attention problems. They were hinting that my ADHD should be addressed/treated.
posted by Tdave on 8-22-2008 at 1:09 am