He wanted Adidas. His mother took the Nike meeting.

He wanted Adidas. His mother took the Nike meeting.

Tina Gerbec
Published on: 30/07/2026

In 1984 Michael Jordan wanted Adidas. Sonny Vaccaro read where the decision really lived and reached his mother. What the Nike deal teaches about reading the room.

negotiationnegotiation strategyMichael Jordan Nike dealAir Jordan 1984Sonny VaccaroDeloris Jordandecision-maker mappingreading signals in negotiationstakeholder mappinghigh-stakes negotiationsports business negotiationroyalty dealThe Human Signalnegotiation case studyTina Gerbec
Read more
The highest-paid athlete in baseball asked to be paid less. For now.

The highest-paid athlete in baseball asked to be paid less. For now.

Tina Gerbec
Published on: 03/07/2026

Shohei Ohtani deferred 680 of his 700 million dollar contract. What he read on the other side of the table is a lesson for every high-stakes negotiator.

negotiation preparationreading signals in negotiationShohei Ohtani contractdeferred compensation negotiationounterparty constraintsnegotiation strategydeal designThe Human Signalhigh-stakes negotiationnegotiation case study
Read more