In America, the winner takes all.

Chapter 273 Nick Bolitellini School; one brother and one sister (7K7)

January 1998, 1, Shreveport, Independence Bowl Stadium.

The football flew out of the hands of Peyton Manning, who was wearing an orange jersey, crossed fifty yards, and landed accurately in the hands of wide receiver Marcus Nash. The latter deftly shook off the marking cornerback and rushed forward with the ball alone. Entered the formation area.

As opponents, several Texas A&M Aggies defenders wearing maroon jerseys watched in vain as the Tennessee Volunteers scored.

It was already the third quarter of the game. With this beautiful pass, the University of Tennessee led by nearly 20 points, and the outcome seemed to have lost its suspense.

This year's Independence Bowl scene is different from last year. It is orange and maroon. The ticket sales are not much worse than last year. They are all full. This year, the Shreveport local asked for more share of the ticket sales, and Ethan agreed. Most of the proceeds from the tickets go to the local tourism department. In exchange, the local area waives all usage fees for independent stadiums.

At this time, Ethan was sitting in the stands, not in a box, but in an open-air audience seat, watching the entire game immersively.

This was Ethan's first time as a spectator. Listening to the more genuine shouts in his ears, a particularly peculiar conclusion emerged in Ethan's mind: College football has always had the best fan community atmosphere, not the NFL. Over the years, it has never been Unchanged.

Of course, if you really want to make money, learning football will never catch up with the NFL.

The Independence Bowl ended and the University of Tennessee successfully won the Independence Bowl championship. This year's Independence Bowl was officially certified by the NCAA and included in the bowl game system. Tennessee who wins the game will take a step further in the final ranking and surpass North Carolina. , ranked sixth in the country.

The final rankings of the top six are as follows: No. University of Alabama, No. University of Michigan, No. University of Nebraska, No. Florida, No. UCLA, No. University of Tennessee.

During the award ceremony, Grace did not show up, but sent another deputy from the event organizing committee.

According to the official statement from the Independence Bowl Organizing Committee, Grace was ill during this time.

In fact, Grace entered her due date and was already in a high-end private hospital in Los Angeles. As for Charlize Theron... her due date was later, but she was admitted early. As for the cost, it is naturally sky-high, but now Ethan can afford it.

The day after the game, several of Tennessee's key players, including Peyton Manning, appeared at Wilson's makeshift booth outside the stadium to participate in the event. If the customer purchased the "Independence Bowl Collaboration" package, it included an Independence Bowl game olive. With the ball, a complete set of youth football protective equipment, plus a pair of sneakers, you can also get the players' signatures. If you want to collect all the signatures, you have to buy multiple sets. It's part of Wilson's accompanying marketing plan after the Independence Bowl. As the ban was lifted, Ethan immediately approached Wilson to start more in-depth business cooperation on the original basis.

Wilson can sell more sporting goods, and several players also earn a lot of money. In addition to receiving normal commissions, Ethan can also directly receive a large share of sales by relying on co-branding.

As we all know, fashion brand marketing has a three-piece package: co-branding, mailing products to influential celebrities, and creating limited editions. These three tricks have been tried and tested, and Ethan also has plans to try them in this regard.

In the evening, Simone, Wilson's marketing director, hosted a banquet for Ethan.

He rushed to Shreveport as soon as the Christmas vacation was over.

A series of marketing campaigns surrounding the Independence Bowl last year achieved good results, followed by Wilson's sponsorship of Alabama jerseys and helmets, and Wilson's presence in related markets is currently rising. Since the beginning of sponsoring Ethan's sneakers, Wilson and Ethan's cooperation has not failed yet, and this year they are increasing their stakes in the Independence Bowl.

Looking at the smile on Simeone's face, Ethan knew the result was very good.

"The sponsorship of the Southeastern Conference this year depends on you Ethan." Simeone looked tipsy and smiled at the corner of his mouth.

Relying on Ethan's behind-the-scenes guidance, Roger Sorensen was kicked out of the education system, and then quickly became the chairman of the Southeastern Conference. With the new regulations, the commercial value of the Southeastern Conference rose sharply. With Roger Sorensen's urine, Sex, naturally will not let go of this opportunity to make a fortune.

"Salute to the great college football!" Simeone raised his glass.

·

At the end of the meal, Simone was completely drunk, and he grabbed Ethan's hand and was reluctant to let go.

"Let go, Simone, you can see me as usual tomorrow." Ethan laughed.

"Tomorrow? Not tomorrow. I have more important things to do. I have to go to Nick Boletini School." Simone burped full of alcohol.

Nick Bolletini School?

This name is rarely known to the outside world, but it is well-known in the tennis world. Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, Monica Seles, Mary Pierce, Boris Becker, Venus Williams, Serena Williams... many world tennis champions are from Get out here. It is no exaggeration to say that it is the West Point Military Academy in tennis.

The school is named after coach Nick Politini.

"I go to Bradenton every year. Wilson sponsors a group of young players every year and signs long-term contracts. In return, they need to use Wilson's rackets on the playing field."

Ethan's mind flashed to the image of his great-uncle Vincent Walker violently slamming a tennis racket after a match.

At that time, he suggested that Vincent switch to Wilson's tennis racket.

In addition to football, Wilson is also involved in basketball, tennis, golf, baseball and other fields.

The NBA and WNBA have used Wilson basketballs for a long time. The balls used in the US Open and French Open have also been made by Wilson. 62 Grand Slam champions have used Wilson golf clubs. In the field of baseball, Wilson is also first-class. glove manufacturer.

"I think I can go to Bradenton with you..." Ethan would not let go of this good opportunity.

Maybe there is a future world champion in Nick Bolletini's school... If he can successfully sign him, won't the sports agency be able to enter the tennis world?

"I advise you not to have this idea, you will be targeted by IMG." Simeone shook his head and interrupted Ethan's words.

"Do you know what the predecessor of this school is called? It's called IMG Tennis School. This sports agency spent a lot of money to hire that tennis coach in order to let him train tomorrow's tennis stars for the agency. The prerequisite for all students to enter They all sign agreements with IMG, and IMG has priority in signing contracts."

When it comes to sports agents, we have to mention IMG. Just like Elite Model Management invented the concept of "supermodel", IMG is also the pioneer in the commercialization of sports stars.

From the s to the new century, IMG has been the leader in the sports agency industry.

The most recent example is "Valley Saint". Gu Sheng takes photos every now and then and participates in various fashion events and gatherings, just like a fashion star, and IMG is the driving force behind the scenes.

In the future, IMG will merge with WME, the traditional Hollywood agency giant, and the resources it controls will be even greater.

As for the tennis world, IMG has always been the biggest player.

In the eyes of the audience, Nadal and Federer are at odds with each other. In fact, both of them are clients of IMG, and whoever wins IMG will make a lot of money.

Ethan did not expect that he would find the talent cultivation hinterland of IMG through his casual mention.

You know, models and sports stars are now top priorities in Ethan's plan for the agency. This perfectly overlaps with IMG's business scope, and they will be direct competitors to the death in the future.

"Since it's the 'IMG Tennis Academy', I have to go." Ethan said.

Even if this time fails, it is still worth a visit even if it is to investigate IMG's talent training model.

Ethan also wanted to know how much IMG offered Nick Bolletini.

But this kind of thing is a business secret, Simone doesn't know it.

·

"Are you sure you want to come with me?" The next morning, Simone, who was staying in the VIP lounge at the airport, saw Ethan dragging a trolley suitcase. He originally thought Ethan was joking, but he didn't expect Ethan to be serious. .

"Just think of it as going to Florida to enjoy the sea breeze." Ethan sat next to Simeone.

Simone thought for a while and warned: "I can take you there, but don't reveal your purpose, otherwise, the school will not open the door to Wilson again next year."

Of course it's okay to take Ethan to have a look, but if it messes up the company's business, it won't be worth the loss.

He, a marketing director, would not dare to mess with an industry giant like IMG.

"Simone, if one day in the future Wilson is forced to choose between IMG and my agency, who do you think he will choose?" Ethan suddenly asked.

"If there is such a day, of course it will be IMG." Simeone said unceremoniously.

In business, no one can have trouble with a beautiful knife.

Ethan nodded. In the foreseeable future, IMG will become a big mountain that will weigh on him for a long time.

At an altitude of 97 meters, Ethan watched the slim stewardess in uniform walk to the first-class seat next door and pull down the curtain. His eyes immediately turned to the magazine in front of him. In the magazine was the Playboy Playmate of the Year in - Victoria West. Victoria Silvstedt.

With the arrival of the new year, the magazine will also announce the nominees for Playmate of the Year.

Ethan was disappointed with this result. In his eyes, this Victoria was neither as good as Kelly Monaco in the April issue, nor as good as Leila Roberts in the October issue, let alone the one who had a close relationship with him in the September issue. Britney Nicky Schiller.

But Victoria, a Swedish woman, also has advantages that others do not have. Natural E is a famous model before and has signed contracts with many big names, including Chanel, Christian Dior, Giorgio Armani, Givenchy, Valentino... She is Zhenger The model from Bajing was obviously chosen because of her reputation.

As one of the "contractors" for the magazine model, Lisa called her last night and said that she was in contact with her and the progress was going well. She believed that she would continue to shine under Lisa.

"I think you might have a lot to talk about with Nick Boletini." Simone, who was sitting aside, saw Ethan opening the magazine insert and said casually.

Ethan didn't pay attention to Simone's words. He was thinking about how much commissions Victoria Silfstetter could bring to Lisa and himself in a year...

·

Bradenton is one of the coastal cities in Florida. Compared with the lively Orlando, bustling Jacksonville, and passionate Miami, it seems much more secluded. There is even less traffic on the road, and the scenery and climate It is no worse than several tourist cities in Florida. It is a good place for recuperation and rest, and it can also allow young tennis players to calm down and hone their skills.

Seventeen-year-old Roger Federer is standing on the clay court, his face is extremely green, his short black hair is naturally curly, and his chest is wet with sweat. Facing the opponent's violent smash, he deftly Turn around, stretch your body, and use a backhand to block the ball.

This drew praise from Simeone, who was standing not far away.

"He is very talented, isn't he? He will become an extremely important tennis player in the future! Simeone, many sports brands have wanted to sign him, but I have rejected them. Do you know why? I think this boy is completely worthy of a higher level. The price." Standing next to Simeone, a young man named Tony Godsick said.

He is Federer's agent and works for IMG. He has been in contact with Federer since last year and is preparing to let him officially become a professional tennis player starting this year.

"The price may be a bit expensive for Wilson now, but as he starts to emerge, it will be too cheap in comparison. Simeone, this may be Wilson's last chance." Tony Godsik Use oppressive negotiation skills to constantly attack Simeone.

But Simeone seemed a little unable to resist. This fat man who was not very articulate knew that everything his agent said was right. This young man named Federer is indeed very talented, but the price offered by the other party exceeded the budget.

If an agreement cannot be reached this time, Wilson will miss out on him.

Simone suddenly looked at Ethan on the other side for help.

At this time, Ethan, except Federer, was constantly looking around, trying to find other familiar faces.

But Ethan soon chose to give up. With his poor knowledge of tennis, if he hadn't heard his agent pronounce Federer's name with his own ears just now, he wouldn't have recognized that this was the future number one player in the tennis world. Ranked for 310 weeks, a men's singles player with more than 20 Grand Slam championships is a symbol of the tennis era.

You're not going to let me try to lower the price, are you? Ethan didn't understand. In his opinion, this deal was simply too good a deal.

"The budget given by the company is not enough. If you want me to help you introduce Nick Politini, you have to do this for me." Simeone called Ethan aside and whispered to Ethan.

"That's what you said." Ethan tapped his chest.

Then the two walked back.

"Indeed, Federer is indeed very talented and can get a lot of attention, but that will happen a few years later. As a rookie player, he doesn't even have broadcast footage. How can Wilson get back his money?" Ethan stared. Looking at his agent.

"Who are you?" Tony Godsik looked at Ethan.

"My cousin." Simone took the initiative to introduce him before Ethan could speak. I was afraid that people from IMG would notice Ethan’s identity.

"This is the final price, there is no compromise." Tony Godsick spread his hands.

"Then let's look at the others." Ethan simply ended the discussion.

"But..." Simone was about to speak when he was stared at by Ethan, so he could only shut his mouth obediently.

Even Federer had no commercial value at all in the first few years. Wilson can completely increase the price in the future instead of being passive from the beginning.

"No problem, I have other talented players here, such as Tommy Haas..." Tony Godsik continued to introduce Simeone.

But Simeone is not very interested in the remaining ones.

Along the way, Ethan asked about IMG's operating model for tennis schools, which was not complicated.

The tennis school itself is profitable. Parents who send their children here need to pay a large sum of money for food, accommodation and training every year. IMG's agents have the right to sign contracts freely. They can sign whomever they like. Of course, there are KPI indicators after signing, and they need to be responsible for the company and the players personally. The results are also linked to the agent's income. All in all, individual brokers also bear certain risks.

"This...cousin, I seem to have seen you somewhere." Tony Godsik felt that Ethan looked very familiar, but he just couldn't remember where he had seen Ethan.

"If I'm not mistaken, you should also be an athlete... Basketball? Baseball?" He noticed Ethan's wide chest and bulging chest. He only felt that Ethan's figure could be used in the most chaotic community in Baltimore. Travel freely.

"Football." Ethan said.

Tony Goldsik suddenly realized that he remembered everything now.

"Yes, you are Ethan O'Connor! Oh my god, you are actually Simeone's cousin! Listen young man, with the end of the NCAA ban this year, many players can make a lot of money. Join IMG, and the company can promise you The annual income can reach this amount." Tony Godsik extended a slap in the face and tried his best to persuade Ethan to join.

Obviously, he didn't know that Ethan had chosen to be his own boss in the sports agency field, nor did he know that Ethan was a key figure in lifting the NCAA ban.

"I will take it into consideration and give you an answer before the start of this season." Ethan said casually.

Tony Godsick seemed very excited and immediately handed his business card to Ethan. If IMG can successfully accept this young player, there is no doubt that he will make a big splash within the company. This will be a big deal for someone who has just joined IMG. It is particularly important for him.

Ethan accepted the business card and quickly ignored the topic.

As for Simeone, he continues to struggle with Tony Godsick over Federer.

"Simone, I know Wilson is not short of this money at all."

"It's a big mistake. Wilson is very harsh on the signing price of new athletes. We are very concerned about this..."

Listening to the two chattering people, Ethan immediately felt a little bored.

He chose to leave alone. After walking a few steps, he found himself in a tennis court. He looked around at the tennis courts. Many young players were practicing against the wall here. Their height was less than Ethan's waist. It looked like These players are only around ten years old.

The four major sports leagues in the United States have strict safeguards for the training of players. For example, the NFL stipulates that players must have graduated from high school for three years and have a college diploma to be eligible to enter the league.

But for other single-player projects that are equally competitive and have great influence around the world, the training of new players is much rougher.

For example, the group of children in front of Ethan come from all over the world. They have left school since they were young and have undergone a lot of tennis training.

And these children obviously don't know that they are in a risky investment. If they are eliminated, it will be extremely difficult to return to school.

Their life path has been blocked.

The only thing left to do is to defeat your opponent.

Ethan noticed a figure closer to him. This little girl was holding an adult's wide racket that was disproportionate to her body and hitting the ball against the wall.

She was wearing a pink top, shorts, and her blond hair was tied up.

This is too much punishment.

Ethan noticed her simply because the little girl had a more outstanding appearance. He had seen photos of Gisele as a child at her home in Brazil.

The person in front of me is not much different from Giselle when she was a child.

你 你 好运！

Ethan stood aside and watched for a while, then said something silently in his heart, and was about to leave, when he saw the tennis ball flying towards where he was standing.

The fluorescent green tennis ball was stained with a lot of dust, rolled down a few times, and finally reached Ethan's feet.

Ethan picked up the ball and the little girl walked over.

"Thank you, sir." The little girl could see a brace when she spoke.

Compared with her peers who stay indoors all day, the little girl's complexion appears healthier.

"How old are you this year?" Ethan guessed that she was about thirteen or fourteen years old. She was taller than the other little athletes around her.

The little girl took the ball from Ethan's hand, but did not respond immediately, appearing a little wary.

After taking a closer look at Ethan's face, he felt that such a handsome elder brother looked like a bad guy, so he responded with a smile: "Ten years old, and he will be eleven in four months."

Quite tall.

Ethan suddenly noticed that the little girl's accent had a distinct vodka flavor.

Ten years old, from the vodka-producing area, outstanding appearance, tall... A series of clues were like a puzzle piece, and a name was pieced together in Ethan's mind!

"What's your name?" Ethan asked immediately.

Seeing Ethan so nervous, the little girl was obviously frightened and didn't know whether to speak.

"Maria?"

"How... do you know my name?" She looked deeply puzzled.

Can't go wrong!

"Because it's you I'm looking for." Ethan suppressed his excitement and said immediately.

There are many rising stars, but how many of them can reach the level of the first sister?

Ethan squatted half down so that the little girl was eye level with him.

"I am employed by an agency, you can think of it as a scout. I think the person in charge of the school asked about it and they recommended you to me."

If you say this, the little girl will understand.

She thought for a while and almost blurted out: "Will you fund my training and life?"

She was able to enter this school because she was funded by IMG, but IMG only funded her training expenses, and she had to pay for her daily living expenses herself. She followed her father across the ocean to the United States, and her father currently lives in Bradenton. Making a living doing odd jobs locally.

"You will give me money, right? As long as my performance is good enough." Maria continued.

She didn't want her father to be so tired, and she also wanted to take her mother over and reunite her.

A child from a poor family has long been the head of the family, so she became particularly hard-working. She firmly believed that she could rely on her own efforts to make her family live a good life.

Ethan did not answer immediately, but asked her for details, and then said: "I have to talk to your father about this matter."

Ethan waited very patiently for Maria's training to end today. At : in the afternoon, Maria began to pack up the tennis props, and then left with Ethan carrying a canvas bag. At the school gate, Ethan also saw her. 's father.

Yuri Sharapov, once a middle school teacher, moved his family to Sochi. After several twists and turns, he noticed his daughter's tennis talent and decided to cultivate her wholeheartedly. Later, on the recommendation of a local coach in Moscow, Come to America.

He was very doubtful about Ethan's identity. After all, Ethan was completely incompatible with those agents, but when Ethan talked about Ronaldinho and Gisele in Brazil, as well as a group of young athletes Peyton Manning, he Lisa, who moved out of Hollywood, finally gained the trust of her father and daughter after showing them the contact information of the popular star DiCaprio on her mobile phone.

"The company is indeed willing to sign talented players, but Maria's situation is quite special... What kind of cooperation model do you have with IMG?"

"There is no problem at all. Maria can study in school for free. In return, IMG has priority to sign a contract. However, we have not signed a contract with IMG. If you want to sign her, you need to pay additional tuition and daily living expenses. , otherwise no discussion!" Maria's father made the condition.

“How much do you have to pay for this every year?”

"Every year..." Yuri Sharapov did not speak immediately, but at this moment he saw his daughter's little movement.

"Twenty thousand US dollars per year! It will be paid until Maria reaches adulthood. If Maria becomes a professional player in advance, the price will be increased." Yuri Sharapov gritted his teeth and shouted out the price.

Compared with IMG's commitment, this price is several times higher.

The last time he negotiated with IMG, he felt that he was too conservative, so he offered a high price this time, thinking that even if Ethan bargained, it would still be acceptable.

But he didn’t expect Ethan to agree without hesitation.

"No problem, just ." Ethan nodded immediately.

Let alone US dollars, even if there is an extra zero at the end, Ethan will agree immediately.

This cost is nothing to Ethan.

Seeing Ethan's generosity, the father and daughter suppressed their excitement. Yuri Sharapov even prepared to entertain Ethan with vodka brought from his hometown. Ethan didn't show up either, and he and Maria's father We had two drinks together.

The two of them personally sent Ethan outside the motel. After watching him leave, the father and daughter high-fived excitedly.

"Awesome! This little fool is so generous!"

"We have money!" Maria also looked very excited.

The father and daughter grinned with joy, as if they had encountered great luck. From their perspective, they certainly made a lot of money this time.

At the same time, Ethan, who walked out of the motel, also pumped his fist in excitement.

It's hard to make money!

In this transaction, both parties felt that they had made a profit.

Ethan walked back to school. Apart from Maria's unexpected gain, he couldn't forget about business.

Simeone helped Ethan make an appointment with Nick Politini, the head of the tennis school and a well-known coach in the industry.

Accompanying him was the previous agent.

After Ethan sat down, he first told the other party about signing Maria.

In the narrative at this moment, Ethan makes himself invisible. The specific signing of the contract will be left to Susan later.

Hearing that Ethan actually favored an eleven-year-old girl, including Simone and Tony Godsik, they only felt that Ethan was a little impulsive, but didn't think much about it.

"Tennis players don't notice anything in the early stages." Merited coach Nick Bolletini shook his head.

He seemed to be a middle-aged man with a strong body, about forty years old. When Ethan asked, he realized that he was actually in his sixties.

Simone seemed to know him, and halfway through the meal, the atmosphere became warmer.

Ethan finally asked about his cooperation with IMG.

The other party was very alert and changed the topic directly, not intending to talk to Ethan in this regard.

Then Ethan chatted with Tony Godsik, and through the latter he learned that IMG Academy is not just about tennis, but covers many sports.

"About this matter... feel free to ask me in the future. As long as I know anything, I will be willing to answer it for you." Tony Godsick still maintained great enthusiasm for Ethan.

Ethan was even invited to participate in some fashion events that IMG participated in to increase his exposure.

However, Ethan did not agree. Grace's due date was approaching, and he had to go back to Los Angeles first, and then to London.

Although I have just met Giselle, I have never even met the new models Ethan who joined last year...

(End of this chapter)