Writer Michael Lewis alleges disgraced FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried paid NBA All-Star Steph Curry $35 million for 60 hours promotion, SF Gate stories.
Throughout an interview on CBS’ 60 Minutes selling his new book, Lewis stated he met with Bankman-Fried over 100 instances, the place he acquired a take a look at some inside FTX paperwork displaying how a lot partnering celebrities made for working with the corporate.
“He paid Tom Brady $55 million for 20 hours a 12 months for 3 years,” Lewis stated. “He paid Steph Curry $35 million for a similar factor for 3 years.”
An advert that includes Curry, which might now solely be discovered on YouTube, painted the facade that he could still succeed within the crypto world with out being an skilled since FTX made issues really easy.
Bankman-Fried is facing federal charges of wire fraud and cash laundering, with a trial beginning on Oct. 10—the identical day Lewis’ guide is obtainable to the general public. Curry has been listed in a class-action lawsuit in opposition to the failed firm and its supporters.
Curry joined the company as a global ambassador with an equity stake in 2021. FTX welcomed the Golden State Warrior with open arms in a since-deleted submit.
“Welcome to the FTX Workforce, NBA Celebrity Stephen Curry!” the tweet stated, in response to AfroTech. “We’re excited to announce he’s develop into FTX World Ambassador and a shareholder. Although, who higher to announce it than @StephenCurry30 himself.”
The cryptocurrency trade folded a 12 months later in November 2022.
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal and tennis professional Naomi Osaka had been additionally listed within the lawsuit that claims the celeb endorsements of FTX had been “fraudulent.” So as to add insult to damage, Shaq was served during the playoff game between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Warmth. Courtroom filings report that Osaka allegedly pocketed over $300K, and O’Neal reportedly acquired near $750K from FTX.