Coke Ad To Pair U.S., Chinese Olympians

  • August 8, 2007
Coca-Cola, a sponsor of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, will air a global TV spot featuring Olympians LeBron James and Yao Ming.

The ad is meant to show East uniting with West over a Coke during the games. The new commercial will be part of the global "Coke Side of Life" campaign.

LeBron James is co-captain of Team USA Basketball. NBA player Yao Ming will be a member of Team China Basketball.

Yao Ming became a Coke pitchman in July for Coca-Cola China. He will be one of several athletes featured on packing, advertising and promotions, according to the company, which says James has been involved with the Company since 2003 pitching Sprite and Powerade in the U.S.

This new ad will be the first global Coca-Cola commercial for both athletes. Other efforts for the Atlanta company include sponsorship of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay, and of a number of events in Beijing.

The company will also launch what it says is the largest outdoor advertising to date in the country. Ads show Chinese athletes and use "Coke Side of Life" graphics and will be in half of Beijing's public transport advertising panels beginning this month.

--Karl Greenberg

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