Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta today launched a global promotional campaign to build upon New Yorkers' enthusiasm to lure LeBron James to New York City and sign with either the New York Knicks or New Jersey (soon Brooklyn) Nets. The campaign will include both on-street and online promotions in which New Yorkers and celebrated public figures are encouraged to help convince LeBron James to sign with one of the two regional teams after the July 1, 2010 free agency period begins. New Yorkers can download C'mon LeBron fan kits from cmonlebron.com and can submit photos, videos and tweets to the dedicated website through Facebook and Twitter. The C'mon LeBron campaign was created at no taxpayer expense by NYC & Company, New York City's official marketing, tourism and partnership organization, in conjunction with its agency of record Bartle Bogle Hegarty New York.

"New York City is fit for a king - there's no better place in the world to live, to play or to win," said Mayor Bloomberg. "New Yorkers want LeBron to come to the greatest city in the world, and we're launching the C'mon Lebron campaign to capitalize on their energy and creativity in making their own cases for why he should choose New York. There are terrific cities all over the country, but none match the excitement of the greatest City in the world."

The C'mon LeBron campaign includes the dedicated website - cmonlebron.com, a C'Mon LeBron Facebook page (facebook.com/cmonlebron), and a live Twitter feed (#cmonlebron). C'Mon LeBron t-shirts will be distributed at various locations throughout the City. Starting today, C'Mon Lebron messages will appear on NYC Taxi monitors and Times Square screens, followed by more promotions in the upcoming weeks. Additionally, fans will be able to download their own C'mon LeBron fan kit from the website complete with logos and images to highlight in their own way the great impact LeBron James would have on the City both on the court and off through his charitable contributions.

"In addition to the obvious impact LeBron James would bring to the court, his generosity and philanthropic goals will leave a lasting impression on the lives of many New York City youth," said NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta. "As strongly as we feel that a global icon like LeBron deserves to play in a place like New York City, we would be equally as honored and excited to welcome him for what he would bring to our community beyond the world of sports."

LeBron James, the 2009 NBA Most Valuable Player, has played his entire career for the Cleveland Cavaliers and will officially become a free agent when his contract expires on July 1, 2010.  Assured to be one of the most sought after free agents in sports history, LeBron is expected to be courted by numerous teams.

The New York City Economic Development Corporation estimates that every playoff game hosted by a New York City-based team has an economic impact on the City of more than $3.6 million, and a championship could yield as much as $57.8 million.