LeBron James may be the most electrifying player in the NBA, and is certainly the most heavily marketed, earning an NBA-best $25 million per year in endorsements. But despite all that, James is still not the game’s most popular athlete, and sales of his Nike shoes and apparel are described as “average.”

James ranks third among NBA players in replica jersey sales worldwide. And in China, where he’s been marketed heavily, he’s only ranked fifth. Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett both sell more jerseys that LeBron. What do those guys have in common? Championships, for one. But they also both wear the iconic uniforms of the Lakers and Celtics, and play in huge media markets. Will LeBron ever be King of the World in Cleveland?

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When you have one of the best new stadiums in college football but also one of the most perpetually lousy programs, you need to get creative to put butts in seats. And that’s exactly what the SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE is reporting Stanford is trying to do with their latest offer: If you aren’t happy with the “entertainment value” of your season tickets, you can get a full refund.

This is bold, and certainly better than their Plan B marketing strategy: “Remember How We Beat USC At The Coliseum Last Season? Maybe We’ll Do It At Home This Year!”

And therein lies the catch of this incredible offer.

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