Lebron James Will Help Market Miami Internationally

Just as in Cleveland, Lebron James looks to have a positive impact, not just on the Miami Heat’s chances of winning a championship, but on the overall economy of the Miami area as a whole.

William Talbert, president of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, told USA Today that James’ decision could be worth millions to the market.

“LeBron’s arrival has effectively changed the conversation in the press from real estate bust and foreclosures to Miami glitz and glam,” Tadd Schwartz, principal with Schwartz Media Strategies, told the South Florida Business Journal.

The Journal reports that with James’ arrival comes the profiling of  downtown’s transformation, resurgent condo activity and robust nightlife amid the urban core, Schwartz said. “LeBron affirmed that when he chose Miami.”

There is expected to be heavy foot traffic as a result of the Miami Heat games.

“In next two to three weeks, nuances and messages will start to emerge. We will have to find what’s resonating with the media,” said Robert Geitner, senior manager for marketing and communications with the DDA. “People are discovering there’s more to Miami than great beaches and hot spots on Ocean Drive.”

Bruce Turkel, CEO and executive creative director with Turkel in Coconut Grove, tells the Journal the big winner in James move to South Florida is tourism.

“It’s just another reason people want to be here – even for people who don’t like basketball.”

Sportsbetting.com, one of the largest online gambling websites, has made Lebron James and the new look Miami Heat just shy of 2/1 favorites to win the 2011 NBA Championship.

Tyrone Black, Gambling911.com