LeBron James has signed a multiyear shoe and apparel deal with Nike for contract likely to approach $100 million.

A Nike spokesman confirmed late Wednesday night that the St. Vincent-St. Mary senior had agreed to a contract with the world’s largest athletic shoe company, but said terms of the deal were not being disclosed.

An industry insider said Nike was a better fit for James, the likely No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft.

A $75 million agreement would be the largest ever awarded to a rookie.

ESPN reported the deal was closer to $100 million over seven years.

It ends months of speculation and hysteria as to which company would get to put its logo on James shoes and shirts.

The deal comes on the eve of the NBA Draft Lottery.

It also was announced that James agreed to a trading card and memorabilia deal with Upper Deck.

James agreed to a multiyear, multi-million dollar contract. The family was thrilled to receive a check for $1 million Wednesday _ a signing bonus courtesy of Upper Deck.

Goodwin said, “That’s between he and his mother .

“Im just really happy for LeBron. His hard work is getting rewarded.”

Terms of the Upper Deck contract were not released, but company spokesman Jake Gonzales said it was in line with those awarded to Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan and soccer star David Beckham. ESPN.com, quoting unnamed sources, estimates the deal at $1 million per year.

James is the youngest athlete ever to sign with Upper Deck, whose other endorsers include Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Ichiro Suzuki.

“We felt LeBron is an elite player and exactly what Upper Deck stands for,” Gonzales said.

The exclusive deal allows the company to market James cards, collectibles and memorabilia. No other company can use his autograph or likeness on its packaging. Other companies can produce James cards, however, in accordance with NBA policies.

The teen-ager had authorized the use of his likeness on only a select few items prior to the Upper Deck agreement. That had not stopped hundreds of items from appearing on on-line auction sites. Family attorney Fred Nance has been busy sending out cease-and-desist letters to violators.