The NBA superstar has agreed to a multiyear partnership with McDonald’s Corp., adding the global fast-food giant to a list of heavyweight corporate sponsors that already included Nike, Coca-Cola and State Farm. Financial terms were not immediately known, but the deal certainly will add to James’ substantial net worth. Last year, Forbes Magazine estimated the 25-year-old made more than $40 million in salary and endorsements. He is currently ranked behind only Tiger Woods on the Bloomberg BusinessWeek list of America’s most powerful athletes.

James will support several McDonald’s programs and promotions as well as Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provides housing to the families of seriously ill children.

James, a six-time All-Star with the Cleveland Cavaliers and reigning league MVP, is thrilled with his newest business partner.

“McDonald’s and I make a great team,” he said. “We share many of the same core values, including a commitment to excellence and giving back to the community. I am also excited about the opportunity to work with Ronald McDonald House Charities, which helps improve the lives of so many children and their families around the world.”  Beyond his involvement in charity work with the company, James will be part of TV, print and online advertising campaigns for McDonald’s, which operates more than 31,000 restaurants in 119 countries. Maverick Carter, James’ business partner and CEO of LRMR Marketing, called the pairing of James and McDonald’s a “a perfect fit.”

“McDonald’s is one of the best known and most recognizable brands in the world,” Carter said. “LeBron couldn’t ask for a better partner and for him to be involved with such a company says a lot about where he is in his career.” Carter said James had “on-and-off” talks with McDonald’s over the past four years, and that the sides began finalizing their deal in recent months.

James, who has two young boys, fits McDonald’s wholesome image and his worldwide popularity makes him an ideal ambassador for the company.

“We really like what LeBron stands for on and off the court,” said Peter Sterling, vice president of marketing of McDonald’s USA. “He shares the same values as McDonald’s. He’s hard working. He’s community minded and charity driven. LeBron is also that rare athlete that transcends his sport.”  In March, James will lend his support to the McDonald’s All-American high school games in Columbus, Ohio. Proceeds from the event will go to Ronald McDonald House charities in central Ohio. James was named MVP of the game when it was held in Cleveland in 2003.  Carter said Steve Stoute, founder of New York-based Translation Advertising, played a key role in bringing together McDonald’s and James