LeBron James has confirmed that his commercial appearance for McDonald's at the Super Bowl does, as expected, signal the beginning of a long-term contract with the fast-food chain.

The Cleveland Cavaliers star will appear with Dwight Howard in a remake of Michael Jordan and Larry Bird's famous 'Showdown' advert for McDonald's, which sees the two men competing to score trick-shot baskets and ends with them on top of a skycraper preparing to make a shot. That debuted during Super Bowl XXVII in 1993.

Financial details were not revealed, but the agreement is worth several million dollars per year to James, who will also support a number of McDonald's programmes and promotions, as well as Ronald McDonald House Charities.

• Dwight Howard and LeBron James to star for McDonald's

"McDonald’s and I make a great team," James told reporters. "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."