Nike’s Collab With Kobe Bryant Has Ended, Says He Will Remain ‘Deeply Loved’
Image via Nike
The estate of Kobe Bryant has chosen not to renew the late basketball superstar’s deal with Nike. His collaboration with the sportswear brand had expired on April 13, according to Complex’s sneaker industry sources.
As per the publication, while the brand has more shoes inspired by the NBA legend in the works this year, they will most likely be the last of his Nike releases. After the icon’s tragic death in January 2020, Nike had re-released old models from their partnership. These sneakers have regularly sold out in the wake of his passing, with fans wanting a revival of the Nike Kobe line.
However, in a tweet posted by venture capitalist Shervin Pishevar in December 2020, Bryant was rumored to be unhappy with his Nike deal. He had wanted to start a player-owned independent sneaker company, said Pishevar.
In response to the end of the partnership, Nike said, “Kobe Bryant was an important part of Nike’s deep connection to consumers. He pushed us and made everyone around him better. Though our contractual relationship has ended, he remains a deeply loved member of the Nike family.”
I met with Kobe Bryant in late December 2019. Kobe wasn’t happy with Nike and was going to leave it in 2020. Kobe was going to start Mamba, a shoe company owned by players. He passed away weeks later. What he was about to do in business was going to eclipse his sports career.
— Shervin Pishevar (@shervin) December 29, 2020
At 6:36 AM today I received a text:
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) April 19, 2021
“Vanessa Bryant did not renew contract. Kobe and Nike are done.”
I’ve been working since to confirm what this means ahead for the Nike / Kobe Bryant partnership.
As of right now — there is no ongoing contract for future Kobe releases. pic.twitter.com/5vuyQg6Gw6
[via Complex, cover image via Nike]
Also check out these recent news
