Vanessa Bryant, Kobe Bryant’s widow, revealed on Thursday a new sponsorship arrangement with Nike to produce Kobe footwear, a year after their previous agreement expired.
Since the former Los Angeles Lakers star and his daughter Gigi died in a helicopter accident in January 2020, it is believed that 20% of NBA players have worn or continue to wear Kobe Bryant’s sneakers.
“We’re excited to announce our partnership with Nike is going to continue!” Vanessa Bryant wrote in an Instagram post.
“I am so proud that my husband’s shoes are still the most worn by players on NBA courts and that the demand for his shoes remain so desired by his fans around the world.”
The deal’s length hasn’t been specified, but it’s been stated that Nike would reissue the eleven shoes that Kobe wore during his career, as well as his six post-retirement models, with a portion of the proceeds going to charity.
“Kobe Bryant means so much to so many of us, not just NBA fans but globally beyond the game,” Nike president John Donahoe said in a statement.
“His impact in growing the sport, particularly encouraging women and young people to pick it up, endures as one of his deepest, lasting legacies. Together with Vanessa, we hope to honour Kobe and Gigi by championing a new generation for many years to come.”