Kobe Bryant's widow, Vanessa Bryant, and Nike jointly announced that Kobe and Nike have reached a new long-term contract to continue producing the Zoom Kobe series of sneakers and apparel.
The news came nearly a year after Kobe Bryant's initial endorsement contract with Nike expired.
"I am pleased to announce that our partnership with Nike will continue!" Vanessa wrote on Instagram. "I'm very proud that my husband's shoes are still the most commonly worn by players in the NBA, and the demand for his shoes is still high among fans around the world."
Bryant tragically died with his daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash in January 2020, and since that incident, nearly 20 percent of NBA players have worn Nike Kobe's sneakers to at least one NBA game. In the 2019-20 season, 102 of all 322 players who participated in the league rematch at Disneyland wore Kobe shoes.
From Nike's perspective, it will focus on providing opportunities for young athletes to participate in sports and plans to implement multiple initiatives around the world to honor Kobe's legacy.
John Donahoe, nike president and CEO, said in a statement: "Kobe means a lot to many of us, not just to NBA fans, but globally beyond the game. "His impact in advancing the game of basketball, especially encouraging women and young people to get involved, is one of his deepest and most enduring legacies." Together with Vanessa, we hope to honor Kobe and Gigi by supporting a new generation for many years to come. ”
In addition to re-releasing the 11 classic Kobe bryant sneakers he wore during His career, and possibly 6 post-retirement shoes, Nike will also launch a new Gigi Bryant shoe line with a charitable nature.
Vanessa said: "The re-collaboration with Nike will give fans the opportunity to use Nike products produced under the name kobe and Gigi for many years to come." Nike donates 100% of the net proceeds of Gigi Nike products to our Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation every year. ”
According to Nike, the first Gigi series products may be released as early as May 1, which is Gigi's 16th birthday. Featuring Gigi's black and white mamba uniform palette with gold hues, the shoe was originally produced before the expiration of their contract last April, but was not officially released.
Nike said in a statement: "As the first pair of new shoes for the new partnership between the two sides, the Kobe 6 Protro 'Mambacita Sweet 16' will pay tribute to Gigi." "All proceeds from this shoe will be donated to Mamba and the Mambacita Sports Foundation."
During negotiations before the deal finally expired last year, Kobe's estate enforcers had urged Nike to produce more shoes for the re-release and expand production of Kobe sneakers to children's sizes. Another key factor in resuming the partnership with Nike is Nike's commitment to launch a new basketball rig under The Kobe Bryant name.
"Nike and I will work together to build a youth basketball center in Southern California so that our young athletes can share the mamba spirit, and I am grateful for this," Vanessa wrote. ”
Sources told ESPN that while the design and production process for new sneakers typically takes 14 to 18 months, a new contract has now been signed with The Kobe Legacy, and several of Nike's Kobe sneakers can enter production early.
"I know this is an inspiring moment for my husband and daughter's global fans," Vanessa said. "I am very grateful to each and every one of you!"
(Nanshan)