Nike and Kobe Bryant estate reconcile to continue partnership
A new long-term contract between Kobe Bryant and Nike is now in place. Almost one year ago, Kobe Bryant’s existing contract with Nike was supposed to end. But due to insistent public demand from fans and fellow NBA players who continue to patronize Kobe’s shoes, Nike has come into negotiations with Kobe’s wife, Vanessa Bryant.
On an Instagram post, Vanessa Bryant wrote. “We’re excited to announce our partnership with Nike will continue! 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.”
Since Bryant’s accidental death with his daughter Gianna, almost 20% of the NBA players have used a Nike Kobe sneaker. In the last 2019-2020 season, 102 of the 322 NBA players have worn a Kobe Bryant sneaker. It took place during the NBA league restart at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Vanessa Bryant has announced the Kobe Bryant estate and Nike have reached a deal to continue their partnership
Nike is donating 100 percent of net proceeds from Gianna Bryant's shoes to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation pic.twitter.com/3joDAGFQ1y
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 24, 2022
In collaboration with Kobe Bryant estate, Nike is looking to honor Bryant’s legacy internationally. By providing young athletes globally access to various youth sports.
Nike’s CEO said, “Kobe Bryant means so much to many of us, not just NBA fans but globally beyond the game. His impact is growing in 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 honor Kobe and Gigi by championing a new generation for many years to come.”
However, Vanessa Bryant expressed her dissatisfaction with Nike’s strategy. With their unwillingness to give Kobe a lifetime offer. It was evident in the leaked video of the Kobe 6 Protro Mamacita, which built a wall between the two sides.
Kobe Bryant Estate and Nike have reached deal to continue a partnership, Vanessa Bryant announces. Nike is donating 100 percent of net proceeds of Gianna Bryant’s shoes to Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation – and sides will establish a youth basketball center in Southern Cali.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 24, 2022
Kobe Bryant Estate Negotiations
Since the partnership was edging to end some time ago, the prices of Kobe Bryant shoes soared. While other NBA players turned down endorsement offers with other brands. To continue wearing Kobe sneakers.
In addition, Nike will also be releasing their new Gigi Bryant shoe collection. Alongside Gigi’s shoe series are the re-launching of the 11 signature Kobe shoes that Kobe wore in his NBA career.
You will now be able to buy Nike products featuring the late Kobe Bryant.
Nike and the Kobe Estate have reached a deal to continue its partnership, Vanessa Bryant announced.
100 percent of net proceeds from Gianna's shoes will go to the Mamba & Mambacita Foundation. pic.twitter.com/wwunOvho9c
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) March 25, 2022
Vanessa Bryant said, “With this new partnership, fans will soon be able to have access to Kobe and Gigi Nike products for years to come. Nike is donating 100% of the net proceeds yearly for Gianna’s shoes to our Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.”
As early as May 1, the first releases from the renewed deal can be out in the market. It also marks Gianna Bryant’s 16th birthday. That shoe was initially produced before the contract expiration in April. Though it was not officially launched. It was designed in Gigi’s black and white “Mamba Ballers” colors and with gold accents.
Nike said, “The first new shoe from the partnership, the Kobe 6 Protro ‘Mamacita Sweet 16’ will honor Gigi Bryant. All proceeds from the shoe will benefit the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.”
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While delayed negotiations led to the contract’s expiration last year, the partners rectified everything now. The Kobe Bryant estate has demanded that Nike produce higher supplies of shoes for the launch of the re-releases. They have also pushed for Kobe’s shoes to be available in kid’s sizes.
Another critical factor that made the renewal of the contract possible was Nike’s commitment. Nike aims to launch a new basketball facility under the name of Kobe Bryant.
Vanessa Bryant said, “I am also grateful that Nike and I will work together to establish a youth basketball center in Southern California that will share the Mamba mentality with youth athletes for generations to come.
The production of new sneaker designs can take from 14-18 months. But some of Nike’s Kobe collection can be approved for factory production sooner than that. This is according to an ESPN source.
