As reported by Nick DePaula for ESPN, the Kobe Bryant Estate has chosen not to renew its Nike partnership. In a statement to ESPN, Bryant’s widow Vanessa Bryant stated:
“Kobe’s Nike contract expired on 4/13/21. Kobe and Nike have made some of the most beautiful basketball shoes of all time, worn and adored by fans and athletes in all sports across the globe. It seems fitting that more NBA players wear my husband’s product than any other signature shoe. My hope will always be to allow Kobe’s fans to get and wear his products. I was hoping to forge a lifelong partnership with Nike that reflects my husband’s legacy. We will always do everything we can to honor Kobe and Gigi’s legacies. That will never change.”
Nike’s official statement on the matter is as follows: “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.”
Learn more about the situation and what this means for the future of Kobe’s brand in the latest episode of the SoleSavy podcast here.