UPDATE July 11, 2023: According to a report by Shams Charania, Kyrie Irving has signed a 5-year deal with ANTA and becomes the Chinese Brand’s new Chief Creative Officer. The deal gives Irving the freedom to recruit and sign endorsers and collaborations.
Over the weekend, eight-time All-Star Kyrie Irving was captured sporting sneakers from ANTA, the Chinese footwear company, at a basketball camp, adding fuel to his sneaker free agency fire.
Nike cut ties with the former signature athlete last December, and the guard has been a free agent since. Although the two separated during the season, Irving wore shoes from his Nike signature line, covering up the Swoosh logos.
On May 25th, Irving announced that his sneaker deal is coming “very, very soon” on Instagram Live.
Kyrie Irving revealed on IG Live that he will be signing a new sneaker deal “very, very soon.” 👀
Where do you think Kyrie will sign? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/LkDqg3fFM0
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) May 25, 2023
After being traded, Irving wore the then-unreleased lgTwo from Langston Galloway’s brand Ethics at a Dallas Mavericks shootaround.
Several NBA athletes have signed with ANTA over the years, including NBA Champions Klay Thompson and Kevon Looney, Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward, and Miami Heat forward Max Strus. If Irving signs with the company, he will be one of the biggest names in the sportswear brand.
