7:46 pm ET
Nick DePaulaESPN
Kobe Bryant’s estate has entered into a new long-term contract with Nike to continue production of both shoes and apparel from Bryant’s Zoom Kobe series, Vanessa Bryant and Nike announced Thursday.
The news comes almost a year after Kobe Bryant’s original contract with Nike expired.
“We are excited to announce that our partnership with Nike will continue!” Vanessa Bryant wrote about this on Instagram. “I’m so proud that my husband’s shoes are still the most worn by players on the NBA courts, and that the demand for his shoes remains so coveted by his fans around the world.”
Nearly 20% of NBA players have worn Nike Kobe shoes to play since the death of Bryant, along with his daughter Gianna, in a helicopter crash in January 2020. In the 2019–20 season, 102 of the 322 players participating in the league restart at the Walt Disney Resort wore Kobe sneakers.
From Nike’s perspective, they will be looking to give young athletes access to youth sports, with several initiatives planned around the world that celebrate Bryant’s legacy.
“Kobe Bryant means so much to so many of us, not just to NBA fans, but outside of the game around the world,” said John Donahue, President and CEO of Nike. “His influence on the development of sports, especially in encouraging women and youth to take part in it, remains one of his most profound and enduring legacies. Together with Vanessa, we hope to honor Kobe and Gigi by protecting the next generation for years to come. .”
In addition to reissuing 11 signature Kobe shoes that Bryant wore during his career and possibly six after his career, Nike will also launch a new line of Gigi Bryant shoes with a charity component.
“Through this new partnership, fans will soon be able to access Kobe and Gigi Nike products for years to come,” said Vanessa Bryant. Nike [is] an annual donation of 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of Gianna’s shoes to our Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation (M&MSF).”
According to Nike, the first release of the revamped partnership could arrive as early as May 1, when Gianna Bryant would have turned 16. Featuring the black and white colors of Gigi’s Mamba Ballers team uniform with gold accents, this shoe was originally produced shortly before the contract expired last April and has never been officially released.
“The first new shoe from the partnership, the Kobe 6 Protro Mambacita Sweet 16, will be dedicated to Gigi Bryant,” Nike said in a statement. “All proceeds from the sale of the shoes will benefit the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.”
During the stalled negotiations that eventually ended the deal last year, the Kobe Bryant Estate pushed for Nike to produce more relaunch shoes and also expand Kobe’s footwear range to include kids’ sizes. But another key element in the renewed partnership with Nike was the commitment to open a new basketball court in Bryant’s name.
“I am also grateful that Nike and I will work together to create a Southern California youth basketball center that will share the Mamba mentality with young athletes for generations to come,” Vanessa Bryant wrote.
While the manufacturing process and lead time for a new sneaker design can typically take 14 to 18 months, some of the Nike Kobe sneakers may be available for factory production sooner, sources told ESPN, now that a new contract has been signed with the Kobe Bryant Estate. in place.
“I know this is an inspiring moment for my husband and daughter’s fans around the world,” said Vanessa Bryant. “And I am very grateful to each of you!”