Following a bitter split about a year ago, Kobe Bryant’s estate has reached a new long-term deal with Nike to continue producing footwear and apparel from the late Bryant’s Zoom Kobe series.
“We’re excited to announce our partnership with Nike is going to continue!” Kobe’s widow, Vanessa, wrote in an Instagram post. “I am so proud that my husband’s shoes are still the most worn by players on NBA courts [nearly 20%] and that the demand for his shoes remain so desired by his fans around the world.”
Kobe, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others, died in a helicopter crash in January 2020.
“Kobe Bryant means so much to so many of us, not just NBA fans but globally beyond the game,” John Donahoe, Nike’s president and CEO, said. “His impact in growing 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.”
In addition to re-releasing 11 shoes worn by Bryant during his career—with talks of adding his six post-career designs as well—Nike will be adding a new Gigi Bryant shoe.
“With this new partnership, fans will soon be able to have access to Kobe and Gigi Nike product for years to come,” Vanessa Bryant said. “Nike [is] donating 100% of the net proceeds yearly for Gianna’s shoes to our Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation (M&MSF).”
Nike says the first release could arrive as soon as May 1—what would’ve been Gianna’s 16th birthday.
“The first new shoe from the partnership, the Kobe 6 Protro ‘Mambacita Sweet 16’ will honor Gigi Bryant,” Nike said. “All proceeds from the shoe will benefit the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.”
“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,” Vanessa added.
