Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving is one of the most influential players in the league today, and his style of play and signature shoes remain popular among the youth and amateur ranks.
Irving entered into a partnership with the American sportswear giant Nike in 2011 upon entering the league.
His first signature shoe with the brand was introduced in 2014, and the subsequent editions of his shoe line remained highly popular among NBA players and the general public throughout its eight-year existence.
Kyrie Irving's ugly split with Nike
However, in November 2022, Nike severed ties with the Mavericks star after he shared a link on social media to a book and movie containing antisemitic content. The Beaverton-based company officially terminated its association with Irving a month later.
Despite parting ways with Nike, the eight-time NBA All-Star continued to wear his signature Nike shoes for the rest of the 2022-23 NBA season. Notably, he covered the Swoosh logo with tape and often inscribed personal messages on it.
Recently, Irving asserted that Nike generated over $2.6 billion in revenue from his sneaker line over the past seven years.
"I can safely say, I am one of them ones out here in the competitive shoe market, dominating. And not to be arrogant, Go Ask around, the kids that grew up wearing/buying my shoes know, respectfully I am that guy because of the Support WORLDWIDE," the three-time All-NBA member stated.
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Kyrie Irving signs with ANTA
Irving officially inked a five-year endorsement agreement with the Chinese footwear company ANTA in July 2023.
The 2016 NBA Champion was appointed as the Chief Creative Officer of ANTA Basketball, granting him the authority to enlist and secure players and collaborators.
This collaboration will also feature the ANTA x Kyrie Youth Basketball Camps, kicking off initially in the United States and China before touring the rest of the world. Additionally, plans are underway to bring ANTA's manufacturing to the United States and start their full shoe distribution process in the country.
Prominent athletes enjoying endorsement deals with ANTA include NBA players such as Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson, Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward, and retired NBA legend Kevin Garnett, along with former boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao.
Kyrie Irving reveals ANTA signature shoe
During the beginning of the 2023-24 NBA season, Irving sported ANTA's Shock Wave 5 model, given that his signature shoe was still in the developmental phase.
After months of anticipation, Irving finally revealed and wore his first signature shoe with the brand, the ANTA KAI 1, during his return to the Brooklyn Nets, his former team, on Tuesday, February 6, at the Barclays Center.
The shoe's silhouette boasts a sleek and contemporary design, reminiscent of the design language seen in his previous Nike models.
According to shoe industry insider Nick DePaula, the ANTA KAI 1 is scheduled for release this spring.
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