Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving has made an interesting choice by involving a family member in his endorsement deal with the shoe brand ANTA.
The 32-year-old has reportedly secured a shoe deal for his father, Drederick Irving, who previously played college basketball at Boston University and professionally in Australia with the Bulleen Boomers in Melbourne.
The elder Irving will have his signature sneaker with the Chinese brand, set to release in September at Foot Locker stores, as reported by league Insider Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
Irving signed a five-year deal with ANTA in July 2023 following a fallout with his long-time partner, Nike, in late 2022.
The Swoosh brand dropped the eight-time NBA All-Star after sharing a link on social media to a book and movie containing antisemitic content.
How did Kyrie Irving secure a shoe deal for his father?
Irving's deal with ANTA also bestowed upon him the title of Chief Creative Officer of the brand's basketball division, in addition to his own line of sneakers and apparel.
This arrangement allows him to recruit and sign players and collaborators.
The 58-year-old is the first signing made by the three-time All-NBA member thus far, per Charania. This marks the first time in professional sports history that a player has signed his father to a signature shoe deal.
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