Nike CEO John Donahoe has revealed the fate of the brand's Kobe Bryant line in an investors conference call.
"It's going to be an exciting summer as we set the stage to relaunch the Kobe brand in advance of Kobe Day on 8/24," the sportswear giant executive said.
August 24 has been celebrated as Kobe Day in reference to his two jersey numbers, 8 and 24.
Bryant started his NBA career wearing Adidas shoes. After seven years, the Lakers legend signed with the Beaverton-based brand in 2003.
Bryant and Nike went on to create one of the most popular shoe lines of all time, with many NBA players still wearing Kobes on-court today. It was already the most worn shoe in the league shortly after Bryant's retirement, and resell prices skyrocketed after his demise.
Kobe's Nike sneakers top the list of the most popular shoes among NBA players https://t.co/r7VM309QDn pic.twitter.com/yZeXorz37h
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) September 20, 2017
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Kobe Bryant And Nike Parted Ways
In a shocking development, Kobe Bryant's estate, led by his wife Vanessa, and Nike, decided not to renew their partnership in April 2021. The 6-foot-6 guard signed a post-retirement extension in 2016 with the brand for five years.
According to the report, Bryant's estate was frustrated with Nike limiting the availability of Kobe products during his retirement and after his passing and the lack of availability of Kobe footwear in kids' sizes.
"My hope will always be to allow Kobe's fans to get and wear his products," Vanessa Bryant said.
After almost a year, Nike and Vanessa Bryant finally agreed on a new deal on March 2022 that would see the Kobe line continue for years to come.
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