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It could be the end of an era in the sneaker world.
On Monday ESPN’s Nick DePaula and the Athletic’s Shams Charania both reported that Kobe Bryant’s estate had declined to renew their contract with Nike and are free to negotiate with other brands.
The Kobe Bryant/Nike deal has ended, expired this month, and his estate is now free to negotiate a new deal with other brands, sources say.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 20, 2021
At 6:36 AM today I received a text:
“Vanessa Bryant did not renew contract. Kobe and Nike are done.”
I’ve been working since to confirm what this means ahead for the Nike / Kobe Bryant partnership.
As of right now — there is no ongoing contract for future Kobe releases. pic.twitter.com/5vuyQg6Gw6
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) April 19, 2021
Kobe originally signed a 5-year endorsement deal extension with Nike after retiring in April, 2016. https://t.co/3ndzFMbprq
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) April 19, 2021
Update: Nike released has released a statement on the Bryant estate’s decision to not renew their contract.
Statement from Nike: “Kobe Bryant was an important part of Nike’s deep connection to consumers. He pushed us and made everyone around him better. Though our contractual relationship has ended, he remains a deeply loved member of the Nike family.” https://t.co/eK3mWJ0iNi
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 20, 2021
It’s currently unclear as to why Bryant’s estate declined to renew their contract with Nike but reports circulated last year that revealed the late NBA superstar was considering starting his own independent brand prior to his death.
I met with Kobe Bryant in late December 2019. Kobe wasn’t happy with Nike and was going to leave it in 2020. Kobe was going to start Mamba, a shoe company owned by players. He passed away weeks later. What he was about to do in business was going to eclipse his sports career.
— Shervin (@shervin) December 29, 2020
*the the idea of the tracker in back back (attached by strong magnet) connected a great Mamba fitness app and integrated coaching/motivational features.
— Shervin (@shervin) December 29, 2020