Kobe Bryant’s Nike line is set to return this summer with the sportswear giant targeting a relaunch before August 24.
The Los Angeles Lakers legend died at age 41 in a January 2020 helicopter crash that also killed his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, six family friends and the pilot.
Bryant had a longtime partnership with Nike during his stellar NBA career, which he first signed in 2003, appearing in numerous ads while releasing multiple signature sneakers.
‘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,’ Nike CEO John Donahue said Thursday.
No more details regarding the new release have been disclosed.
Kobe Bryant’s Nike line set to return this summer with company targeting August comeback
A Nike Kobe Bryant basketball sneaker is shown on display at a Niketown store in June 2009
Vanessa Bryant took to social media in April 2021 to announce that her late husband’s contract with Nike had expired and would not be renewed
Vanessa Bryant took to social media in April 2021 to announce that her late husband’s contract with Nike had expired and would not be renewed.
‘Kobe’s Nike contract expired on 4/13/21,’ Vanessa posted to her Instagram story.
‘Kobe and Nike have made some of the most beautiful basketball shoes of all time, worn and adored by fans and athletes in all sports across the globe,’ her post continued.
‘It seems fitting that more NBA players wear my husband’s product than any other signature shoe. My hope will always be to allow Kobe’s fans to get and wear his products.
‘I will continue to fight for that. Kobe’s products sell out in seconds. That says everything. I was hoping to forge a lifelong partnership with Nike that reflects my husband’s legacy.
‘We will always do everything we can to honor Kobe and Gigi’s legacies. That will never change.’
Nike said in a statement at the time: ‘Kobe Bryant was an important part of Nike’s deep connection to consumers.
‘He pushed us and made everyone around him better.
Bryant died three years ago to the day in a helicopter crash. His daughter Gianna (left) was on board with her dad and seven other people
Kobe first signed with Nike in 2003 and appeared in numerous ads while releasing multiple signature sneakers, including Grinch edition of Nike Zoom Kobe VI shown in December 2010
Bryant had an illustrious 20-year career that saw him win five NBA titles and two Finals MVPs
‘Though our contractual relationship has ended, he remains a deeply loved member of the Nike family.’
After scoring 60 points in his final NBA game with the Lakers in April 2016 Kobe had a five-year endorsement extension contract that continued his partnership with Nike into his retirement.
A series of sneakers that Kobe dubbed ‘Protro’ were released with past shoes upgraded to pro-level, retro editions following his retirement.
Bryant had an illustrious 20-year career that saw him win five NBA titles and two Finals MVPs.
