Kobe Bryant’s estate reaches new deal with Nike

The estate of NBA legend Kobe Bryant has reached a new long-term deal with Nike to continue producing footwear and apparel from Bryant’s Zoom Kobe series, the player’s widow and the sports apparel giant announced Thursday.

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The late Lakers’ star’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, announced the deal on Instagram. Kobe Bryant’s Nike shoes are among the most popular in the NBA and among basketball fans, but the deal between the estate and the shoemaker expired, the Los Angeles Times reported.

“We’re excited to announce our partnership with Nike is going to continue!” Vanessa Bryant wrote. “I am so proud that my husband’s shoes are still the most worn by players on NBA courts and the demand for his shoes remain so desired by his fans around the world,” she wrote.

Nearly 20% of NBA players have worn Kobe sneakers produced by Nike for a game since Bryant, along with his daughter, Gianna “Gigi” Bryant, and seven others died in a helicopter crash on Jan 26, 2020, ESPN reported. During the 2019-20 season, 102 of the 322 total players competing in the league’s restart wore Kobe sneakers, according to the sports network.

“Kobe Bryant means so much to so many of us, not just NBA fans but globally beyond the game,” John Donahoe, Nike’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “His impact in growing the sport, particularly encouraging women and young people to pick it up, endures as one of his deepest, lasting legacies. Together with Vanessa, we hope to honor Kobe and Gigi by championing a new generation for many years to come.”

The new deal also includes Gigi Bryant-branded Nike products, according to Sports Illustrated. Nike also will donate 100% of the net proceeds of Gigi Bryant’s shoes to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, the magazine reported. Nike will also be working with Vanessa Bryant to establish a youth basketball center in Southern California, according to the Times.

“I know this is an inspiring moment for my husband and daughter’s global fans,” Vanessa Bryant wrote on Instagram, “and I am very appreciative of each and every one of you.”

Nike said its first release from the renewed partnership could arrive as soon as May 1, ESPN reported. That would have been Gigi Bryant’s 16th birthday.

Kobe Bryant signed with Adidas in 1996 when he entered the NBA, Sports Illustrated reported. He signed with Nike in 2003 once his deal with Adidas expired.

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Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years NEW YORK - 1996: First Round NBA draft pick Kobe Bryant poses for a photo. Copyright 1996 NBAE (Photo by Andy Hayt/NBAE via Getty Images) (Andy Hayt/NBAE via Getty Images)

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