By Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
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.
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.
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)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years 1996: Kobe Bryant and his father pose for a portrait. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright 2002 NBAE (Photo by: Andy Hayt/NBAE via Getty Images) (Andy Hayt)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years NEW JERSEY - JUNE 1996: Kobe Bryant poses for a portrait during the Rookie Shoot circa June 1996 in New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1996 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) (Nathaniel S. Butler)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years PHILADELPHIA, PA - January 26: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 26, 1996 at the CoreStates Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1996 NBAE (Photo by Jennifer Pottheiser /NBAE via Getty Images) (Jennifer Pottheiser)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years INGLEWOOD - 1997: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers grabs a rebound during a 1997 NBA game at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) (Andrew D. Bernstein)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years INGLEWOOD, CA - 1997: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks during a game circa 1999 at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) (Andrew D. Bernstein)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years Aug 1998: Portrait of Kobe Bryant during a conference at an Adidas promotional tour of Sydney, Australia. \ NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos. User acknowledges that it is aware that Allsport is an editorial sports agency and that NO RELEASES OF ANY TYPE ARE OBTAINED from the subjects contained in the photographs. \ Mandatory Credit: Allsport UK /Allsport (Getty Images)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years 006634.SP.0416.lakers1ÂÂKobe Bryant dons the headset and mike as he sits on the scorer's table and does interview after Sunday's victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.(April 16, 2000) (Photo by Vince Compagnone/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) (Vince Compagnone)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years Lakers guard Kobe Bryant during a break in the action in game against Toronto at Staples Center on Mar.7, 2001. (Photo by Vince Compagnone/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) (Vince Compagnone)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 16: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives against the New York Knicks on December 16, 2008 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 116-114. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) (Stephen Dunn)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 15: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts in the second period while taking on the Boston Celtics in Game Six of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 15, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (Ronald Martinez)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 17: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers points in the second quarter of Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics at Staples Center on June 17, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (Ronald Martinez)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 17: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers struggles to hold both the Larry O'Brien trophy and the MVP trophy after the Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 17, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 17: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers holds up the Larry O'Brien trophy after the Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 17, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 19: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play against the Phoenix Suns in the fourth quarter of Game Two of the Western Conference Finals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on May 19, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (Harry How)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 20: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts in the second quarter while taking on the New Orleans Hornets in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2011 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (Harry How)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 20: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes up for a dunk over Emeka Okafor #50 of the New Orleans Hornets in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2011 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (Harry How)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers adjusts his jersey during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on February 19, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 102-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 02: (Editors Note: Image has been converted to black and white) Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Washington Wizards in the first half at Verizon Center on December 2, 2015 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) (Rob Carr)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 17: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers waits for a free throw during the first half against the Houston Rockets at Staples Center on December 17, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (Harry How)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 13: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles during the post game news conference after scoring 60 points in the final game of his NBA career at Staples Center on April 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (Harry How)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 13: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks back in the first half while taking on the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on April 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (Harry How)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 18: Kobe Bryant speaks to the media at a press conference before his #8 and #24 jerseys are retired by the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (Harry How)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 18: Kobe Bryant walk out to center court during his jersey retirement ceremony at halftime of a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (Harry How)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 18: Kobe Bryant poses with his family at halftime after both his #8 and #24 Los Angeles Lakers jerseys are retired at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (Harry How)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years 400219 02: U.S. President George W. Bush (R) receives a team jersey from from Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Kobe Bryant during a ceremony honoring the team for their 2001 NBA championship title January 28, 2002 at the White House in Washington DC. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) (Mark Wilson)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years Kobe Bryant at the Teen Choice Awards 2002 held at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, Ca., August 4, 2002. (photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images/Fox) (Kevin Winter)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Filmmaker Kobe Bryant, winner of the Best Animated Short Film award for 'Dear Basketball,' poses in the press room during the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) (Frazer Harrison)
Photos: Kobe Bryant through the years LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 06:Kobe Bryant attends the LA Community Screening Of Warner Bros Pictures' "Just Mercy" at Cinemark Baldwin Hills on January 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) (Frazer Harrison)