Former NBA star Baron Davis made headlines this morning; he has partnered with Master P in talks to acquire shoe conglomerate Reebok. Adidas purchased Reebok in 2005 for $3.8 billion, and it has remained a subsidiary ever since. But, Adidas announced interest to sell the company by March 2021. There was no public asking price. What does this potential acquisition mean for the hoops sneaker market? Let’s take a look.

Reebok’s History with the NBA

Reebok Question Mid Kamikaze II "Alternate" Pack Release Date | Nice Kicks
Reebok has held a myriad of sponsorships with the NBA in past decades, with a steady decline.

Reebok has had what some would call a fall from grace in terms of professional partnerships. Decades ago, they held jersey partnerships with the NFL, NHL, and NBA. Now? Adidas and Nike share them respectively. Although you can find some fire Reebok classic jerseys in knockoff, it’s not making them any money, and not giving them any notoriety. In terms of sneaker deals, they’ve got Montrezl Harrell as a top contributor, but that’s it really. Even though the guy LITERALLY wore fuzzy abominable snowman sneakers, they haven’t ranked in any more popularity among NBA players. A few NFL partnerships, but their current income lies primarily in CrossFit and UFC.

The Master P – Baron Davis Reebok Acquisition

Baron Davis, Master P in negotiations to acquire Reebok | theScore.com
Baron Davis is a former Knicks star.

Adidas acquired Reebok at a time when it was thriving in professional leagues, for $3.8B. Now, they’ve lost their spark. Their primary point of income, CrossFit, has faced significant political scrutiny in 2020 and is struggling to stay open. Conor McGregor, their top sponsor, has gone in and out of retirement more times than I go on and off of Amazon to online shop. What does all of this mean? Their value has absolutely plummeted.

The price has gone down $1.4 BILLION. This is either the most genius business move Baron Davis and Master P will ever make, or they are about to make themselves LaVar Ball 2.0 with their very own Big Baller Brand. Will they maintain the CrossFit and UFC markets under NBA ownership, or will they take it an entirely different way under new ownership?

Reebok’s Potential with the NBA

SLAM Kicks on Twitter: "Brandon Jennings' “Knicks” Reebok Question samples.  How did Montrezl Harrell get his hands on these?… "
Montrezl Harrell’s “Brandon Jennings” themed Reebok sneakers.

If you’re not a sneaker head, you probably wouldn’t know much about Reebok’s kicks versus others. However, Reebok has a particular classic vibe to them that’s hard to pass up. Harrell has really made the brand his own, designing sneakers that reflect not only his personality, but his fans, teammates, and the history of Reebok as well.

Reebok used to have a broad scope of sneaker deals with NBA players, including more recently John Wall (although Wall has worked with just about every sneaker brand). Although it’s not entirely clear why players are not as drawn to Reebok as they once were, a company acquisition and business remodel could really help the cause; especially if the new owner was once in the NBA at Reebok’s height. It really shouldn’t be that difficult to sell their options and branding – Harrell has worn some amazing shoes.

The Jersey Game

It’s hard to overlook that Reebok used to lead professional sports in jersey partnerships as well. I know that I have classic Reebok jerseys sitting in my closet, right next to my Nike and Adidas ones. Does a fan really care who designs their jersey as long as they look fire? Nike has done a pretty good job diversifying the NBA jersey game, but they have absolutely flopped in the NFL. I am a huge proponent of keeping jerseys different and interesting, and if that means a different brand then so be it. With new ownership, Reebok could really learn a lesson, both from what they used to do and what Nike has failed to do. It’s a huge opportunity. AND, if they play the jersey game right, players may be more interested in hopping on their sneaker game as well.

The Verdict

Was the 1996 NBA All-Star Game the Best Collection of Sneakers On Court  Ever? - SneakerNews.com
Reebok’s Kamikaze sneakers ruled the NBA for a number of years, and are making a comeback.

If Baron Davis and Master P play this right, it could be absolutely huge for the sneaker world. New Balance has recently begun to make a play in NBA sponsorships, which shows that the world isn’t closed just to insiders. Although I have a soft spot for Big Baller Brand, I want to see other guys rocking fuzzy kicks like Trezz. Reebok kicks are awesome to look at, classic, and bring us back to a point in the NBA that we are constantly reminiscing about. Drop that $2.4B and lets make some shoes.

What do you think of Reebok making a comeback in the NBA sneaker game? Let me know on Twitter at @swalshy63 and check out my other great Belly Up Sports content!

About Author

Shannon Walsh

Growing up five minutes away from Gillette Stadium, I will bring my Boston sports passion to the grave with me. Now living in Washington, DC, I have a soft-spot for their messy sports act too.

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