On Monday, the estate of Kobe Bryant and Nike officially parted ways. Bryant signed a five-year extension with Nike following his final NBA Basketball game in April of 2016. After passing in a helicopter crash with his daughter and their close friends and teammates just 15 months ago, it appears his estate has not re-negotiated a deal with The Swoosh.
At 6:36 AM today I received a text:
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) April 19, 2021
“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
It appears that Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, did not opt to renew. This doesn’t close the door on Bryant’s legacy and the Nike brand, but it certainly does open a new world of possibilities.
It bears mentioning that Vanessa Bryant was upset with the way Nike limited “Black Mamba” gear last summer for “Kobe Day.” Kobe day is August 24th (8/24, Kobe’s two numbers in the NBA), and Nike rolled out a series of retro’s, a special black jersey, and other gear to commemorate the fallen legend. Vanessa even tried to work with Nike to make the brands latest “protros” (modern PROfessional technology in reTRO shoes) more accessible for his fans. Despite the efforts, Bryant’s shoes sold out instantly all summer, fall, and winter.
What’s Next for Kobe Bryant and Nike?
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
When a shoe sells out, it doesn’t go away. Many people, after hoarding pairs and using bots to beat the apps, flipped them. Phony “entrepreneurs” were taking a $180 pair of Bryant shoes and selling them, online, for well over $500. This dramatically limited the type of people who could celebrate Kobe’s memory, especially fans of his from his adopted home of Los Angeles.
Skipping out on renegotiating does not mean Nike and the Bryant name are done, either.
The Bryant estate could open up a non-exclusive deal. Nike spent his first few seasons in the NBA as an Adidas athlete. His sponsorship fell through amidst allegations in 2003, which were settled out of court. Bryant wore Adidas sneakers in the dunk contest and throughout his first three championships, Nike in his MVP season and his latter two titles. Clearly, both brands represent the Black Mamba at different points in his career.
Once Bryant’s name was cleared, he first signed with Nike in 2004. Bryant has been Nike’s biggest basketball name ever since, even in mourning the late star. Someone has to pick up the torch and keep the memory alive… why couldn’t it be multiple brands? Whether he wore eight of 24, wore Adidas or Nike, he was a legend for what he did on the basketball court, and was primed to be greater for his contributions off of it.
Conceivably, Adidas and Nike could both keep the Bryant memory alive with a new, restructured, retro gear-based deal. Perhaps the Bryant Estate wants more control over the availability and sees this as a negotiating tactic.
Whatever the case may be, be sure to stay tuned into Belly Up Sports for the latest.
