Kobe Bryant’s family has agreed to a new partnership with Nike, the company and Bryant’s wife, Vanessa, both announced on Thursday. With the new agreement, Nike will continue to produce shoes and clothing from Bryant’s Zoom Kobe series. Bryant’s previous deal with Nike expired last year.
From Nike:
For many years Nike and Kobe Bryant worked together to inspire fans around the globe. With Nike, Bryant left a game-changing lineage of basketball shoes and embraced opportunities to spread his love of sport from Greater China to North America. More than two years after Bryant’s passing, his legacy, on and off the court, continues to resonate.
Today, Nike is pleased to announce a new chapter of collaborating with the Bryant family. In partnership with Vanessa Bryant, the collaboration will inspire a new generation of athletes and encourage youth participation in sport.
… As part of the new partnership, Vanessa and Nike will work together to establish a youth basketball center in Southern California and Nike and the Bryant family will continue to outfit the NBA and WNBA athletes who carry the legacy of the Mamba Mentality.
“We’re excited to announce our partnership with Nike is going to continue! I am so proud that my husband’s shoes are still the most worn by players on NBA courts and that the demand for his shoes remain so desired by his fans around the world,” Vanessa Bryant said in a statement on Instagram. “I know this is an inspiring moment for my husband and daughter’s global fans, and I am very appreciative of each and every one of you!”
Per Nike, the first pair of shoes from the new partnership, the Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita Sweet 16” will honor Gigi Bryant. All proceeds from the shoe will benefit the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.