Kobe’s Nike Deal Expiration

4.20.21

Kobe Bryant

The loss of Kobe Bryant, is still a sensitive subject. A true basketball legend, that many looked up to, for reasons on and off the basketball court. Loosing Kobe, GiGi and the others involved in the helicopter accident last January was a true tragedy. However, Kobe’s family, and those whom were close to them have been doing all that they can to continue to keep his legacy alive. While there is no doubt in mind that this will continue, it is a sad truth to find out that at this moment in time, the Nike and Kobe Bryant partnership contract, has expired with no renewal plans in process.

Kobe Bryant had signed with Nike back in 2003, and it is reported that his contract has expired as of April 13th, 2021. While Kobe had previously signed a five year extension after retiring from the NBA, the Bryant estate decided that would be the end to the contracting working with Nike. While this is for sure going to be devastating to those kids whom are growing up and only wearing Kobe’s basketball sneakers as they learn to play the game themselves, it also seems like the kids are the primary reason that Vanessa Bryant was not keen on the terms in Nike’s Contract Renewal.

In a statement shared on Instagram stories, here is what Vanessa Bryant had to say on the announcement of the contract expiration.

"Kobe's Nike contract expired on 4/3/21. Kobe and Nike have made some of the most beautiful basketball shoes of all time, worn and adored by fans and athletes in all sports across the globe. It seems fitting that more NBA players wear my husband's product than any other signature shoe. My hope will always be to allow Kobe's fans to get and wear his products. I will continue to fight for that. Kobe's products sell out in seconds. That says everything. I was hoping to forge a lifelong partnership with Nike that reflects my husband's legacy. We will always do everything we can to honor Kobe and Gigi's legacies. That will never change."

This past Christmas when Nike released the Kobe 6 Grinch sneakers, Vanessa Bryant realized how quickly the product sold out, mainly to bots, and was upset that Kobe’s true fans were unable to purchase the shoes for themselves. She made a point then to ensure that his product would be more accessible. It appears in this statement, that she wanted a life long contract with product more easily accessible to Kobe’s true fans. Additionally, it is said that there was some disappointment that children and female did not have the same access to the footwear due to sizing.

Nike has stated they are working on the bot issue for years, but it does not seem like something they’ve been able to get around quite yet. However, there are things they could have done to meet the Bryant estate halfway. Putting in for higher production, creating inclusive singings, etc. I think it would have made plenty of sense for Nike to do a life term contract for the Bryant family, as has already been issued for Lebron James and Michael Jordan. A part of me wonders if this had not gone through due to Kobe’s previous relationship with Adidas.

Now that the Nike contract is over, the Bryant Estate is allowed to hear out contracts from other brands. If Adidas is open to recreating past silhouettes on a mass scale, and perhaps getting GiGi her own sneakers, I see this coming back around, for sure. Everyone loves a retro re-release, especially for their heroes.