An impossible thought just a few days ago has become a reality as it was announced the Kobe x Nike relationship has expired with a new contract looking out of sight at the moment.
Yesterday some breaking news was reported and highlighted the sports and sneaker world. In an announcement via Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, the Kobe x Nike contract officially ended on April 13th, 2021 with the two being unable to reach a contract extension.
Kobe, originally an adidas athlete, signed with Nike in 2003 and has highlighted Nike’s basketball lineup ever since with his Protro series. “Kobe Bryant was an important part of Nike’s deep connection to consumers,” Nike said in a statement issued on Monday. “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.”
According to ESPN, it sounds like the contract extension was halted due to the availability of the hardwood sneakers. While we all know it has almostbeen impossible to score any Kobe Protro’s since the passing of Kobe, it seems like the Estate and Vanessa Bryant are irritated with the lack of increase of supply. Vanessa stated, “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.”
While it looks like the relationship between the Kobe estate and Nike are in rough waters, there’s still time to turn it around but with Kobe’s legacy and Vanessa Bryant wanting to preserve her husband’s image and name, it doesn’t seem to be a bidding war that brands can just throw money at, just a war to ensure the preservation Kobe’s name and the ability to allow his fans to enjoy and stay connected with the NBA star through his signature products. We’ll monitor the story closely, so stay tuned for more details.
