Did Kobe Bryant want to leave Nike?

By Jordan Samar March 01, 2024 08:24

Kobe Bryant, the five-time NBA champion, was reportedly planning a significant departure from his long-standing relationship with Nike to initiate his player-owned shoe brand, "Mamba." This revolutionary move was aimed at providing athletes with autonomy over their personal brand, which would have been a groundbreaking concept in the sneaker industry.

Dissatisfaction with Nike

It was revealed by American venture capitalist Shervin Pishevar, a co-founder of Sherpa Capital, that Bryant was dissatisfied with Nike's marketing and promotion commitment, as well as the company's handling of his signature line following his retirement. Pishevar's tweets indicated that Bryant blamed Nike for the underwhelming sales of his shoes and wanted to retain tight control due to his lack of trust in Nike's design judgment.

The "Mamba" Legacy

The "Mamba" brand, intended to be a player-owned sneaker brand, was envisioned as an ideal exit strategy for Bryant, granting him and other athletes the opportunity to control their likeness and brand. Shervin Pishevar even presented Bryant with mock-up sneakers designed by his team to illustrate the potential of "Mamba" before his untimely death.

The Impact of Bryant's Departure on Nike

The news of Bryant's potential departure from Nike has raised questions about the future of his Nike shoes and the impact on collectors and the sneaker community. Vanessa Bryant, Kobe's widow, expressed her desire to honor Kobe's legacy, indicating that the estate would consider various options, including starting a new shoe brand or partnering with a different company.

Nike's Handling of Bryant's Legacy

Concerns arose regarding Nike's limited release of new Kobe sneakers after his passing, which led to increased demand, especially among resellers. Vanessa Bryant expressed her frustration with the availability of Kobe's shoes and hinted at working with Nike to address these issues, but no substantial resolution seemed to materialize.

The Future of Nike x Kobe Shoes

The failure to renew the contract between Nike and the Bryant estate suggests that the manufacturing of all Kobe-related shoes and apparel will come to a halt. This development has left NBA players and sneaker enthusiasts contemplating the future availability of Kobe shoes and its impact on the sneaker community.

Speculation on Future Collaborations

While the split between Kobe and Nike may not be permanent, there is speculation that Eric Avar, Kobe's collaborator at Nike, might continue the legacy of the late player's sneaker line. However, it is noted that it would be challenging to envision a Kobe Bryant sneaker line without his direct input due to his meticulous attention to detail.

Kobe Bryant's intention to leave Nike to establish "Mamba," a player-owned shoe brand, signified a potential shift in the sneaker industry. His dissatisfaction with Nike's marketing and promotion commitment, along with the desire for greater control over his brand, drove him to pursue this innovative venture. The impact of his departure from Nike and the future of his iconic sneaker line remain topics of great interest and speculation within the sports and sneaker communities.

This exploration of Kobe Bryant's desire to leave Nike sheds light on the complexities of athlete-brand relationships and the potential for groundbreaking change in the sneaker industry. Despite the tragic end to Bryant's plans, the legacy of "Mamba" and its impact on the industry continue to be subjects of reflection and discussion