Vanessa Bryant has elected not to renew Kobe Bryant’s post-retirement endorsement extension with Nike.
The five-year extension expired on April 13th. Mrs. Bryant has elected to walk away from the partnership, with a source citing that the estate was frustrated with the way Nike was handling the release of Kobe’s signature sneaker. After Kobe’s untimely death in January 2020, the company looked to add a layer of exclusivity to the sneakers, making them harder for consumers to purchase. Additionally, the estate was not pleased with the shoes not being available in kid’s sizes.
Vanessa says that her husband and Nike have “made some of the most beautiful basketball shoes of all time” and says that more NBA players wear Kobe’s sneaker than any other signature footwear.
Nike reportedly offered an extension. However, that offer did not meet the expectations of an ongoing “lifetime” structure similar to contracts held by Michael Jordan and LeBron James, per ESPN.
Vanessa Bryant says that she will continue to fight for Kobe’s fans to receive his products, despite the severed partnership with Nike.
“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.”
