Nike
After 18 years of a successful partnership with Nike, the Kobe Bryant estate has decided to not renew a contract with the swoosh. Kobe’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, has confirmed to ESPN footwear journalist Nick DePaula, that the Kobe Bryant Nike partnership is indeed over.
Apparently there was a disagreement over a lifetime contract type of deal. Vanessa was pushing for a lifetime deal similar to that of Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Nike was simply offering an extension contract.
Vanessa said in regards to the end of the Nike partnership:
“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.”
Nike had the following to say in a statement to ESPN:
“Kobe Bryant was an important part of Nike’s deep connection to consumers…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.”
Kobe’s Nike contract expired April 13, 2021. The Kobe Bryant estate can now sign a new partnership deal with another brand moving forward.
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