Nike is gearing up to relaunch Kobe Bryant‘s line with the Swoosh, the sportswear giant’s CEO announced to investors on Thursday … and fans won’t have to wait long, products are expected to drop before the end of August!
CEO John Donahue spoke on an earnings call this week, where he announced some seriously awesome news … “It’s going to be an exciting summer as we set the stage to relaunch the Kobe brand in advance of Kobe Day on 8.24,” JD said.
Donahue, nor Nike, expounded further, so specifics surrounding Kobe’s brand are still unclear.
A relaunch wasn’t always a foregone conclusion. The longtime partnership between Nike and Kobe/KB’s estate came to an end in April 2021 when a new contract could not be agreed upon.
Fast forward to March 2022 … when Vanessa Bryant announced the estate reached a new deal with Nike, restoring one of the most successful partnerships in shoewear history.
At the time, Vanessa said of the new agreement … “We’re excited to announce our partnership with Nike is going to continue! I am so proud that my husband’s shoes are still the most worn by players on NBA courts and that the demand for his shoes remains so desired by his fans around the world.”
Bryant continued … “With this new partnership, fans will soon be able to have access to Kobe and Gigi Nike products for years to come and with Nike donating 100% of the net proceeds yearly for Gianna’s shoes to our Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.”
Since the reunion, the releases from Nike have been sparse. There were Kobe 4 and 6’s released on a limited basis, but there haven’t been any major drops.
If you listen to Donahue, it sounds like it’s only a matter of time … Kobe Day (8/24) is just 55 days away.
FAQ
When will Nike relaunch Kobe Bryant’s brand?
Nike is planning to relaunch Kobe Bryant’s brand this summer. The products are expected to be released before the end of August.
What did Nike’s CEO announce about the relaunch?
CEO John Donahue announced the relaunch of Kobe Bryant’s brand during an earnings call. He mentioned that it will be an exciting summer and the stage will be set for the relaunch before Kobe Day on 8.24.
What is the status of the partnership between Nike and Kobe Bryant’s estate?
The partnership between Nike and Kobe Bryant’s estate came to an end in April 2021 when a new contract could not be agreed upon. However, in March 2022, Vanessa Bryant announced that a new deal had been reached, restoring the partnership.
What did Vanessa Bryant say about the partnership with Nike?
Vanessa Bryant expressed her excitement about the partnership with Nike continuing. She mentioned that she is proud that her husband’s shoes are still worn by players on NBA courts and are desired by fans around the world.
Will there be any donations associated with the Kobe and Gigi Nike products?
With the new partnership, Nike will donate 100% of the net proceeds yearly from Gianna’s shoes to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.
Conclusion
Nike is set to relaunch Kobe Bryant’s brand this summer, with products expected to be released before the end of August. The announcement was made by Nike’s CEO, John Donahue, during an earnings call. The specific details of the relaunch have not been disclosed yet. This comes after the previous partnership between Nike and Kobe Bryant’s estate came to an end in April 2021. However, in March 2022, Vanessa Bryant announced that a new deal had been reached, restoring the partnership. Vanessa expressed her pride in her husband’s shoes being the most worn by players on NBA courts and desired by fans worldwide. The new partnership also includes donations, with Nike donating 100% of the net proceeds yearly from Gianna’s shoes to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. As fans eagerly await the relaunch, it seems that Kobe Day on August 24th will be a significant date to mark on the calendar. Stay tuned for more details on the upcoming releases from the Kobe Bryant brand.