Kobe Bryant’s Nike Deal is Over
Kobe Bryant is not only one of the greatest basketball players of all time, but he’s also one of the most legendary athletes to ever grace us with his extraordinary talent. Unfortunately on January 26, 2020, many hearts were crushed when Kobe passed away in a helicopter crash. After Kobe died, the demand for his sneakers seemed to increase overnight, and all Kobe sneakers with Nike began to skyrocket in price.
Also, the Kobe sneaker releases after his passing have had a lot more hype around them than ever before. Nike has even been giving Kobe fans a chance to grab some of his most iconic sneakers. The most notable re-release Nike has come out with is the Kobe 6 'Grinch'. Nike dropped the Kobe 6 'Grinch' on Christmas Eve of 2020. Kobe Bryant’s last game took place on April 13, 2016. Five years later, Nike did another restock for the Kobe 6 'Grinch'.
via Sneaker Files
Just a few days later on April 19, Brendan Dunne from Complex broke the news that Kobe’s Nike deal is over. A few hours later Nike would confirm the news in a statement saying, "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."
via Venessa Bryant’s Instagram
Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, has been representing the Kobe brand since his passing. She came out with a statement as well.
"Kobe's Nike contract expired on 4/13/21. Kobe and Nike have made some of the most beautiful basketball shoes of all time, worn and adored by fans and athletes in all sports across the globe. It seems fitting that more NBA players wear my husband's product than any other signature shoe."
This was huge news in the sneaker world. Kobe Bryant has been a part of Nike for more than a decade. No one saw this coming. That same night when the news broke, Kobe’s shoes would once again see another giant price increase. Going up as much as the day the Kobe 6 'Grinch' were selling the range of $450 to about $500. By the next morning, those shoes were going for about $700. Kobe’s shoes are still going up in price, probably best to buy now if you want to own a pair of his sneakers.
Later in the week, Vanessa Bryant did confirm that Nike will be dropping two more Kobe shoes. After these shoes drop, the rumors swirling around the internet are that Vanessa will be starting her own Kobe brand. Before Kobe’s passing, it was rumored that he was not going to renew his deal with Nike and start his own brand. It looks like Vanessa is trying to do what Kobe wanted. Vanessa has recently filed for a few trademarks that nearly confirm the news. Time will tell to see if this actually does happen, but that is the current expectation.