After choosing not to renew her family’s relationship with Nike last spring, Vanessa Bryant announced Thursday that a new deal has been reached with the company to honor Kobe and Gigi.
Nearly one year ago, Kobe Bryant‘s estate ended its official partnership with Nike, a pact that had stood since 2003. What followed was a series of moves led by family matriarch Vanessa Bryant to honor late husband Kobe and late daughter Gianna with a new “Mamba brand” ranging from footwear and apparel to wine and Web3.
But in a surprising turn of events made public Thursday, the Mamba and the Mambacita reunited with the Swoosh.
As Mrs. Bryant wrote in an Instagram post:
“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 remain so desired by his fans around the world. With this new partnership, fans will soon be able to have access to Kobe and Gigi Nike product 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 (M&MSF).”
It’s a major moment for not just the Kobe Bryant brand, but that of his family. The renewed Nike deal notably includes a shoe and associated product line dedicated to Gianna, who was herself a rising hooper before her life was tragically cut short.
As Vanessa Bryant continued:
“I am also grateful that Nike and I will work together to establish a youth basketball center in Southern California that will share the Mamba Mentality with youth athletes for generations to come. I know this is an inspiring moment for my husband and daughter’s global fans, and I am very appreciative of each and every one of you!
With Gratitude for every fan around the world supporting Kobe and Gigis Legacy,
Vanessa Bryant“
If you needed more evidence that the legacy of Kobe and Gigi lives forever, you have it.
And with that, a new era for the Black Mamba and the Mambacita’s legacy begins.
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