From LeBron to LaMelo, 26 players will sport their own signature shoes in 2023-24 — more than ever before. Boardroom has you covered with the full list.
Receiving signature shoes is every basketball player’s “dream come true” endorsement deal. More than ever, this current NBA season is seeing more namesake silhouettes hitting the hardwood.
In all, 26 players will lace up their own signature shoe during the 2023-24 campaign, a record by my count across league history. That tally is also totaled across a wider net of brands than usual, with 10 companies from around the globe in the fold.
For the past handful of seasons, I’ve noticed that signature shoes aren’t headlined by just the athletes who have one, either. The impact and brand visibility extend well beyond the superstar player.
Over 65% of NBA players actually wear a signature-branded shoe, as we’re seeing dozens of dudes lace up the KD 15 and 16s or the LeBron 20. It’s not just Nike either – many Adidas athletes have been rockin’ the Harden 7; Puma players have opted for LaMelo Ball or Breanna Stewart’s signature models; and the Lukas have been popular among Jordan athletes.
This season also represents a bit of a changing of the guard and shuffling of the deck in the marketplace. There are signature newcomers now in the mix, like Devin Booker, Austin Reaves, Anthony Edwards, and rookie Scoot Henderson.
Then there are future Hall of Famers in Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Derrick Rose. They may not have continuing numbered signature models but are still each featured faces of their respective Jordan, Nike, and Adidas partnerships, wearing past signature or takedown models with their own signature logos.
Meanwhile, reigning MVP Joel Embiid, currently a sneaker free agent, has also continued to wear his Under Armour Embiid 1 signature shoe that was initially created for and released during the 2020-21 season as he looks to land his next deal.
In all, the signature formula is here to stay as brands look for a featured endorser that can not only headline their own silhouette but also represent their company’s newest innovations, design concepts, and campaigns on a global level.
Nike
LeBron James
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Kevin Durant
Ja Morant
Devin Booker
Jordan Brand
Luka Dončić
Jayson Tatum
Zion Williamson
Adidas
James Harden
Damian Lillard
Donovan Mitchell
Trae Young
Anthony Edwards
Puma
LaMelo Ball
Scoot Henderson
New Balance
Curry Brand
ANTA
Klay Thompson
Gordon Hayward
Kyrie Irving