Save up to 50% on new deals from 40 Boxes!

Open menu

  • Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2023 ABC News
  • Style

Vanessa Bryant, Kobe Bryant estate end 18-year partnership with Nike

VIDEO: Kobe Bryant's off-the-court legacy
3:48
Kobe Bryant's off-the-court legacy
ABCNews.com
ByJacqueline Laurean Yates
April 20, 2021, 6:05 pm

After 18 years, Kobe Bryant's long-held partnership with Nike has come to an end.

Vanessa Bryant, the late basketball star's widow, and the Kobe Bryant estate confirmed on Monday that the contract would not be renewed after his five-year, post-retirement contract ended April 13.

"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," Vanessa Bryant told ESPN. "It seems fitting that more NBA players wear my husband's product than any other signature shoe."

The Los Angeles Lakers legend first signed with the global athletic brand in 2003 after previously being partnered with Adidas under a six-year contract.

Editor’s Picks

What is slow fashion? Movement toward more sustainable style is expanding

  • Apr 19, 2021

Nike's new refurbished sneaker program gives new life to old shoes

  • Apr 19, 2021

Vanessa Bryant honors late daughter Gianna with new 'Mambacita' tattoo

  • Mar 25, 2021

Together, Bryant and Nike released 11 signature shoes, such as Zoom Huarache 2K4, Hyperdunk and Kobe 4s.

PHOTO: NBA superstar Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers holds his T-shirt during a clinic Friday, July 24, 2009, in Hong Kong.
NBA superstar Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers holds his T-shirt during a clinic Friday, July 24, 2009, in Hong Kong.
Vincent Yu/AP, FILE

"Kobe Bryant was an important part of Nike's deep connection to consumers," Nike shared with "GMA" in a statement. "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."

MORE: Vanessa Bryant honors late daughter Gianna with new 'Mambacita' tattoo

Vanessa Bryant expressed her hope is to allow Kobe's fans to always have access to his products.

"I will continue to fight for that. Kobe's products sell out in seconds. That says everything," she said.

"I was hoping to forge a lifelong partnership with Nike that reflects my husband's legacy," she continued. "We will always do everything we can to honor Kobe and Gigi's legacies. That will never change."

Related Topics
  • Kobe Bryant

Editor’s Picks

What is slow fashion? Movement toward more sustainable style is expanding

  • Apr 19, 2021

Nike's new refurbished sneaker program gives new life to old shoes

  • Apr 19, 2021

Vanessa Bryant honors late daughter Gianna with new 'Mambacita' tattoo

  • Mar 25, 2021
Up Next in Style—

Best matching holiday family pajamas from Hanna Andersson, Kohl's and more

September 29, 2023

'Tube Girl' Sabrina Bahsoon takes confidence to the next level

September 28, 2023

'Grab your big scarf': Lenny Kravitz makes clever TikTok debut

September 25, 2023

Natalia Bryant makes her runway debut during Milan Fashion Week

September 25, 2023

Up Next in Style—

Best matching holiday family pajamas from Hanna Andersson, Kohl's and more

September 29, 2023

'Tube Girl' Sabrina Bahsoon takes confidence to the next level

September 28, 2023

'Grab your big scarf': Lenny Kravitz makes clever TikTok debut

September 25, 2023

Natalia Bryant makes her runway debut during Milan Fashion Week

September 25, 2023

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2023 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2023 ABC News