• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Joel Embiid Will Reportedly Become Skechers’ First NBA Athlete

  • The reigning NBA MVP is reportedly finalizing a deal to endorse Skechers as the first athlete in its new basketball division.
  • Non-traditional companies in the pro sports space continue to attract high-profile stars to their brands.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid smiles during a time out against the New Orleans Pelicans in the first half at Smoothie King Center.
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Non-traditional players in the sneaker and apparel space continue to attract big-name sports stars to their brands.

Philadelphia 76ers center and reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid is reportedly finalizing a deal to endorse Skechers as the first athlete in its new basketball division, per The Athletic

Embiid tested out Skechers basketball shoes with brand representatives on hand to take feedback at 76ers practice on Wednesday. He will reportedly start wearing Skechers sneakers in NBA games once a deal is finalized.

The 29-year-old was initially signed on with Under Armour, who first released a signature shoe for Embiid in September 2020.

According to The Athletic, New York Knicks forward Julius Randle and Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann are also expected to sign with Skechers.

The California-based company has long been known for its muted but comfortable designs in the consumer sneaker market, but has begun to make inroads in professional sports.

In August, Skechers announced it had signed a lifetime endorsement deal with English soccer star Harry Kane. The company also works with golf major champion Matt Fitzpatrick.

It’s been quite the resurgence for companies not historically known to endorse high-profile athletes. 

In the last week, Reebok announced it had brought on Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson as the president and vice president, respectively, of basketball for the company. O’Neal’s first move as president was signing LSU women’s basketball star Angel Reese to an NIL deal.

In January, New Balance signed Japanese baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani to its sneakily impressive roster of endorsers that includes Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard and tennis major champion Coco Gauff.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mar 5, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the NBA logo and NBA app logo and basketballs in front of the base during warms up before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Suns at the American Airlines Center.

NBA Will Take Over League Pass After WBD Divorce

The league now has full operational control of those media assets.
Dec 23, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the NBA logo and Portland Trail Blazers logo before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Trail Blazers at the American Airlines Center.

NBA Reopens Doors in China—and Eyes the WNBA Next

The Mavericks and Rockets are set to play games in Macao next year.
Sep 29, 2025; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) poses during media day at Intuit Dome
opinion

Clippers’ Aspiration Fiasco Recalls Another Doomed NBA Sponsorship

The Kawhi controversy has shades of the still-recent FTX scandal.

Featured Today

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Louisville’s Miller Moss and several of his teammates stopped by Olympus Gaming Lounge to play EA Sports College Football 26 with fans for a meet and greet. July 11, 2025

Saudis, Silver Lake, Jared Kushner Take EA Private in $55B Deal

Electronic Arts makes “Madden,” “EA Sports College Football,” and more.
Apr 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) before game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.
June 25, 2025

Rockets Get $20 Million in Wiggle Room From New VanVleet Deal

VanVleet first signed with the Rockets in 2023.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
June 24, 2025

Timberwolves’ 4-Year Ownership Saga Ends As A-Rod, Lore Take Over

The unanimous approval brought a clean end to a long-disputed transaction.
April 20, 2025

Max Verstappen Linked to $300M Aston Martin Deal Ahead of Miami GP

Aston Martin is currently seventh in the constructors championship.
March 27, 2025

Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions Gets PE Boost

The Hall of Famer’s company gains another prominent backer.
March 20, 2025

High School Sports Power Signs Eight-Figure Rights Deal in First

The deal pays roughly $1 million annually, FOS has learned.