• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Kobe, Nike Split After 18 Years

  • Nike’s contract with Kobe Bryant’s estate has expired.
  • The Swoosh will release its final Kobe shoes later this year.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Nike and Kobe Bryant’s contractual relationship officially ended on April 13, exactly five years after his 60-point final game in 2016.

Bryant and his estate were unhappy with the limited availability of his Nike products after his retirement and death, per ESPN. Nike also reportedly did not offer the Bryant estate an expected “lifetime” deal. 

The split is an unusual one for Nike, which tends to stick with its most iconic athletes — Michael Jordan and LeBron James have “lifetime” deals. However, the Swoosh was unable to come to terms on a new agreement with Kobe’s estate.

“My hope will always be to allow Kobe’s fans to get and wear his products. I will continue to fight for that,” said Vanessa Bryant. “I was hoping to forge a lifelong partnership with Nike that reflects my husband’s legacy.”

Before his passing, Bryant met with a creative agency to discuss building his own “Mamba” brand after his deal with Nike expired

Bryant’s estate owns the Mamba logo, which appears on his shoes. The “Sheath” logo, which often appears on the shoes’ tongues, are co-owned by the estate and Nike.

“Kobe Bryant was an important part of Nike’s deep connection to consumers,” Nike announced in a statement. “Though our contractual relationship has ended, he remains a deeply loved member of the Nike family.”

Bryant had been with Nike since 2003, after signing a six-year deal with Adidas as a rookie.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Trump Push to End Quarterly Earnings Has Major Sports Ramifications

U.S. President Trump proposes moving to semi-annual reporting for public companies.
Sponsored

Trailblazer Cal Calamia Is Racing for ‘Advocacy, Storytelling, and Performance’

The marathoner wants excellence—not just inclusion—to be the goal for non-binary athletes.
Cooper Lutkenhaus

Running Prodigy Ditches High School and College for Nike at 16

Cooper Lutkenhaus is a contender at next month’s track world championships.
Puma headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany

Puma Up for Grabs As Largest Shareholder Considers Exit

Reports say the company could be up for sale. Experts aren’t surprised.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

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.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Bucks

Bucks Reportedly Discussed Giannis Deal With Knicks This Summer

Antetokounmpo’s future will be a major NBA storyline this year.
Caitlin Clark
October 3, 2025

Cathy Engelbert Denies Saying Caitlin Clark Should Be ‘Grateful’ For WNBA

“Obviously I did not make those comments.”
Napheesa Collier
October 5, 2025

WNBA Tensions Heat Up With Canceled Collier–Engelbert Meeting

The commissioner denied Collier’s version of events at a press conference Friday.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Caitlin Clark
exclusive
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Will Not Join Second Season of Unrivaled

The Fever star struggled with several injuries in her second WNBA season.
Caitlin Clark
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Backs Napheesa Collier in Fight With WNBA

Clark had her exit interview on Thursday after an injury-riddled season. 
Kuminga
October 1, 2025

With Kuminga Deal, Steve Kerr Now Warriors’ Biggest Looming Free Agent

Kuminga finally agreed to a new deal with the Warriors on Tuesday. 
LeBron James
September 30, 2025

LeBron, Giannis, Jokić All Weigh In on Contract Situations

James is on an expiring contract with the Lakers.