Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Vanessa Bryant Launches Gigi-Inspired Brand

  • Vanessa Bryant announced the launch of Mambacita.
  • The clothing line has a release date dear to her heart.
Vanessa Bryant/Design: Alex Brooks

Vanessa Bryant announced the launch of Mambacita, a clothing line with a release date dear to her heart. 

The collection honors the memory of her late daughter Gianna and goes live on May 1 — what would’ve been Gigi’s 15th birthday. Bryant posted a preview of the new line modeled by her and her daughters Natalia and Capri on Instagram.

All of the proceeds will go to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.  

The Mambacita apparel launch comes after Vanessa Bryant and Kobe’s estate failed to reach an agreement on a new contract with Nike, ending an 18-year relationship with the company. 

The split with Nike was no surprise:

  • Bryant’s estate filed 13 trademarks since May 2020 for shoe and clothing brands.
  • Kobe and his estate were unhappy with the limited availability of his Nike products.
  • Venture capitalist Shervin Pishevar said that he met with Kobe in 2019 to discuss starting his own shoe company called “‘Mamba.”

However, Vanessa has confirmed there are still two final Nike releases on the way.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Reports Reignite Talk of Saudi PIF’s LIV Golf Exit

The Saudi PIF will not fund LIV after the 2026 season.
Nov 15, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; The BYU Cougars offense lines up against the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs defense during the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

Big 12 Presidents Approve Deal With RedBird Capital

“We’ve got a strong bench now,” Brett Yormark told FOS about the deal.

NFL Draft Viewership Falls 12%, Averages 6.6M Over Three Days

Coverage across all networks averaged 6.6. million viewers.
Kalshi's logo is displayed on a smartphone placed on a reflective surface onto which a betting curve is projected in Creteil, France, on March 9, 2026, during a major scandal and a $54 million lawsuit concerning bets related to recent strikes in Iran. (Photo by Samuel Boivin/NurPhoto)NO USE FRANCE

CFTC: ‘Biggest Issue Is Manipulation’ in Sports Event Contracts

Michael Selig says his agency is in talks with “all the major sports leagues.”

Featured Today

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
blake griffin
April 14, 2026

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
April 26, 2026

Adidas Runners Break 2-Hour Barrier, Earn Nod From Nike

The milestone long thought unapproachable in competition is achieved twice.
Adidas
April 27, 2026

Adidas Record Marathon Shoe Sold Out, Then Hit $3K on Resale Market

Resale listings for the high-profile shoe start at nearly $1,700 a pair.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
April 21, 2026

Kelsey Plum Latest Star Endorser to Leave Under Armour

Plum wore Adidas at Unrivaled. 
April 20, 2026

Nike Competitors Pounce On Boston Marathon Ad Stumble

The company took down a display that read “Runners Welcome. Walkers Tolerated.”
Masters Gnome
April 13, 2026

Masters Gnome Sells for Record $28K As Collectible’s Future in Doubt

An original 2016 edition of the Masters gnome was just auctioned off.
Apr 10, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jason Day plays his shot from the fifth tee during the first round of the Masters Tournament
April 3, 2026

How Golf Apparel Companies Pull Off Unauthorized Masters Merch

The Masters doesn’t officially partner with most apparel companies.