Vanessa Bryant announced that her late husband, Kobe Bryant’s, contract with Nike has expired and she would not be renewing it.
Vanessa spoke out about her decision via her Instagram story, “Kobe’s Nike contract expired on 4/13/21,” Vanessa posted. “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,’ her post continued. “It seems fitting that more NBA players wear my husband’s product than any other signature shoe. My hope will always be to allow Kobe’s fans to get and wear his products.”
“I will continue to fight for that. Kobe’s products sell out in seconds. That says everything. I was hoping to forge a lifelong partnership with Nike that reflects my husband’s legacy. We will always do everything we can to honor Kobe and Gigi’s legacies. That will never change,” the post concluded.
Nike also issued a statement announcing the ending of the partnership. “Kobe Bryant was an important part of Nike’s deep connection to consumers. 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,” the statement said.
Kobe Bryant passed away at 41, in January 2020. May and his daughter continue to rest peacefully.