Nike announces summer return of Kobe Bryant's signature shoe line
Kobe Bryant's Nike shoe line will be re-established this summer, per the athletic company's CEO on a recent business call.
John Donahoe spoke to investors during Nike's Q4 - FY23 conference call on Thursday and gave an update on the brand's economic status with the 20th anniversary of LeBron James' sneaker line and the success of Sabrina Ionescu's signature shoe, saying, "Nike defines basketball."
The Black Mamba's legacy is a key part of the brand's plans for the rest of the year.
“It’s going to be an exciting summer, as we set the stage to relaunch the Kobe brand in advance of Kobe Day on 8/24,” he said, acknowledging the day that shares Bryant's jersey numbers, 8 and 24.
Donahoe did not give any more details on if Nike will be releasing new models or rereleasing original styles of the Hall of Famer's popular sneakers.
Vanessa Bryant, Kobe's widow, previously announced the relaunch of the NBA superstar's signature shoe line in March 2022. The partnership will also include products dedicated to their daughter Gigi who died with her father in a helicopter crash in January 2020.
"I am so proud that my husband's shoes are still the most worn by players on NBA courts and that the demand for his shoes remain so desired by his fans around the world," Vanessa said. "With this new partnership, fans will soon be able to have access to Kobe and Gigi Nike product for years to come and with Nike donating 100% of the net proceeds yearly for Gianna’s shoes to our Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation."
Bryant's contract with Nike expired in April 2021. The company and Vanessa had a strained relationship after Bryant's death, especially as it seemingly released the Nike Kobe 6 Protro "Mambacita" sneakers without her permission.
Vanessa gifted the LSU women's basketball team with a pair of Nike Kobe 6 "Grinch" sneakers for its Elite Eight matchup en route to a national championship victory.
This spring, Nike released the Kobe 4 Protro 'Mambacita' shoes in honor of Gigi's 17th birthday with Vanessa's support.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nike announces summer return of Kobe Bryant's signature shoe line
