Brownstone Worldwide Exclusive: Nike Set to Relaunch Kobe Bryant’s Shoe Brand
In a highly anticipated move, Nike has announced the relaunch of the Kobe line of shoes, scheduled to hit the market on August 24th, 2023. The news was revealed by Nike’s CEO, John Donahue, during an earnings call, as reported by TMZ Sports. This date holds special significance for the sneaker community, as it represents “Kobe Day,” commemorating the legendary late basketball player Kobe Bryant, who wore the numbers 8 and 24 during his illustrious career.
Nike had enjoyed a successful partnership with Bryant, but the deal had expired in 2021, and negotiations for a new agreement with his widow, Vanessa Bryant, did not reach a resolution before its expiration. However, in March 2022, Vanessa Bryant made a statement expressing her excitement about continuing the partnership with Nike. She stated, “We’re excited to announce our partnership with Nike is going to continue! 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 remains so desired by his fans around the world. With this new partnership, fans will soon be able to have access to Kobe and Gigi Nike products for years to come, and with Nike donating 100 percent of the net proceeds yearly for Gianna’s shoes to our Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.”
The tragic loss of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna “Gigi” Bryant, in a plane crash in January 2020 left a void in the basketball community. The Kobe line of Nike shoes, as highlighted by Mrs. Bryant, continues to be a popular choice among players due to their comfort and innovative design. Notably, forward PJ Tucker of the Philadelphia 76ers has been at the forefront of promoting the Kobe Brand, captivating the internet with his player edition versions of Kobe shoes and ensuring the brand’s prominence among shoe enthusiasts.
Darryl Glover, a dedicated shoe collector, has observed the impact of Kobe Bryant’s passing on the shoe market. He explained to Footwear News, “Prior to 2020, I could generally get my hands on every Kobe release. Now, it has been nearly impossible… With the help of family and friends, I have been able to get my hands on a few pairs, but without them, I would have been unsuccessful.” Additionally, Nike’s past distribution strategy, which limited the availability of Kobe shoes to create scarcity and drive up their value, has been met with criticism from the Bryant family.
On the other hand, collector Matt Powell offers a different perspective on the shoe announcement, suggesting that Nike’s move may be driven by a desire to boost sales. Powell also warns that flooding the market with a large number of units could have negative consequences, stating, “It’s exactly the wrong thing to do here in terms of sustainable long-term business… If they kept the quantities relatively tight, I think it would keep consumer interest up, it would help support the resale market, and this shoe could go on for a while. If they put a lot of pairs in the market, if the kid isn’t going to be able to get the multiple on the resale price, I think interest will wane very quickly.”
As the relaunch of Kobe Bryant’s shoe brand approaches, sneaker enthusiasts and fans worldwide eagerly await the opportunity to pay tribute to the basketball legend by owning a piece of his iconic footwear. Nike’s decision to continue honoring Kobe’s legacy through this relaunch will undoubtedly reignite the passion and devotion of fans who have eagerly awaited the return of his celebrated shoe line.
