Kobe Bryant was one of the biggest draws for Nike when they signed him on a deal. They came out with various gears and even sneakers under the ‘Mamba’ name. However, after his unfortunate death in January 2020, his wife Vanessa Bryant parted ways with the brand. But it seems after a few controversial events, Bryant and Nike are making their way back together. Recently, Vanessa announced that Kobe Estate and Nike will continue their partnership.
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Back in 2021, Vanessa couldn’t believe her eyes as she saw Nike releasing a sneaker without her permission. The sneaker giants released a shoe under the name Nike Zoom Kobe 6 Proto “Mamba Forever”. While fans loved the shoe, Vanesa was left furious. She took to her Instagram to clear out that Nike did not have permission to release the show. In addition, the sneaker was honoring her late daughter Gianna and was to be called ‘Mambacita’. She further said all proceeds from the shoe sale were supposed to go to the Mamba and Mambacita sports foundation.
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Lakers guard Kobe Bryant receives the NBA Most Valuable Player trophy from comissioner David Stern prior to game two of the Western Conference semifinal at Staples Center. (Photo by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Now, it seems Nike has come to their senses and will make the amends for their wrong. Moreover, the Kobe Bryant brand will also have a continued partnership with them. This left fans ecstatic.
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Kobe Bryant and Nike reunite
NBA insider Shams Charania dropped a bombshell on Twitter when he revealed the big news. He said Nike and the Kobe Bryant Estate have agreed to continue their partnership and Vanessa proclaimed it as well. He further stated that Nike will donate all the proceeds from the ‘Mambacita’ sneaker sale to the Mamba and Mambacita sports foundation, just like Vanessa intended it to be. This left fans speechless as they took to Twitter to react to the big news.
However, Nike isn’t just coming up with donations. The two parties will also come together and establish a youth basketball center in Southern California for the future generation to come.
Now drop these mf prices @stockx and @goatapp 😂🤣
Kobe Bryant Estate and Nike have reached deal to continue a partnership, Vanessa Bryant announces. Nike is donating 100 percent of net proceeds of Gianna Bryant’s shoes to Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation – and sides will establish a youth basketball center in Southern Cali.
Only right #MambaForever #MambaMentality
Kobe Bryant Estate and Nike have reached deal to continue a partnership, Vanessa Bryant announces. Nike is donating 100 percent of net proceeds of Gianna Bryant’s shoes to Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation – and sides will establish a youth basketball center in Southern Cali.
Love it. @Nike #MambaForever
Kobe Bryant Estate and Nike have reached deal to continue a partnership, Vanessa Bryant announces. Nike is donating 100 percent of net proceeds of Gianna Bryant’s shoes to Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation – and sides will establish a youth basketball center in Southern Cali.
Happy to see this 🙏@kobebryant #MambaForever #Mambacita @nikebasketball
Kobe Bryant Estate and Nike have reached deal to continue a partnership, Vanessa Bryant announces. Nike is donating 100 percent of net proceeds of Gianna Bryant’s shoes to Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation – and sides will establish a youth basketball center in Southern Cali.
Kobe Forever #KB824
Kobe Bryant Estate and Nike have reached deal to continue a partnership, Vanessa Bryant announces. Nike is donating 100 percent of net proceeds of Gianna Bryant’s shoes to Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation – and sides will establish a youth basketball center in Southern Cali.
The Kobe show culture is big in the NBA world and in the sneaker market. After it came to the surface that Nike will stop production of Kobe shoes, the sneaker price took an extreme hike on the resale market. In addition, even NBA players found it difficult to get their hands on some Kobe’s as they wanted to honor the late great. However, with the continued deal coming through, the entire perspective is about to change.
Despite the stoppage of production, Kobe 5 and 6 were are the most worn shoe in the NBA this season. Players such as DeMar DeRozan can now breathe a sigh of relief as the big news hit the world. With the new partnership, products under Gianna’s brand will also be making the rounds really soon. Are you excited to see the new Kobe stuff that will hit the market? Let us know in the comments below.