Photo Credit: Nike

Vanessa Bryant Didn’t Renew Kobe’s Nike Contract Due To Nike Limiting Availability Of Kobe Products

In 2003, Kobe Bryant signed his first contract with Nike, after spending the first seven years of his professional career in a partnership with Adidas.

Bryant’s final contract with Nike expires at the end of this month and will not be renewed by Kobe’s wife Vanessa, whose goal is to make Kobe products available to all of his fans.

According to a report by ESPN, frustrated grew due to Nike limiting the availability of Kobe products during his retirement and after his death.

Per ESPN:

“Kobe’s Nike contract expired on 4/13/21. 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. 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.”

Nike in the meantime also released a statement:

Statement from Nike: “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.” https://t.co/eK3mWJ0iNi

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 20, 2021