Vanessa Bryant Confirms Nike-Kobe Partnership Will Continue

With the devastating news of Kobe Bryant’s untimely death in early 2020, fans looked in every direction they could to keep the Mamba Mentality alive. For us, we naturally leaned on Kobe’s signature sneaker line — as did a lot of the NBA’s elite players who embody the relentless spirit of the late Kobe Bryant. Releases became impossible to cop, and as a final heartbreak, the contract between the Kobe Bryant estate and Nike came to an end.

Vanessa Bryant was clear in her intentions; to make Kobe products available for everyone who desires it, as well as their unwillingness to offer a lifetime deal to Kobe. Nike seemingly had other plans, and talks fell through. For almost a year, the Nike Kobe line was on hiatus, leaving fans wondering if we’d ever see Kobe’s Nike product again.

But now, in a positive twist of fate, the two parties have come to an agreement that will see the continuation of the Nike Kobe lineage.

Kobe Bryant // Nike Kobe AD

Earlier this week, Vanessa Bryant officially announced that the Kobe Bryant estate and Nike would be continuing their partnership. She confirms that Nike will be “donating 100% of the net proceeds yearly for Gianna’s shoes to our Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation (M&MSF)” which we presume to be the aforementioned Kobe 6 “Mambacita” inspired by Gigi Bryant’s team.

Though the full details of the rejuvenated partnership have not been disclosed, Vanessa Bryant did offer some insight into how the future of Nike Kobe will look:

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 remain 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 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 (M&MSF). I am also grateful that Nike and I will work together to establish a youth basketball center in Southern California that will share the Mamba Mentality with youth athletes for generations to come. I know this is an inspiring moment for my husband and daughter’s global fans, and I am very appreciative of each and every one of you! With Gratitude for every fan around the world supporting Kobe and Gigis Legacy, – Vanessa Bryant

Nike CEO Jon Donahue also released a statement as part of Nike’s official press release:

“Kobe Bryant means so much to so many of us, not just NBA fans but globally beyond the game…His impact in growing the sport, particularly encouraging women and young people to pick it up, endures as one of his deepest, lasting legacies. Together with Vanessa, we hope to honor Kobe and Gigi by championing a new generation for many years to come.”