Kobe Bryant’s family has reached a new agreement with Nike, and the company will donate proceeds from the sale of Kobe-branded products to his foundation.
Kobe-Nike Agreement
The agreement comes after months of negotiations between Nike and the Bryant family, who had been critical of Nike’s handling of Kobe’s estate since his death in January.
Under the terms of the new agreement, Nike will create a fund within Kobe’s foundation to support youth sports programs. The fund will be seeded with $5 million from Nike, and additional donations will be made each year based on sales of Kobe-branded products.
“This is a proud moment for our family,” said Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow. “Kobe loved working with Nike, and this partnership will allow his legacy to live on in the form of support for youth sports programs.”
“Kobe was one of the most iconic athletes of our generation,” said Nike president John Donahoe. “We’re honored to continue our partnership with his family and help carry on his legacy.”
Vanessa’s Disagreement with Nike
The agreement is a significant victory for the Bryant family, who had been at odds with Nike since Kobe’s death. In the wake of his death, Vanessa Bryant expressed her frustration with Nike’s decision to keep selling Kobe-branded merchandise, saying that she felt “disrespected” by the company.
However, Nike is a major sponsor of the NBA, and it was clear that they were not going to give up on their relationship with the Bryant family. The new agreement is a win-win for both parties, and will help to keep Kobe’s legacy alive.
“Kobe’s legacy will live forever, and this partnership further demonstrates Nike’s commitment to honoring Kobe and his family,” Vanessa said in a statement.
The new agreement comes as Nike is facing criticism for its handling of another one of its star athletes, Colin Kaepernick. Nike decided not to renew Kaepernick’s contract last year after he kneeled during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice.
MAMBACITA
Vanessa Bryant has also launched a new clothing line called “MAMBACITA” in honor of her late daughter, Gianna. The line includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats, all emblazoned with Gianna’s nickname and the number two, which she wore on her basketball jersey.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of MAMBACITA products will go to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.
“It is our hope that the MAMBACITA line will keep Gianna’s legacy alive as we continue to work towards our goal of providing opportunities for young girls to participate in sports,” said Vanessa Bryant in a statement.
You can learn more about the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, or donate to the foundation, by visiting their website.
The Mamba
Kobe Bryant was one of Nike’s most popular athletes, and his death in January 2020 at the age of 41 sent shockwaves around the world. Nike released a special edition of Bryant’s shoes, the Kobe 5 Protro, earlier this year. The shoes sold out within minutes.
