Nike announces news about the Kobe Bryant brand – News Block

Nike made its fourth-quarter 2023 earnings call on Thursday, and CEO John Donahoe made an unexpected announcement: The Swoosh intends to relaunch Kobe Bryant’s signature line on Aug. Kobe”.

“It’s going to be an exciting summer as we set the stage to relaunch the Kobe brand ahead of Kobe Day on August 24,” Donahoe said, via TMZ.

This announcement comes after a tumultuous few years between Nike and Bryant.

Shortly after Kobe’s tragic death in January 2020, Bryant’s association with Nike expired. At the time, reports suggested that there were no immediate plans to rekindle the relationship. Then, after several releases and leaks, including the “Mambacita Sweet 16” Kobe Protro 6, which hit the internet in 2021, Bryant’s wife, Vanessa, vented her frustration.

“I don’t know how someone else gets their hands on the shoes I designed for my daughter, Gigi, and we don’t. I hope these shoes haven’t sold out,” Vanessa wrote in a statement. “If anyone can share how they have these shoes in her possession, that would be great because my daughters and I don’t have any of Gigi’s MAMBACITA shoes.”

By March 2022, everything had been fixed. The Bryant estate and Nike have officially reached agreement on a new deal.

“We are excited to announce that our partnership with Nike will continue! I am very proud that my husband’s shoes continue to be the most worn by players on the courts of the NBA and that his shoes continue to be so desired by his fans around the world,” Vanessa said in that moment. “With this new partnership, fans will soon have access to Kobe and Gigi Nike merchandise for years to come, and Nike will donate 100% of annual net proceeds from Gianna’s shoes to our Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.”

After that announcement, the Kobe 4 and 6 were released on a limited basis, but there were no other major reveals. Although Donahoe didn’t elaborate on his earnings call, he made it clear that that’s about to change.