Basketball Legend Kobe Bryant’s Estate Elects Not to Continue With Nike Deal
- NBA star and legend Kobe Byrant’s estate has decided not to renew sponsorship with US-based sports giant Nike
- According to media reports, the people managing Kobe's estate were disappointed with Nike as they limited the availability of the legend’s products
- Meanwhile, the move by the Bryant estate sees the deal with Nike - which was extended in 2016 - abruptly coming to an end
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National Basketball Association and late legend Kobe Bryant’s estate has opted against renewing the deal with giant sports manufacturer, Nike. Latest media reports suggest that Bryant’s existing deal with the United States-based clothing brand will not continue beyond 2021.
According to Sporting News, Bryant sealed a five-year extension with Nike in April 2016 that kept him contracted to the brand into his retirement. However, that contract has now come to an end and a new deal isn't going to be signed.
The website further reports that the late star’s widow Vanessa and the estate elected not to renew the partnership with Nike, as she explained to ESPN on Monday.
It is reported that Bryant's contract came to an end earlier this month as it marked exactly five years since the Los Angeles Lakers legend scored 60 points in his final NBA game.
In the latest report, Nick De Paula indicated that the late icon’s estate managers were unhappy and disappointed with Nike when they "limited the availability of Kobe products" after his retirement in 2016 and also when he died last year in January following a helicopter crash.
Source: Twitter
The decision by Nike resulted in frustration with the "lack of availability of Kobe footwear in kids' sizes", Vanessa told DePaula.
"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.
"I was hoping to forge a lifelong partnership with Nike that reflects my husband's legacy. We will always do everything we can to honour Kobe and Gigi's legacies. That will never change."
Meanwhile, the sports manufacturer has also confirmed the developments that the relationship had ended, adding that Bryant was an important part of Nike's deep connection to consumers and will remain a deeply-loved member of the Nike family.
Briefly News reported that Michael Jordan would induct the late Kobe Bryant into the 2020 Hall of Fame on May 15 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut, according to TMZ. Kobe had always modelled his game after his childhood hero Jordan, who had an amazing career with the Chicago Bulls.
It is now the turn of the basketball legend to return the favour by inducting the former LA Lakers point guard into the archives of great players of the game.
In other news, Briefly News ran an article that South African celebs joined millions of others who shared their emotions on social media.
Celebs such as Cassper Nyovest used the social media platform to let their fans and the rest of the world know that their hearts are broken.
International sports legend, Bryant, passed away early on Sunday, 26 January 2020. He was in a helicopter when there was a fire and it spiralled out of control. this website reported that Kobe was travelling with 4 other passengers.
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Source: Briefly News
