Kobe Bryant was one of the biggest draws for Nike when they signed him on a deal. They came out with various gears and even sneakers under the ‘Mamba’ name. However, after his unfortunate death in January 2020, his wife Vanessa Bryant parted ways with the brand. But it seems after a few controversial events, Bryant and Nike are making their way back together. Recently, Vanessa announced that Kobe Estate and Nike will continue their partnership.
Back in 2021, Vanessa couldn’t believe her eyes as she saw Nike releasing a sneaker without her permission. The sneaker giants released a shoe under the name Nike Zoom Kobe 6 Proto “Mamba Forever”. While fans loved the shoe, Vanesa was left furious. She took to her Instagram to clear out that Nike did not have permission to release the show. In addition, the sneaker was honoring her late daughter Gianna and was to be called ‘Mambacita’. She further said all proceeds from the shoe sale were supposed to go to the Mamba and Mambacita sports foundation.
Now, it seems Nike has come to their senses and will make the amends for their wrong. Moreover, the Kobe Bryant brand will also have a continued partnership with them. This left fans ecstatic.
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Kobe Bryant and Nike reunite
NBA insider Shams Charania dropped a bombshell on Twitter when he revealed the big news. He said Nike and the Kobe Bryant Estate have agreed to continue their partnership and Vanessa proclaimed it as well. He further stated that Nike will donate all the proceeds from the ‘Mambacita’ sneaker sale to the Mamba and Mambacita sports foundation, just like Vanessa intended it to be. This left fans speechless as they took to Twitter to react to the big news.
However, Nike isn’t just coming up with donations. The two parties will also come together and establish a youth basketball center in Southern California for the future generation to come.
Now drop these mf prices @stockx and @goatapp 😂🤣 https://t.co/PQaARkRLx8
— Jordan Bell (@1jordanbell) March 24, 2022
They better make the shoes more accessible to regular people and not resellers
— zoë kravtiz fan account (@justasportsfann) March 24, 2022
A good day. Nike finally did the right thing. Big shout out to Vanessa Bryant for blessing us! https://t.co/5Ddh2xjbyI
— Jake (@2JakeHatch) March 25, 2022
I’m so happy. #MambaForever https://t.co/GyJ35CTVxm
— Evan (@EvFields_) March 25, 2022
Only right #MambaForever #MambaMentality https://t.co/2MVuAjP3jL
— Mac Laventure (@Mac_Laventure) March 24, 2022
Love it. @Nike #MambaForever https://t.co/s88hn6FvQe
— Brandon James Wallace (@BWall) March 24, 2022
Happy to see this 🙏@kobebryant #MambaForever #Mambacita @nikebasketball https://t.co/dzgmGcKOVq
— John Ambrico (@jlightambrico) March 24, 2022
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Kobe Forever #KB824 https://t.co/BWpkeZ73Y8
— Ricky (@slickricksj) March 24, 2022
The Kobe show culture is big in the NBA world and in the sneaker market. After it came to the surface that Nike will stop production of Kobe shoes, the sneaker price took an extreme hike on the resale market. In addition, even NBA players found it difficult to get their hands on some Kobe’s as they wanted to honor the late great. However, with the continued deal coming through, the entire perspective is about to change.
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Despite the stoppage of production, Kobe 5 and 6 were are the most worn shoe in the NBA this season. Players such as DeMar DeRozan can now breathe a sigh of relief as the big news hit the world. With the new partnership, products under Gianna’s brand will also be making the rounds really soon. Are you excited to see the new Kobe stuff that will hit the market? Let us know in the comments below.