When Kobe Bryant’s partnership with Nike came to an abrupt end in 2021, it felt like the closing of a chapter no one was ready to finish. The sneakers that had come along his legacy, were suddenly relics of the past. Along came Vanessa Bryant, though a few hiccups in between, she breathed life back into the Kobe-Nike legacy. The brand now continues to honor Mamba with its upcoming release, recounting the memories of 11 long years.

The importance of this development cannot be understated. It was back in 2014 that the Kobe 9 Elite Masterpiece was first released with the involement of the icon himself. “I draw inspiration from where I am as a player, as a person, and where my career is at this moment,” Kobe had said speaking of the new line.

Now they return under the same name on the shelves for Nike’s Spring 2025 lineup. February 8th, 2025 to be exact. Sole Retriever has already sparked excitement by sharing the details of this highly anticipated release on X.

The “Masterpiece” colorway, will feature the same black-based upper that serves as a canvas for multicolor Flyknit details. The sneaker comes with a 3M reflective, metallic Silver Swoosh, bright crimson and volt highlights, and more details that make it a collector’s item. Scheduled to drop in Spring 2025, this can be yours at $240. The Kobe 9 series also includes two Halo in August as the Mamba’s birthday nears and one for the holidays with a Christmas colorway.

It has been a long journey for the Nike-Bryant family following the discontinuation, disagreements, and a host of new lines that followed.

Vannessa-Nike do good by Gigi and Kobe Bryant Memory

In April 2021, the two-decade-long relationship between Nike and the Bryant estate was announced to come to an end. Vanessa, after bashing the brand for unauthorized release and limited output just months before, had refused to renew the contract. But a year later, she was back on board to carry on the Mamba’s legacy with renewed terms.

“I am happy to announce that we will continue my husband’s legacy with Nike and look forward to expanding his and Gigi’s global impact by sharing the Mamba Mentality with youth athletes for generations to come,” Vanessa had announced.

The new terms offered to re-release 11 of the signature Kobe models alongside a new series for Gigi Bryant. But the better part, the revenue produced from Gianna’s shoes would go to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. Nike also committed to establishing a youth basketball facility in Southern California with an aim to inspire and train the next generation of athletes.

With all the new releases flowing in, including Kobe 8 Protro Mambacita, Nike Kobe 4 Girl Dad, and now the Kobe 9, basketball-sneakerheads are in for no loss anytime soon.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.