Credit: Twitter
Nike has officially confirmed that they will relaunch the Kobe Bryant brand, which includes the iconic line of sneakers and apparel inspired by the late Lakers legend. The unveiling date for the new products is set for August 10, 2023, on the Nike SNKRS app.
The Kobe Bryant brand has been one of the most successful and influential collaborations between a basketball player and a shoe company. Since 2005, Nike has released 22 different signature sneakers for Kobe, each featuring his innovative and creative input. Kobe's shoes have been worn by millions of fans and athletes around the world who admire his skills, work ethic, and legacy.
However, after Kobe's tragic death in a helicopter crash in January 2020, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others, the production and distribution of his shoes were halted. The contract between Nike and the Bryant estate expired in April 2021, and there were rumors that Vanessa Bryant, Kobe's widow, was unhappy with Nike's handling of the brand.
In March 2022, Vanessa announced on Instagram that she had reached a new agreement with Nike to continue the Kobe Bryant brand. In July, Nike CEO John Donahoe said Nike is planning to “relaunch the Kobe brand” before August 24, which is Mamba Day and is a tribute to Kobe's nickname "Black Mamba" and the two numbers he wore during his 20-year career with the Lakers: 8 and 24.
Type out "iconic footwear" with your eyes closed We'll go first: Kobe Brand is back," the Nike Basketball account tweeted.
The relaunch will begin on August 23, which would have been Bryant's 45th birthday, Nike added. The following day is "Kobe Day," also known as 8/24, which honors the two jersey numbers Bryant sported throughout his Hall of Fame playing career.
"Mamba Forever. The newest shoe in the iconic Kobe line is almost here. Tune into SNKRS ‘Live From the Archive’ (North America only) on August 10 for the unveiling and exclusive details on the upcoming release," the account tweeted later on.
The Kobe Bryant brand will be relaunched, which is expected to generate a ton of interest from fans who have been anxiously awaiting new products ever since he passed away. Nike will also introduce clothing in memory of Gianna "Gigi" Bryant, who perished in the helicopter crash in January 2020 along with her father and seven other people. The brand previously paid tribute to Gigi with the release of the "Mambacita Sweet 16" edition Kobe 6 Protros on the date she would have turned 16 in 2022 and the "Mambacita" Kobe 4 Protros on the date she would have turned 17 earlier this year.
