Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

How Many NBA Players Helped Kobe’s Sneaker Line To Return To Nike

Kobe Bryant’s final contract with Nike expired about a year ago and wasn’t renewed by Kobe’s wife Vanessa, whose goal was to make Kobe products available to all of his fans.

According to a report by ESPN, frustration grew due to Nike limiting the availability of Kobe products during his retirement and after his death.

But as we reported yesterday, it seems as the two sides were able to calm the ways. Vanessa Bryant announced that the partnership with Nike will continue. Kobe and Gigi products will soon be available again, with 100% of net proceeds for Gigi’s shoes being donated to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation -Youth Basketball Center in SoCal.

Another reason for the renewal: The high demand for Bryant’s shoes among NBA players.

Kobes have been the most present basketball sneakers in the NBA for a ages, with an estimated 67% of active players wearing Kobes. Among them, some of the league’s biggest stars like Anthony Davis, DeMar DeRozan, Devin Booker and Khris Middleton.

This fact also is one of the main reasons why Vanessa and Nike agreed to renew the deal. Vanessa wrote:

“I am so proud that my husband’s shoes are still the most worn by players on NBA courts and that the demand for his shoes remain so desired by his fans around the world.”

 

Andscape has collected the voices of many NBA players wearing Kobes and found out why they are so popular among them.