Kyrie Irving’s relationship with Nike came to an end in December 2022, after the NBA star posted a link to an anti-Semitic film on social media. Nike suspended Irving and said it would not release his latest shoe, the Kyrie 8. A month later, the two sides announced that they had mutually agreed to part ways.
The end of Irving’s relationship with Nike was a significant development in the NBA advertising market. Irving is one of the most popular players in the world, and he had a lucrative endorsement deal, that also was very beneficial for the athletic brand giant. The loss of Irving was a major blow to Nike’s basketball business.
But when there’s money to be made, someone is always going to make that money. So it didn’t take long for Irving to find another home. Earlier this year, the point guard signed a five-year endorsement deal with Chinese sportswear brand ANTA, plus the unique position of Chief Creative Officer at the company.
Now, with Kyrie’s new sneakers coming soon, the new logo was revealed at an event in China.
FIRST LOOK: @KyrieIrving unveils his new signature logo with Anta pic.twitter.com/Zr4p5Xg6L5
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) September 21, 2023
A detailed look at the inspiration behind Kyrie Irving’s new signature logo with Anta: pic.twitter.com/qiYQLtr8jZ
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) September 21, 2023
