'Disgusting': Nike's massive Kobe Bryant news sparks anger
Vanessa Bryant and her estate have elected not to renew Kobe Bryant's enormous deal with Nike after the contract expired this month.
In a statement, Vanessa announced the contract expired on 13/4/2021 and they were proud of the shoes Kobe and Nike had collaborated on throughout the partnership.
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"Kobe and Nike have made some of the most beautiful basketball shoes of all time, worn and adored by fans and athletes in all sports across the globe," the statement read.
"It seems fitting that more NBA players wear my husband's product than any other signature shoe."
ESPN reported a source had revealed: "Bryant and the estate had grown frustrated with Nike limiting the availability of Kobe product during his retirement and after his January 2020 death in a helicopter crash."
Adding to her statement, Vanessa said she hopes to continue the Kobe products for all fans.
"My hope will always be to allow Kobe's fans to get and wear his products," Vanessa Bryant added.
"I will continue to fight for that. Kobe's products sell out in seconds. That says everything."
Many fans on social media were upset at how Nike had handled recent releases of Kobe's shoes.
The exclusivity of the shoes, judged by some fans, prompted anger after Nike's announcement.
Nike’s pretty disgusting practice of making Kobe gear scarce after his death apparently frustrated Vanessa. You’d think this would be a wakeup call for the company but I’ve long lost hope. https://t.co/N5dayz2e89 pic.twitter.com/qw78nLuvjg
— David Dennis Jr. (@DavidDTSS) April 20, 2021
At 6:36 AM today I received a text:
“Vanessa Bryant did not renew contract. Kobe and Nike are done.”
I’ve been working since to confirm what this means ahead for the Nike / Kobe Bryant partnership.
As of right now — there is no ongoing contract for future Kobe releases. pic.twitter.com/5vuyQg6Gw6— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) April 19, 2021
This frustrates, but only to a certain extent. How Nike has handled the drops for any Kobe related products has infuriated many a people, including me. Limited drops, only through SNKRS, that regular fans would rarely, if ever, get access to. Left a sour tasted repeatedly. https://t.co/Taq2koG6UU
— Darius Soriano (@forumbluegold) April 19, 2021
Good Job Vanessa Bryant for not Renewing Kobe’s Nike deal. Nike was making it super hard for real Kobe fans to purchase his shoes. Vanessa Bryant wanted everyone who loved Kobe to get his shoes and Nike couldn’t respect that. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
— 𝐁𝐀𝐁𝐘 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐊𝐒 ♡ (@WOLFRAE__) April 20, 2021
To be honest, if this happens and Vanessa/Kobe Estate doesn’t reach nor renews a deal, I’m fine with it. Nike ruined the line and made it extremely hard to purchase. Real Kobe fans struggled to get releases.
— Darryl Glover (@_Brotha_d) April 20, 2021
While many others felt the shoes had a special tie to Nike.
Kobe and Nike became synonymous, which makes all of this so difficult to digest. https://t.co/gAURJhCjRn
— Ruben Palacios (@RubenTalksKicks) April 20, 2021
Bryant's long-term deal with Nike before split
Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others died in a helicopter crash in January 2020.
The ending of his Nike deal mean's his estate can now look to make deals with other brands.
Bryant's deal with Nike in 2003, after leaving Adidas, started one of the biggest basketball deals in Nike's history.
The LA Lakers legend had 11 signature shoes released during his career and multiple dropped after he retired in 2016.
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