LOS ANGELES, Calif. (KNX) — The Kobe Bryant Estate and Nike have reached a deal that will not only continue their partnership, but also establish a youth basketball center in Southern California, Vanessa Bryant said Thursday.
Bryant shared the update in an Instagram post just after 3 p.m., saying that Nike agreed to donate 100% of the net annual proceeds of the Gianna Bryant shoes to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation as part of their deal.
“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 remains so desired by his fans around the world,” Bryant said.
“I am also grateful that Nike and I will work together to establish a youth basketball center in Southern California that will share the Mamba Mentality with youth athletes for generations to come.”
Bryant went on to say that she has continued gratitude for fans around the world who continue to support the legacies of her late husband and daughter.
Nike said it worked for many years with Kobe to inspire fans worldwide.
"With Nike, [Kobe] left a game-changing lineage of basketball shoes and embraced opportunities to spread his love of sport from Greater China to North America," Nike said in a statement announcing the continued partnership.
"More than two years after Bryant's passing, his legacy, on and off the court, continues to resonate."
The first new release will be the Kobe 6 Protro "Mambacita Sweet 16," Nike said, confirming Bryant's statement that the shoe honoring Gigi Bryant will benefit Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.
"Kobe Bryant means so much to so many of us, not just NBA fans but globally beyond the game," John Donahoe, President & CEO, NIKE, Inc., said.
"His impact in growing the sport, particularly encouraging women and young people to pick it up, endures as one of his deepest, lasting legacies. Together with Vanessa, we hope to honor Kobe and Gigi by championing a new generation for many years to come."
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