Vanessa Bryant Speaks About End Of Kobe's Nike Contract

BY Erika Marie 11.5K Views
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Vanessa Bryant, Kobe Bryant, Nike, Contract Ending
She wrote she hoped to "forge a lifelong partnership with Nike."

Following the news that Kobe Bryant's family has decided not to renew the late sports icon's contract with Nike, Vanessa Bryant has issued a statement. Kobe and the sports brand had a longstanding relationship that has existed for nearly two decades, but as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. There has been speculation regarding why this partnership couldn't move forward, including rumors about the Bryant family building new "Mamba" and "Mambacita" brands, and amid the conversations, Vanessa has made her voice heard on Instagram.

"Kobe's Nike contract expired on 4/3/21," Vanessa began. "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."

Nicholas Hunt / Staff / Getty Images

"It seems fitting that more NBA players wear my husband's product than any other signature shoe," she continued. "My hope will always be to allow Kobe's fans to get and wear his products. I will continue to fight for that. Kobe's products sell out in seconds. That says everything. I was hoping to forge a lifelong partnership with Nike that reflects my husband's legacy."

"We will always do everything we can to honor Kobe and Gigi's legacies. That will never change." Check it out below.

Instagram
Instagram

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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