Kobe Bryant Estate reaches new long-term deal with Nike

The Kobe Bryant Estate has reached a new long-term contract with Nike to continue producing both footwear and apparel from Bryant's Zoom Kobe series, Vanessa Bryant and Nike announced on Thursday.

The news comes nearly a year after Kobe Bryant's initial endorsement deal with Nike expired.

«We're excited to announce our partnership with Nike is going to continue!» Vanessa Bryant wrote in an Instagram post. «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.»

Nearly 20% of NBA players have worn a Nike Kobe sneaker for a game since Bryant's death along with his daughter, Gianna, in a January 2020 helicopter crash. During the 2019-20 season, 102 of the 322 total players competing in the league's restart at the Walt Disney World Resort wore a Kobe sneaker.

From Nike's perspective, they'll look to provide young athletes access to youth sports, with several initiatives planned globally to honor Bryant's legacy.

«Kobe Bryant means so much to so many of us, not just NBA fans but globally beyond the game,» John Donahoe, Nike's president & CEO said in a statement. «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.»

In addition to re-releases of the 11 signature Kobe models worn by Bryant during his career, and potentially his six post-career models as well, Nike will also be launching a new Gigi Bryant shoe series, with a charity component.

«With this new partnership, fans will soon be able to have access to Kobe