It’s happening! Vanessa Bryant and Nike have announced that they’ll be continuing their partnership, expanding on the legacy of the late Kobe and Gigi Bryant. This means that Nike Kobe shoes will be making their return.
The long-running partnership between Nike and Kobe Bryant came to an end in April 2021, when Vanessa Bryant and Kobe’s estate did not renew Kobe’s expired contract with the Swoosh. After a year-long hiatus, the partnership has now been officially reinstated. “With this new partnership, fans will soon be able to have access to Kobe and Gigi Nike product for years to come,” says Vanessa Bryant in her announcement post.
The first new release from this partnership with be the Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita Sweet 16,” with all proceeds from the shoe benefitting the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. This may or may not be the same “Mambacita” shoe that we saw leak last year, which Vanessa stated was not approved for sale shortly following the leak. No release date has been announced for the Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita Sweet 16,” but based on the name, we can expect something to occur on what would have been Gigi’s 16th birthday, May 1st, 2022.
As part of the new partnership, Vanessa and Nike will work together to establish a youth basketball center in Southern California. Nike and the Bryant family will also continue to outfit the NBA and WNBA athletes who carry the legacy of the Mamba Mentality.
Stay tuned to Modern Notoriety for updates on the Nike 6 Protro “Mambacita Sweet 16” and other forthcoming Nike Kobe and Gigi product.
