Irving of the Dallas Mavericks is not just a talented basketball player, but also a highly marketable athlete. The basketball world was recently abuzz with the rumored news of Kyrie Irving signing with a new shoe brand in the summer, and a possible trip to China to finalize the deal. This comes after his previous sneaker contract with Nike ended after an anti-Semitic controversy.
In their recent game against the Atlanta Hawks, after the game, he was asked about his plans for the upcoming summer, specifically about his next shoe deal. Irving hinted that he may be signing with a new sneaker brand and that he would be planning a trip to China as part of the deal.
“I’ll set my plans once I sign with a potential shoe brand. That’s usually how it goes in my scheduling from June to August – usually planning an Asia trip or China trip specifically. Once I sign with a shoe brand, I’ll start wrapping around in kind of this international world tour to introduce myself as a new brand signee or signature athlete,” said Irving.
The speculation around which shoe brand Irving may sign with has been ongoing, with Chinese brand Li-Ning being one of the most rumored options. Irving’s statement about a possible China trip further fuels the rumors about his potential partnership with Li-Ning. The brand has a strong presence in China and has recently signed NBA players such as Dwyane Wade and C.J. McCollum.
Irving’s decision to sign with a new shoe brand is a significant one, as it not only affects his financial future but also his image as an athlete. The basketball star has a huge following and a signature shoe deal can add to his legacy and brand value. It will be interesting to see which brand Irving decides to sign with and how he will market himself as a new brand signee.
The Mavericks star’s comments also bring up questions about his future with the team. While Irving has been a valuable player for the Mavericks this season, the team has struggled to win games and may not be in a position to compete for a championship in the near future. This may prompt Irving to consider other teams in free agency, especially if he wants to add more titles to his resume.
In conclusion, Kyrie Irving’s potential partnership with a new shoe brand and his trip to China will be an exciting development for basketball fans and sneaker enthusiasts alike. It will be interesting to see how Irving markets himself as a new brand signee and how his decision affects his future in the NBA.
“Kyrie Irving and Nike Part Ways: The Antisemitism Controversy That Ended a Long-Standing Relationship”
Kyrie Irving was dropped by Nike after the two sides parted ways due to an antisemitic controversy. In November 2022, Nike suspended its relationship with Irving after he shared an antisemitic film on social media and refused to disavow antisemitism.
Nike founder Phil Knight indicated in an interview with CNBC that the relationship with Irving was likely finished due to his statements that the company cannot abide by. The Kyrie 8 launch was also canceled after initially being slated for a Nov. 8 release.
“I would doubt that we go back. Kyrie stepped over the line. It’s kind of that simple. He made some statements that we just can’t abide by, and that’s why we ended the relationship. And I was fine with that,” Knight said.
Irving, who had been with Nike since 2011 and had a popular signature shoe line, had his current endorsement deal reportedly worth $11 million per year, which was slated to expire in October 2023. The 30-year-old was also suspended by the Nets as a result of his off-court actions and completed a series of tasks, including antisemitic and sensitivity training, before rejoining the team.
