RIP Kobe Bryant

I know. I let my smart ass overtake my allegedly smart brain.

 

At least you owned it.

 

Kobe and Nike were so intertwined. I don't imagine another company will be able to really make any money on a Kobe shoe at this point. Perhaps this is all just a negotiation - people aren't going to buy a pair of shoes they never saw Kobe play in, or he had no involvement in designing. If you're Nike, you come back with a better offer/promise, and add in a shoe that Gigi may have worn at Oregon.

 

Won't work.
I heard the estate wanted a lifetime deal like James-MJ got from Nike.

 

Crass as it might be, the Bryant family sounds like they might need Nike more than the other way around. Kobe left a decent sized estate right? You would think an occasional re-issue of one of his models might be the best option to maintain his legacy in the game. But then again...

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/20/kob...uietly-planning-to-launch-its-own-brand-.html

 

I would be curious to know if Vanessa is the sole executrix. I've been an executor and I've advised hundreds. You just have to be prudent, and household never engage in speculation. If anyone besides her is involved in this manoeuvre, they better cover their ass.

 

It might not have been about money, but more that the Nike deal may have precluded his family from doing some things without an okay from Nike. I do wonder though if Nike will allow another company to make shoes with the word Mamba in them. I don't know if another Chuck Taylor or Jordan could sell rights to make a "Chuck Taylor" shoe or a "Jordan" shoe. Deal or no deal.

 

From what I've recently read, No. 1 the family didn't like that Nike was doing limited releases with Kobe reissues, thereby limiting access to kids, those less well off etc. Secondly, the estate has trademarked "Mamba" etc. so they, not Nike, will decide who can make shoes with the name "Mamba" in it. I think what's happening is that the estate is taking control of Kobe and his legacy, Mamba.

 

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/03/vanessa-bryant-alleges-nike-leaked-unauthorized-mambacita-shoes.html

Financial things likely set - I'd say the biggest "task" on Vanessa's plate is maintaining and burnishing her husband and daughter's legacies. Given that Kobe's entire career was spent in the swoosh, not sure how another brand could give Kobe more exposure than Nike did post-retirement. Better angle would be to focus on the daughter, make her to girls basketball what Susan Komen is to breast cancer. Sign with Athleta.

 

It’s been a long long time since I bought sneakers because of an endorsement. Puma Clyde and DrJ All Stars. Yeah I’m old. But is anyone under 20 looking for Kobe shoes?

 

Oh man I loved my Puma Clydes (green suede with natural stripe!)