top of page

Nike ends Partnership with Kyrie Irving

Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving is no longer a Nike athlete after the sportwear giant ended its relationship with the NBA star.


The two sides have parted ways one month after Nike suspended its partnership with Irving in the wake of the player's anti-Semitism row, according to Shams Charania.

Irving faced criticism and backlash after sharing a link to the Amazon page for the 2018 film 'Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America' which contained anti-Semitic tropes.


Nike cut its ties with Irving in November after he initially refused to apologize for his controversial tweet.


In a statement, the company said it was 'deeply saddened and disappointed by the situation'.


The brand also said it would not launch the Kyrie 8s - the shoe designed by the player and company - which were set to be released later in November.

Irving signed with Nike in 2011 and has had a signature line of shoes since 2014, with his annual endorsement deal believed to be worth at least $11 million.


Irving has one of the most popular signature shoes in the NBA and is now a sneaker free agent.


He has continued to wear Nike shoes since returning to the court, despite the brand suspending its partnership.


Nike co-founder and chairman Phil Knight had suggested soon after the suspension if the partnership that the relationship between the brand and Irving was 'likely over.'

81 views0 comments
bottom of page