A critical component of Nike’s success over the past decades has been the use of famous athletes to promote products with signature items. From early deals with Michael Jordan to more recent collaborations with the likes of Serena Williams.
But Nike’s latest partnership is not going to script.
NBA star Kyrie Irving, who plays for the Brooklyn Nets, has called out the sportswear giant for failing to consult him for an upcoming line of shoes.
Recently, there have been leaks of what Irving’s new signature shoe – to be called the Kyrie8 – will look like.
Irving himself has taken to social media to voice his displeasure with what Nike is serving up.
“I have nothing to do with the design or marketing of the upcoming #Kyrie8, IMO these are trash,” he said on social media.
“I have Absolutely nothing to do with them! Nike plans to release it without my okay regardless of what I say, so I apologize in advance to all of my sneaker heads and true supporters of the #KAI11 brand.”
Ouch.
To make matters more complicated, the Kyrie8 is set to launch in the next few months, meaning it is unlikely Nike will be able to make significant alterations to the design which Irving is so opposed to.
