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Kyrie signs 5 year deal with ANTA
Kyrie Irving Signs Five-Year Deal with ANTA Sports, Expanding NBA Presence
Kyrie Irving, the renowned NBA player, has secured a new partnership following his departure from Nike earlier this year. The five-year agreement sees Irving joining forces with ANTA Sports, a prominent Chinese athletic sportswear company founded in 1991. With notable endorsers such as Klay Thompson, Gordon Hayward, and Alex Caruso, ANTA Sports has made a significant impact in the NBA market.
Kyrie Irving's departure from Nike
Having officially ended his partnership with Nike over six months ago, Kyrie Irving has now established a new professional home for the next five years. Prior to this move, Irving's contract with Nike was scheduled to run until the 2022-2023 season. However, the collaboration was expedited after the Brooklyn Nets guard posted anti-Semitic views on Twitter. As a result, Nike suspended the relationship, publicly announced the non-renewal of the partnership, and removed Irving's Kyrie 8 signature shoe from their shelves.
Embracing the ANTA Sports Partnership
In recent weeks, Kyrie Irving had been spotted wearing ANTA footwear, leading to widespread speculation about an impending deal with the Chinese brand. The confirmation of their partnership was officially announced on ANTA Sports' Instagram platform. While specific details of the agreement were not disclosed, the production of signature shoes is a pivotal aspect of their five-year business plan. The introduction of the first ANTA Kyrie model is anticipated to occur in the first quarter of 2024, with Irving expected to showcase the Shock Wave 5 during the 2023-2024 season.
Boosting ANTA's presence in the United States
The launch of a Kyrie Irving signature shoe is set to provide an immediate boost to ANTA's business in the United States. Kyrie's Nike footwear consistently ranked among the best-selling products worldwide each year. With the introduction of his ANTA signature line, the brand's market share is expected to grow significantly, solidifying their position within the American market.
Kyrie Irving as Chief Creative Officer
In addition to his endorsement, Kyrie Irving has been appointed as the Chief Creative Officer of ANTA Basketball, granting him creative autonomy to collaborate with others and potentially recruit fellow NBA athletes to the ANTA brand. This strategic move positions Irving as a key influencer in expanding ANTA's presence in the basketball community and cultivating a strong brand image.
