Nike and Kyrie Irving Have Parted Ways

The rocky relationship between Nike and Kyrie Irving has now officially come to a close. As reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Irving is no longer a Nike athlete following the suspension of the brand’s partnership with the Brooklyn Nets guard last month.

In November, Nike joined the Nets in taking action following Irving’s sharing of a film that expressed antisemitic views. However, this is far from the only thing that has fractured the duo’s relationship. Earlier this year, Irving’s future with Nike was called into question due to his response to COVID-19 that led to him missing a significant portion of the 2021-2022 NBA season and called his future in the league into question. In addition, Irving has shared his dissatisfaction with the brand previously, posting in 2021 that the upcoming Kyrie Infinity is “trash” and that Nike planned to release them without his consent.

What’s next for Kyrie Irving is to be determined as the Nets star continues to boast averages that include over 24 points per game while his Nike Kyrie line was revered for its performance capabilities. As for Nike, its classic partnerships with superstars such as LeBron James are supported by a growing roster of talent for both the Swoosh and its Jordan Brand subsidiary.

Kyrie Irving is no longer a Nike athlete, Nike spokesperson says. The sides have parted ways one month after Nike suspended its relationship with the Nets star. Irving has one of most popular signatures shoes in the NBA and is now a sneaker free agent.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 5, 2022

For more in footwear, Nike and LeBron celebrated Art Basel last weekend with a themed colorway of the the LeBron 20, limited to 200 pairs.