Is Steph Curry Cooking Something up With Nike in His Sneaker Free Agency?
Just a day after his announcement to part ways with Under Armour, Steph explains why he laced up in Nike Kobe 6s.
Summary
-
Stephen Curry wore the Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita” immediately after announcing the Curry Brand’s split from Under Armour to go independent
-
Curry wore the shoes as a tribute to Kobe and Gianna Bryant and their enduring legacy, overriding brand loyalties for a gesture of respect
-
The moment underlined his new operational freedom—Curry retains full ownership of the independent Curry Brand but is now free to publicly acknowledge and honor other influential figures in the sport
In a move that immediately ignited the sneaker world, Stephen Curry laced up in the Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita” during a pre-game warm-up, just hours after announcing the end of his 12-year partnership with Under Armour. While the footwear choice sent shockwaves, Curry took to social media to clarify the moment, positioning the choice as a profound tribute to Kobe and Gianna Bryant rather than a prelude to a new endorsement deal.
The on-court appearance followed the strategic agreement that saw the Curry Brand transition to a fully independent entity, separating from the UA umbrella. The official split grants Curry full operational control over his brand, allowing him to dictate product design, marketing, and future collaborations. Crucially, Curry retains complete ownership of the Curry Brand, now poised to compete autonomously in the global market.
In a post-game interview, Curry explained why he chose the “Mambacita” colorway, delivering a powerful statement that transcends brand loyalty, emphasizing his deep respect for the Kobe legacy and the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. He said to press, “The idea of what he meant, I talk about Kobe a lot. That specific pair, it speaks for itself what it means… I wanted to take advanatage of that moment and pay tribute and I think it gave me some good energy tonight.” Later, Vanessa Bryant also reposted Steph wearing the shoes to her Stories, acknowledging the gesture. The moment served as a testament to the cultural influence of the Bryant family on the game. The wear underscores Curry’s new freedom: he can now publicly pay homage to figures who shaped his career, all while steering his own brand into its next chapter as an independent powerhouse. Take a look at what he had to say below.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
