Kobe Bryant’s legacy in women’s basketball to stay ALIVE as Nike announces massive news

Kobe Bryant's family announces plans to collaborate with various Division One colleges; Kentucky, Duke, Oregon, LSU.

Gianna and Kobe Bryant (Image via Newsweek)

Kobe Bryant‘s family has announced plans to collaborate with various Division One schools. The University of Kentucky had been selected for the first-ever ‘Mamba Program’. Nike aims to promote Kobe’s Mamba brand, similar to Jordan’s Jumpman, which appears on Leisurewear, Basketball jerseys, and even soccer jerseys. Kentucky was chosen first due to Kobe’s close relationship with Kentucky head coach John Calipari.

The Mamba and Mambacita Foundation, Kobe Bryant’s foundation, will partner with several high-profile Division One schools. The NCAA college jerseys will feature a Mamba logo patch along with the iconic Nike swoosh. “We are grateful for the amazing support of these prestigious universities…to further the legacies of Kobe and Gigi!” “So excited to see their players wearing Kobe and Gigi’s NIKE shoes this upcoming season!!” said Vanessa Bryant.

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Nike’s plans for Kobe’s Mamba Brand

57f90a5e e086 4c61 98d7 3f8f3581e693 1920x1080 — Kobe Bryant (image via: wthr)

Nike and Kobe Bryant’s estate, controlled by Vanessa Bryant, faced issues in their relationship after Kobe’s death, putting a hiatus on all Kobe products made by Nike. Vanessa ended relations with Nike on 13 April 2021 after Kobe’s contract expired. Recently, Kobe Bryant’s foundation and Nike have mended relations, resulting in the revival of the Kobe Brand. Kobes’s most iconic sneakers, the Kobe 5 and the Kobe 6, are set to be retro-released by Nike in the near future.

Duke University, Louisiana State University, University of Oregon, University of Kentucky, University of Southern California and University of Connecticut were hand-picked by Vanessa Bryant to collaborate for the Mamba program. It will also be a unique sight to see college stars like Angel Reese of LSU and Bronny James of USC adorning the Kobe Mamba logo.

Kobe was a vocal advocate for women’s sports, especially women’s basketball. He often spoke about the importance of giving women’s basketball the recognition and respect it deserves. He was known to attend women’s basketball games, including WNBA games, and showed his support through social media and interviews. Kobe also mentored several women’s basketball players, including his daughter Gianna, who tragically passed away during the Helicopter crash that killed Kobe and seven others.