Nike Announces New Kobe Bryant Partnership With Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita Sweet 16”

It’s hard to believe that it has been over two years since Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others died in a helicopter crash in California.

The basketball player who spent his entire professional career playing for the LA Lakers has left an impressive legacy behind, both in his basketball career as well as plenty of off-court external projects, and it will continue with a new chapter of collaboration with Nike.

The sportswear label has partnered with Vanessa Bryant to inspire a new generation of athletes, and celebrate Kobe and Gianna’s legacy. “His impact in growing the sport, particularly encouraging women and young people to pick it up, endures as one of his deepest, lasting legacies. Together with Vanessa, we hope to honor Kobe and Gigi by championing a new generation for many years to come,” said Nike’s President and CEO John Donahoe.

“I am so proud that my husband’s shoes are still the most worn by players on NBA courts and that the demand for his shoes remain so desired by his fans around the world,” Vanessa Bryant wrote on Instagram, adding that, “Nike and I will work together to establish a youth basketball center in Southern California that will share the Mamba Mentality with youth athletes for generations to come.”

The first new Kobe release will be the Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita Sweet 16” will be released in honor of Gigi Bryant, with all proceeds from the shoe going straight to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. There’s yet no release date attached to the shoe, but we’ll expect to see it within the next few months.

“I know this is an inspiring moment for my husband and daughter’s global fans, and I am very appreciative of each and every one of you!” Vanessa Bryant finished.

Keep an eye out for more collaborative releases from Kobe and Nike, as we’ll likely be seeing a handful of new shoes surface throughout the year.