After Nike terminated its contract with Kyrie Irving, the bidding among other shoe line companies like Puma, Adidas, and New Balance has begun. Initially, we heard that New Balance was interested in signing the Brooklyn Nets star.
However, they have released a statement indicating that they have lost interest in Irving. The company sent out a message addressing rumors on this issue.
“New Balance is not pursuing partnership opportunities with Kyrie Irving.”
.@newbalance says it is not courting Kyrie Irvinghttps://t.co/Dl8MrP3yJM
— Footwear News (@FootwearNews) December 20, 2022
That leaves Puma and Adidas on the table. Fans might be curious to know which brand he is more likely to lean towards. Moreover, understanding what Irving wants is also crucial.
NBA Insider says both Puma and Adidas are pursuing Kyrie Irving
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson is a well-known NBA insider and journalist currently with Bally Sport National. He discussed the current interest levels in various shoe companies for signing Kyrie.
Report: Puma and Adidas reach out to Kyrie Irving https://t.co/Y8CPsknQrl
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) December 15, 2022
“I can tell you that last week, Irving and his representation did meet with independent signature owner SIA and there’s no imminent decision on whether or not Irving and his team will sign with the company but I’m told everybody is paying attention to the Nets point guard everybody’s reached out. Including I’m told Adidas and others.”
👟 NEWS @ScoopB says several brands have their sights set on Kyrie for a future deal 👀 pic.twitter.com/hRJ3ftMs4x
— Bally Sports (@BallySports) December 15, 2022
One might assume that since Kyrie is being suited by so many bidders, he will be looking to make the best financial and profitable deal possible. However, Scoop B revealed that wasn’t exactly what Kyrie Irving is looking for with his new shoe endorsement company.
Kyrie Irving’s agent & managers have met with Designer & owner of the Black owned shoe company Sia Collective discussing a potential partnership after Irving’s departure from Nike’s shoe deal. – Black Millionaires Exclusive! pic.twitter.com/31d0iAVn4x
— Black Millionaires ® (@Blackmillions_) December 19, 2022
“More than anything else, he’s looking for equity, he’s looking for creative control and he’s looking for the community impact as well. It’s not solely tied to money.”
This is truly an interesting situation. Kyrie doesn’t seem to be that interested in the sheer amount of money. Instead, he wants more “creative control and community impact.”
These are very well-chosen words. It would mean Irving wants a relevant vote in the design, price, and distribution of the shoe. Hence, he first met with a relatively unknown “SIA“. He could be simply testing out other options before deciding to go with Puma or Adidas. We are looking forward to Kyrie’s decision and hope he is at peace with his new choice.
