- Search for Kobe Bryan-related items on Nike.com & it will show a tribute message to the superstar and extends sympathies to Bryan’s family and friends.
- ESPN reported that Nike stopped selling Bryant gear after his death news came into media. But the company declined the news as they are still selling Bryant merchandise (along with other eTail stores).
- Nike didn’t pull the gears off from its website, rather it was all sold out.
The world lost a superb basketball player recently in a helicopter crash that happened a few days ago. Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter along with others. The world is in shock and traumatized. The good thing about the internet is everyone’s units during the hard times.
People from all around the world having different caste, creed and languages paid tribute to Kobe Bryant. While messages were in different languages, by different people but all of them carried a universal meaning, WORLD LOST AN AMAZING BASKETBALL PLAYER.
How can Nike be silent on this catastrophic event? To pay its tribute to Kobe Bryant, Nike started selling his merchandise n its website. “He was a beloved member of the Nike family. We will miss him greatly. Mamba forever,” mentioned on Nike’s website.
Kobe Bryant signed an endorsement deal worth $40 million with the sneaker maker in 2003 and since then Nike has been releasing Kobe sneakers, even after his retirement from sports in 2016.
Resale sites like StockX still have Kobe sneakers for sale. Some pairs are being bid on for more than $1000!
“As is the case for any live marketplace, real-life events have ramifications on market performance. Following the tragic news of Kobe Bryant’s passing, there was a surge in interest in products related to the basketball legend, including some of his most noted sneaker collaborations. The increased interest is a testament to his impact both on and off the court.” – A StockX spokesperson said in a statement.
Another resale company Urban Necessities also paid tribute to Kobe Bryant by clearly telling sellers not to raise the price of Kobe’s articles in the wake of his death.
Laker’s official website has no Kobe apparel available but the NBA website is selling his 8 and 24 jerseys for $300 each with a promise to shop before 15th July.
On eBay, a pair of Nike Hyperdunk Supreme Kobe Bryant Lakers PE “Snakepools” are being sold for $17824 that comes with signed Kobe Bryant basketball free! Collectibles including a 1996 Topps Chrome #138 Kobe Bryant Rookie Card signed in blue sharpie was listed on eBay for a million dollars.
Shaquille O’Neal, Barack Obama, Cardi B (to name a few) also paid tribute to Kobe Bryant while NBA postponed Lakers and Clippers game that was scheduled for Tuesday.
Conclusion:
While the world is still in shock, neither his fans nor companies are missing any chance to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant.
Nike – A well-known brand for taking care of athletes and their emotions, is seen hyperactive during this accident. From social media posts to selling merchandise (till they are sold out), Nike doesn’t seem to stop paying its tribute to Kobe Bryant.
Yes, the world lost another superb basketball player, but catastrophic events like these make us realize that even after we are separated by boundaries and languages, we all are united during crucial situations.
We couldn’t do much for our superstar, and through this article, we pay our genuine tribute to Kobe Bryant. May his and his daughter’s soul rest in peace.
