Kobe Bryant Estate reaches new long-term deal with Nike

The Kobe Bryant Estate has a new long-term contract with Nike to continue producing both footwear and apparel from Bryant's Zoom Kobe series.

Kobe Bryant had an endorsement deal with Nike that expired last year.

The Bryants are excited to announce that their partnership with Nike is going to continue.

Nearly 20% of NBA players have worn a Nike Kobe sneaker for a game since the death of Kobe Bryant. The league restart at the Walt Disney World Resort saw a lot of players wearing Kobe sneakers.

Nike will look to provide young athletes access to youth sports, with several initiatives planned globally to honor Bryant's legacy.

Kobe Bryant means so much to so many of us, not just NBA fans, but globally beyond the game. We hope to honor Kobe and Gigi by introducing a new generation.

Nike will re-release the 11 signature Kobe models worn by Bryant during his career, and possibly his six post-career models as well, in addition to a new Bryant shoe series with a charity component.

Fans will soon be able to have access to Kobe and Gigi Nike product for years to come.

According to Nike, the first release from the renewed partnership could arrive as soon as May 1, which would have been the 16th birthday of Gianna Bryant. The shoe was originally produced just before last April's contract expired and never officially released.

The Kobe 6 Protro will be the first shoe from the partnership and will benefit the Mamba and Mambacita Sports.

The Kobe Bryant Estate had pushed for Nike to make a higher volume of shoes for the re-release launches as well as the expansion of Kobe's shoes to include kids' sizes, during talks leading up to the end of the deal last year. A key element in renewing the partnership with Nike was its commitment to launching a new basketball facility in Bryant's name.

I am grateful 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.

According to sources, a new contract with the Kobe Bryant Estate will allow Nike to make several of their Kobe sneakers in factory production sooner than the 14-18 months they typically take.

"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!"