Which NBA players have their own signature sneaker? Nike and Adidas lead player endorsements
It’s one thing to have a sneaker deal with a big brand, but having your own line of signature sneakers is another level entirely.
According to Statista, the global sneaker market has grown into a nearly $85 billion business, with basketball accounting for a large portion of that revenue.
One of the main drivers of sneaker culture has always been basketball. And ahead of the 2022-23 NBA season, 22 players will take to the court in their own signature sneakers.
Nike and Adidas lead with five players each.
Which NBA players have their own signature sneaker?
Nike
Nike remains the dominant force in basketball sneakers, with five players with signature kicks:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Lebron James
- Kevin Durant
- PaulGeorge
- Kyrie Irving
Nike’s roster of athletes includes the crème de la crème of the NBA, with LeBron James taking the lead as he enters his 20th season with the brand. Nets star Kevin Durant will release his 14th signature sneaker with the brand this year.
Kyrie Irving and Paul George made waves in the sneaker world as their respective shoes blew off the shelves, while two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is set to release the Zoom Freak 4 this season.
Adidas
Adidas also has five players representing their brand:
- James Harden
- Damien Lillard
- Trae Young
- Donovan Mitchell
- Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose was the longest-serving member of the Adidas family, having signed a 14-year contract shortly after his 2010-11 MVP season.
Meanwhile, James Harden and Damian Lillard lead their roster of established NBA All-Stars, followed by the next generation in Donovan Mitchell and Trae Young, two of the league’s most exciting young guards.
Brand Jordan
Jordan Brand currently has the second most NBA players with a signature shoe at four:
- Luke Doncic
- Zion Williamson
- ChrisPaul
- Russell Westbrook
While Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook have been two of Jordan Brand’s most prominent faces in recent years, the Jumpman has invested in the future. They signed Zion Williamson and Luka Doncic to signature sneaker deals, with Doncic’s “Jordan Luka 1” debuting in last season’s playoffs.
under armor
Under Armor’s sneaker offering is spearheaded by two of the NBA’s biggest stars:
- Stephen Curry
- Joel Embid
Stephen Curry recently released his ninth sneaker from the brand, the “Curry 9”. Joel Embiid released his first shoe, the UA Embiid One, in 2020 and it was reported that an Embiid 2 would be released this year.
new balance
New Balance has been making waves in the sneaker world, signing players like Zach LaVine, Jamal Murray and Jaylen Brown. However, only one player currently has a signature line branded:
Kawhi Leonard left Jordan Brand in 2018 and became the face of New Balance basketball by releasing two signature sneakers with the brand.
puma
Puma has revitalized its basketball division in recent seasons by signing a number of NBA players and they have placed their faith in a one-time All-Star:
LaMelo Ball, who is said to have signed a deal worth $100 million, will release its second signature sneaker for next season, the “MB.02”.
anti
Anta is represented by some veterans:
- Clay Thompson
- Gordon Hayward
Klay Thompson signed a 10-year deal with the Chinese brand in 2015 and released seven signature sneakers under the KT line, while Gordon Hayward joined the brand in 2019.
coating
New Orleans has not one, but two players with a signature shoe on their roster:
CJ McCollum is the biggest name to sign with Li-Ning since Dwyane Wade left Nike in 2017 to join the Chinese brand. McCollum debuted the “CJ 1” in 2021.
361°
It’s fitting that 361 Degrees is home to one of the NBA’s high achievers:
Aaron Gordon has signed a sneaker deal with Chinese brand 361 Degrees just days before the 2020 Dunk Contest. He now has his own signature sneaker.