Kyrie Irving Signs Shoe Deal with Chinese Sportswear Company ANTA

Kyrie Irving lacing up his shoes before the 2023 NBA All Star Game in Salt Lake City, Utah. (credit: Jim Ice)

By: Adonis Armstrong

Earlier today July 12th, Kyrie Irving made an announcement on his Instagram Stories, revealing a new collaboration with Chinese sportswear company ANTA. Renowned journalist Shams Charania reported that the shoe endorsement agreement with the global brand will extend for five years and encompasses the special role of chief creative officer. The terms of the deal were reportedly negotiated through Irving's management entity A11Even.

Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving has signed a five-year endorsement deal with Chinese sportswear brand ANTA, plus the unique position of Chief Creative Officer at the company, industry sources told @TheAthletic @Stadium. Irving’s management company, A11Even, negotiated the deal. pic.twitter.com/HpJej7HU5X

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 12, 2023

In December 2022, Nike ended its partnership with Irving after he faced allegations of antisemitism due to sharing a controversial book on social media. This incident caused a rift between Irving and the Brooklyn Nets, ultimately resulting in his transfer to the Dallas Mavericks in February. Since then, Irving has issued an apology to the Jewish community for his actions. “To all Jewish families and communities that are hurt and affected from my post, I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize,” In his Instagram statement, he expressed at that moment. “I initially reacted out of emotion to being unjustly labeled antisemitic, instead of focusing on the healing process of my Jewish brothers and sisters that were hurt from the hateful remarks made in the documentary.”

The announcement coincides with Irving's recent contract extension with the Mavericks, a confirmed three-year deal worth $126 million according to the NBA. In an interview with The Dallas Morning News, team owner Mark Cuban elaborated on the organization's rationale behind retaining the NBA champion.

“I think Kyrie’s just misunderstood, you know,” Cuban said. “Everybody sees all the noise and everything around him, but when you actually talk to him, I like him. You know, he’s just, he’s open, he’s smart. You know, he’s always looking to learn things and to me, you know, he’s an interesting guy that’s just misunderstood… Kidd and I made the effort to really get to know him.”

Say what you want about Kyrie Irving, but he is making major moves in his career, securing a $126 million, three-year contract extension with the Dallas Mavericks and a groundbreaking five-year shoe endorsement deal with ANTA. Which he negotiated the deals himself and now holds a position of creative control within the company, allowing him to recruit future athletes to the brand. Irving's accomplishments highlight his expertise in both basketball and the business world.

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