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Kelley Walton: Amazon Music’s Marketing Maven

Michelai Graham — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 18:11:44 +0000

As part of Boardroom’s Black History Month coverage, take a look at Walton’s career and her work in DEI to find out why she’s become a playmaker to watch and learn from in the marketing industry.

If you ask Kelley Walton about her career trajectory, she’ll tell you she’s someone who has operated behind the scenes across the marketing industry for the past 20 years at some of the most notable global brands.

Today, Walton is the head of global brand, product, and integrated marketing at Amazon Music. She’s grown into an integrated marketing strategies maven as a byproduct of her work at top brands such as the NBA, Under Armour, LVMH, and others. Like most, Walton’s career path was not linear, but she’s strived not only to climb the corporate ranks but to make sure she’s laying the foundation for more diverse professionals to follow in her footsteps.

“What I have come to really sharpen and hone in on is what I do well and what I can deliver. I’m really good at helping deliver business results at this intersection of culture, community, and commerce. I pay really close attention to trends and patterns,” Walton told Boardroom in an exclusive interview. “Long before the industry and everyone had their wake-up call with the unfortunate incidents around George Floyd’s death, I realized and was able to show that authentically connecting with young and diverse consumers was good for business. And so that’s what I’ve been able to do.”

As part of Boardroom’s Black History Month coverage, take a look at Walton’s career and her work in DEI to find out why she’s become a playmaker to watch and learn from in the marketing industry.

Setting the Goal

Believe it or not, Walton grew up wanting to be an obstetrician-gynecologist, which is why she studied biology at Morris Brown College. She got about halfway through her studies before realizing she couldn’t stand the sight of blood. Since Walton was studying at the HBCU on an academic scholarship, she decided to finish her degree program. After college, she landed a temp job at a fintech company, but this business environment still didn’t interest her enough.

Walton played basketball growing up in Akron, Ohio, so sports have always been a part of her life. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and it wasn’t until one of her sorority sisters was going away to study sports marketing in graduate school at St. Thomas University that she realized what she wanted to do. Walton went to visit her in Miami before embarking on her own graduate school journey, where she earned an MBA in sports marketing and management at St. Thomas.

“I was like, if there’s a way that I can combine my love of sports with this business environment, I think that will be amazing for me,” Walton said.

Walton dived into her new career with ease. Early on, one of her most memorable learning experiences was her time interning with one of the only Black nightlife club owners in South Beach, Onyx. There, she observed first-hand how intertwined the sports and nightlife worlds really were. Walton also spent some time interning in the athletic department at the University of Miami and worked with a Super Bowl host committee. Collectively, these experiences shaped her love and passion for marketing and ultimately helped her decide that it was a career for her.

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Paving the Way

Walton’s first full-time gig out of grad school was at an agency where Coca-Cola was her client. About two years into her role, Coca-Cola recruited her to join its team internally as an associate marketing manager. Philip Polk, a DEI executive and former chief DEI officer and VP of multicultural strategy at Hallmark Cards, was one of Walton’s mentors at the time who helped guide her through this transition. His insight and advice became integral to her growth.

“There have been people along my journey that have been great sounding boards for me and great mentors that helped me focus my thinking in a way that would be most helpful,” she said. “I try to offer the same for others now as well.”

Walton is a vocal advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Early on in her career, she was hyper-focused on networking and building relationships with like-minded individuals. One organization that had an impact on her early on was Women in Sports and Events (WISE), a leading resource for women working in the sports industry who want to connect and support one another. Walton joined WISE when she landed her first tole in the sports industry at ESPN as a manager of integrated marketing and sponsorships.

“It was great to connect with other women in the sports industry and get tips and tricks on navigating the industry and how to network,” Walton said. “What I love about my experience with WISE is that it did come back around later in my career when I was at Under Armour. I re-engaged with WISE after going out of the sports industry for a while.”

After ESPN, Walton spent four years as at Heineken. There, she parlayed her accomplishments and her connections to her next role at LVMH as the director of brand and integrated marketing for Hennessy. By the time Walton reached Under Armour, where she served as a VP and head of global brand experience, she began serving as a mentor for younger WISE members, and she even brought the organization into some of the work she was doing at the sportswear company. Walton was integral in helping set up a women’s employee resource group at Under Armour, and she brought WISE in to help consult on that with the company’s leadership team.

To this day, Walton keeps her executive coach by her side for guidance because she never wants to stop learning and elevating her expertise. The impact is undeniable. Walton has become an executive whose work speaks for her, even when she isn’t around. Through the years, she’s been offered positions by several notable brands. I jokingly told her she has mastered the art of avoiding the traditional interview process because her strong resume speaks for itself.

Making Her Mark

Walton’s secret sauce is getting global brands to open up to the idea of authentically bringing diverse voices into their most visible campaigns. She said that she’s shown that having a wide range of perspectives in the room, including the teams doing the work, helps deliver a better product and a greater impact. As she looks back on her career thus far, she cites Hennessy’s rebrand and the NBA’s 75th Anniversary campaign as the two most memorable projects that have integrated that core philosophy.

“I’m not about being extractive or transactional when engaging with diverse audiences. I really believe there has to be a partnership and ability to co-create together,” she said. “I’d like to say I focus on culture because it always has been and continues to be a key element of delivering this impact for the brands I represent.”

Rebranding Hennessy

Walton brought this focus into the work she did on the Hennessy campaign launch in 2012, an expansive advertising and marketing campaign. Walton was charged with relaunching the renowned spirit’s brand to help regain its luxury and lifestyle credentials. To do this, she targeted young multicultural men, a group of consumers she felt would drive Hennessy’s campaigns at the time. And she was right since this rebrand led to key partnerships with the ESPYs, Coachella, the Grammys, and more. Walton also spearheaded Hennessy’s presence on Martha’s Vineyard, a perennial hot spot for the Black community.

“Music, sports, film, and art were key passion points for this audience,” she said. “Going all the way back to Hennessy Artistry and things like that, that was part of spinning up strategies to bring these passion points to life for our target customer and really bring them closer to the brand.”

Walton is also responsible for securing Hennessy’s partnership with N a s, and she led the charge on the brand’s support in the making of his 2014 documentary, Time Is Illmatic.

“I led the partnership of the launch of that with the Tribeca Film Fest, where Time Is Illmatic was the first music documentary to open that film festival, which was historic at the time, and then the national rollout of the film,” Walton said.

Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images

The NBA’s 75th Anniversary

Walton served as the NBA’s VP of global brand marketing and creative between 2020 and 2022, where she led the development and worked on the league’s 75th Anniversary campaign. Growing up in Akron meant even more to Walton to work on this project since All-Star Weekend was in Cleveland that year. Walton was at the center of everything, from coming up with the big strategic ideas to collaborating with all the players to developing NBA Lane.

During this time, Walton worked closely with Devin Booker, LeBron James, and Michael B Jordan. She recalls being on set to shoot one day for the opening sequence of the campaign video and wanting Russell Westbrook to tell his story about fashion. Her team was struggling to connect with him, but while on set, James took it upon himself to call Westbrook up to entice him to participate. Before the end of the day, Russell showed up, and Walton and her team quickly created a vignette that was authentic to him and his interests.

“I think what I’m most proud of is that when I first started at the NBA, we had to beg, borrow, and steal to get the players actually to be a part of marketing campaigns, and by the time I left, they were advocating for one another to participate,” Walton said.

Climbing and Thriving

Walton’s work as the head of global brand, product, and integrated marketing at Amazon Music is her first foray into working with a Big Tech brand. Consumer tech has always been an area she wanted to work in, but she wanted to make the pivot authentically. She joined when the company was looking to rebrand and relaunch Amazon Music. Walton felt like good synergy with the opportunity and said she would not have left the NBA without a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity such as this.

In this new chapter, Walton pulls from what she knows. As with her past stops, she is consistently asking herself how Amazon Music can strategically attract young and diverse audiences and, specifically, how they can do so as authentically as she did working in other industries.

“[At] Amazon, broadly, we are customer-obsessed. At Amazon Music, we’re fan-obsessed. We know that our fans crave a variety of tastes in music and experiences. People might say it’s pushing a lot of water uphill, but I’d say it’s actually not,” Walton said. “I usually get these calls when companies have real business opportunities by reaching young and diverse audiences and showing up authentically with them; it’s going to help move the needle on business results. I don’t find that I have to do a lot of convincing at Amazon Music around what we need to do in the space, whether it’s our year-long support of the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, or it is the work that we do with the Latin audience, the K-pop space, you name it.”

Walton said there’s always a willingness to bring different perspectives to the table at Amazon Music, and she said that’s mainly because there are other Black women sitting next to her making it happen.

“In many cases in my career, I’ve been the one and only in the room. And it is nice not to be the one and only and to have people,” she said.

Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Amazon Music

Walton’s Future

In the next decade or so, Walton sees herself retired on a beach, doing a different type of work that fulfills her. She said she’ll continue mentoring, angel investing, and volunteering with the philanthropy-focused organization she’s passionate about.

Young Black professionals looking to climb the ranks at notable brands like Walton, she has one Golden Rule to share with you: treat others how you want to be treated. She said you never know who may open doors for you, and her career trajectory is a true testament to that.

Also, it is important to give yourself room to learn and grow at all points in your career, even if it feels uncomfortable.

“Always strive for excellence, but I think we need to kick this notion of not giving yourself permission to experiment because Black people don’t have the luxury to fail,” Walton said. “We have to be willing to experiment, and we have to find places and spaces that are safe for us to do that for our own growth. And as leaders, it’s important that we create that for the ones coming behind us as well.”

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The post Kelley Walton: Amazon Music’s Marketing Maven appeared first on Boardroom.

Nick DePaula’s Top Sneakers of 2023

Nick DePaula — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 16:26:13 +0000

2023 marked one of the most exciting years in the sneaker game in a minute. Check out the 25 top sneakers of 2023 courtesy of Boardroom’s Nick DePaula.

This was one of my favorite years in sneakers, in awhile.

From modern innovations to a strong string of signature shoes, respectable retros and oddities in between, 2023 brought out the best from several brands. It led to a landscape that’s become both increasingly competitive and balanced.

There were hyped-as-hell partnerships that delivered, obscenely viral launches you couldn’t get away from, and sneakers that ultimately transcended their simple intended purpose.

Check out my Top 25 sneakers of 2023 below, and let me know your favorites over on Twitter.

And, as I like to always remind everyone – it’s my opinion – so that’s the way it’s gonna go.

25 / Nike Air More Uptempo ’96

One of the most unmistakable sneaker designs of all time got a proper Retro this year. The clean black and white original Air More Uptempo once rocked by Scottie Pippen in the 1996 NBA Finals returned with larger volume Air units, an improved silhouette and better detailing than any other retro edition of the model that we’ve seen over the years.

24 / New Balance x Stone Island FuelCell C_1

New Balance has been no stranger to great collabs in recent years, but rather than another remix of the 991 or their beloved archival models, I was an instant fan of the Stone Island informed edition of the brand’s high tech new FuelCell model. The earth tones and fin heel brought a balance of modern, new and fresh to a still everyday wearable look. Plus, that outsole sculpting was exceptional.

23 / Ugg Tasman Weather Hybrid

I haven’t checked for Uggs shoes, ever. I don’t even really like the colorways that the brand dropped on these. However, this Tasman Weather Hybrid model was crazy and immediately caught my attention. I’d love to see some more lively looks, like a black / yellow or grey / teal edition. But after a well-received first launch, I could see the Tasman Hybrid being a model that people actually actively check for going forward.

22 / Nike Alphafly 3

I don’t care for white shoes. I definitely don’t like orange. And yet I’ve seen enough. Unveiled at the tail end of the year, the new Alphafly 3 runner seeks to set the bar in the arms race world of high-end innovation. Ever since Nike first launched their elongated tail look along the heel of its debut Vaporfly 4% runner in 2017, the entire industry has followed. Each brand now seemingly showcases a similar silhouette of a supershoe in their lineup. The newest of the Fly series pushes things even further for the future. And now I’m just looking forward to some other colorways.

21 / Adidas x Fear of God

The long, long — seriously — long-awaited first shoe from Fear of God’s oft-shifting partnership with Adidas released. And I thought they were damn good. With molded stripes inspired by David Beckham’s decades-old Predator cleat and a signature sloping stance and silhouette expected from Jerry Lorenzo’s lens, the three-year wait produced an impressive offering. While the actual “athletics” usage component might still need some proving out, we’ll have more to look forward to from Fear of God Athletics as we get into 2024 and beyond, now that the much-anticipated first drop signals that the collaborative collection is finally in swing.

20 / Adidas Stan Smith “Homer Simpson”

Just awesome. While Stan Smiths have been on a resurgent run for a few years now, this Simpsons-inspired Stan led the way for the larger Adidas x Simpsons pack. In the iconic original white and green heel colorblocking, the texture and detailing channeled from one of the great meme GIFs of internet history made for a cult classic sneaker that executed the concept to perfection.

19 / Air Jordan 1 High OG Satin

I’m not gonna lie. I was hot these didn’t get made above a women’s size 12. The colorway has been done a million times, but the satin sheen works. It gave a new spin on perhaps the most iconic Nike sneaker of all time. They’re seemingly sitting in some stores, but regardless, I thought the execution turned out great. While the J Balvin 3s and SB 4s were great updates to classic Jordan models, it was the Satin 1s I liked most for the year. I just wish I could find a damn women’s size 14.5 out there.

18 / Jordan Tatum 1

At first glance, I thought Jayson Tatum’s debut signature shoe was way too technical — but that’s what makes for a great Jordan design. As brand figures have said over the years, you have to “be comfortable with being uncomfortable” to get somewhere new. The highly sculpted midsole, housing a visible Zoom Air unit up front and showcasing some expert construction throughout, was distinctive on-court and immediately recognizable on TV.

After years of impressive storytelling atop the annual Air Jordan since the 34, JT also layered in some great themes and graphics across a whole web of launches and PEs to make his mark as he entered the signature shoe game.

17 / Puma x Pleasures Velophasis

Styled in silhouette much like the Triple S, the oversized Velophasis from Puma brought a more wearable, yet beefed up stance, to the concept of a late 90’s technical runner. The Pleasures edition, with its mix of pink and purple hues throughout the upper and overdyed midsole, pulled off my favorite pair of the assortment. I grabbed a pair and rocked them often.

16 / Nike Air Max 95 x Corteiz

It’s one thing to have a Nike collab that looks great. It’s another to cause a frenzy in a trio of global streetwear staple cities like New York, Paris and London. The Corteiz squad pulled it off, with on-the-fly, real-time launches taking place that brought some 90’s nostalgia to a modern era more entrapped with less memorable digital launches and Ls. When the eventual online launch got botched by bots buying up batches of pairs, the brand’s founder Clint cancelled all non-human orders, then re-released the inventory yet again, for real customers. An A+ move.

15 / Way of Wade 808 Ultra 3

From a pure product design and construction standpoint, this was a damn impressive shoe. With carbon fiber discs along the heel, sharp molding throughout and a highly engineered drop-in insole, the elevated “Ultra” edition of this Way of Wade team shoe serves to highlight the strong design work that Li-Ning has been producing for years now.

14 / Nike Kobe 6 “Reverse Grinch”

The greatest Christmas shoe ever saw a return this year, with a twist. Originally debuted by Anthony Davis a few years ago as just a PE, the “Reverse Grinch” shift on the iconic bright green and red Kobe classic from 2010 was once again a hit this holiday season, making for one of the highlight drops of the year. And yes, the original PE pair pictured above, with its slightly deeper shades of red throughout, was better.

13 / Oakley x Brain Dead Factory Team Edge Boot

Oakley has been quietly ramping up and on a run, both in streetwear and in sneakers. On the footwear side, much of their momentum can be attributed to their ongoing collection of drops with Brain Dead. While the Factory Team mules and neoprene slip ons have been sleepers, it’s the newly launched Edge Boot that went extra hard. The balance of ballistic mesh and suede atop the rugged bottom became one of my favorite looks of the year, and has me hyped to see what’s next in store for Oakley ahead.

12 / Nike x NOCTA Glide

I’m the biggest Zoom Flight 95 fan you’ll ever find. I think the black and carbon fiber edition is the greatest shoe of all time. And yet, I’m not a purist eager to hate on any and all new inspired silhouettes. Like the NOCTA Glide. Which are sick. With a new spherical take on the JKidd-led classic from nearly thirty years ago, Drake’s Nike Sportswear imprint pulled off a fire update. The model re-introduces the sculpted sidewall and carbon woven overlay to a new generation in a great way.

11 / Tuff Crowd x Curry Brand

When Brandon Jennings became the first NBA player to sign with Under Armour at just 18, he took a risk. Now, it all came full circle for him, as his streetwear brand Tuff Crowd officially came back into the fold at UA for a full collaborative collection. In teaming up with his former Draft classmate and the company’s lifetime headliner, Stephen Curry, the tandem produced a Tuff Crowd x Curry Brand collection of footwear and clothes that was highlighted by the black and red Curry 11, along with an extra hard Flow Cozy. By introducing black Flow to Curry Brand, the Cozy became what I consider the brand’s best lifestyle silhouette to date.

via @VictorKan

10 / Adidas Crazy Infinity

As much as everyone loves original models like the KB8 and The Kobe, this new direction was much, much needed. With naming inspired by a subtle rotational nod to the number 8, the “Crazy Infinity” drew on all of the original slants and stance of Kobe Bryant’s Audi TT-inspired signature shoe from the turn of the millennium, but brought the styling into yet another forward-looking decade, with a zip shrouded upper and subtle tweaks throughout.

The shoe also represented a bit of a new path for the brand’s Basketball category, as the Crazy Infinity was rolled out along with Adidas’ “Remember The Why” campaign, looking to define the next chapter of hoops going forward.

9 / New Balance x Concepts 998 “C-Note”

One of the best themed sneakers ever saw a much-anticipated return this year, as Concepts’ tribute to the then-new $100 bill received the retro treatment a decade after its original release. The ways in which the longtime boutique layered in the different accents and hues of the Big Face Benjamin for a cohesive colorway made for one of the most well done executions of a… well…concept, we’ve ever seen.

8 / MSCHF Big Red Boot

The sightings were sensational. From Shai in the tunnel, to Gramps, a WWE wrestler in the ring and perhaps the greatest footwear photo of the year — Hasbulla in a Nice Kicks hat — the completely ridiculous Big Red Boots entirely dominated the year.

Yet another MSCHF production, the concept was born by bringing to life the cartoonish red boots worn by iconic anime figure Astro Boy, a deep cut if there ever was one. The outlandish roll out saw some seriously strong seeding, turning the trolling towering boots towards people actually wearing them.

7 / Nike x Cactus Plant Flea 2

I’ll be the first to admit — these are wild in person. While the Big Red Boots may have achieved preposterous proportions, ongoing Swoosh collaborator Cactus Plant Flea Market brought to life something also oversized and overdone, that still finds a manageable and wearable landing spot. Plus, the snap on patches are fun. I’ve been rocking the all black pair for a while now, and opted for the more subtle and smaller snap icons, rather than the stock, cartoonishly long Swoosh placement. But that’s what makes these so great — everyone can do their thing and bring their own touch to the bulky and clunky canvas that I came to really like in the last few months of the year since I got my hands on a pair.

(Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

6 / Air Jordan 11 “Ring Night” Jeff Green PE

One of the game’s longest-running and most respected role players finally received his “Ring Night” moment, as “Uncle Jeff” returned to Denver last month to officially celebrate the Nuggets title he helped contribute to earlier this summer. Along with a gleaming gold Air Jordan 17 PE, Jordan Brand made Green a chromed-out pair of Air Jordan 11s, featuring his #32 along the heel.

As a huge fan of chrome, these immediately made for one of the better PE unveils in recent years.

5 / Adidas Harden Vol. 7

This is the best James Harden shoe. In silver and black specifically, the shoe took on a swooping color block that worked great for on-court visibility, or a fresh look off the court. I ended up wearing them literally all year long. Not only was the design distinct and strong, but the shoe is also damn comfy, leading to dozens of Adidas athletes wearing them all season, during what was a great calendar year run for the 7th Volume of the Harden signature series.

4 / Air Jordan 1 Low x Travis Scott

Every “Cactus Jack” edition of the Air Jordan 1 has been a hit, but the subtle white, black and olive pair launched in April instantly became a ubiquitous sneaker to see in the wild. While safe in principle, the clean colorway will likely end up being one of the very best of the longstanding Scott co-signed pairs when we look back on the “Cactus Jack” chapter down the road.

3 / Nike Zoom Vomero 5

The Vomero was everywhere. And for good reason. If someone placed any priority on comfort in their life, it was likely they were pulling out a pair of Vomeros at some point, for literally any setting.

2 / Adidas AE 1

Anthony Edwards’ first shoe is immediately a top ten Adidas Basketball signature shoe of all time. They’re right up there with the best of the Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, and Derrick Rose lines that helped to define the decades of modern performance by the Three Stripes since the mid-90s.

Designer Patrick Zempolich said the brand “wanted to create a confident shoe,” and they absolutely killed it. With a striking stance framed by a black collar and stark geometric pattern along the molded upper, the AE 1 made its mark right out the gate. The marketing campaign was equally confident. We’re just one colorway in, and already, the inaugural signature for the rising star has set the bar high for Anthony Edwards’ signature series from here.

(Photo by Michelle Farsi/Michelle Farsi)

1 / Nike Sabrina 1

Signature shoes for WNBA players have been long overdue for years now. Sabrina Ionescu not only introduced a signature model that immediately stood out on her feet, but the shoe quickly transcended to all ages, all backgrounds, all leagues — hitting on the “Anyone. Anywhere.” mantra and vision that Ionescu and Nike set out to achieve from the start.

Crafted in a familiar silhouette, the Romanian-inspired toe detailing, inner vertical-leaning Swoosh and dotted i bar along the heel made for a chef’s kiss of signature design touches.

Now a staple across the NBA, NCAA and high school hoops, the Sabrina 1 will also have a runway in an array of new colorways into the new year ahead, as players put together their own Nike By You colorways and Nike continues to pour its considerable marketing muscle behind a WNBA signature sneaker that has rightfully and deservedly made an impact in the footwear industry.

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The post Nick DePaula’s Top Sneakers of 2023 appeared first on Boardroom.

Dawn Staley: The Dream Merchant of Women’s Basketball

Ian Stonebrook — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Louis Vuitton Dawn has dominated hoops in professional and amateur ranks. What registers as wins as those worlds merge?

From the bleachers in Columbia to the streets of Philly, there are many things one could call Dawn Staley.

Coach, champ, and Hall of Famer instantly come to mind. If you ask NBA vet Cuttino Mobley, she’s the best point guard he ever played with. If you ask Forbes, they’ll tell you she’s a multi-millionaire. If you ask Andscape, they’ll tell you she’s a beacon of hope for more than just hoops.

But if you ask Dawn herself on-stage at the 2023 Nike World Basketball Festival, she’ll tell you something else.

“I’m a dream merchant,” Staley told Boardroom’s Eddie Gonzalez.

On brand, the tough and flashy floor general can thread the needle on everything that defines her, realizing how a half-century in hoops has taken her all over the world but, most importantly, into living rooms across the country.

In those settings, that self-appointed title holds even more weight. As the head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, she’s selling a dream appreciating momentum and monetary value each day.

Sitting across from parents in need of assurance all while operating at the apex of women’s basketball’s big boom, Staley has lived the dream from ABL to NIL. As she starts the 2023-24 season with higher hopes for her industry and less experience on her roster, Dawn’s court awareness is at an all-time high.

“Women’s basketball is bursting through the seams,” said Staley. “This is the best time to be playing our sport.”

In the era of NIL and an awakening in women’s sports, Dawn’s day job is more than just running practice and recruiting visits. Standing in the center of the sport set to tip into more money and more eyeballs, she balances building a powerhouse program while fighting for larger TV deals that will ensure earnings for all involved.

As the lines blur between baller and brand, so does the distinction between college coach and women’s advocate, floor raiser, and fundraiser. It’s a dichotomy that defines the dream merchant.

Luckily, Louis Vuitton Dawn has long excelled at being two things at once.

Philly’s Most Wanted

Dawn Staley was raised in the Raymond Rosen housing projects in North Philadelphia.

Playing ball with the boys growing up, she traveled five hours down I-95 to the University of Virginia, where she’d lead the school to four straight NCAA Tournament appearances and three Final Fours. When it was all said and done, the 5-6 floor general was named National Player of the Year twice.

photo by Damian Strohmeyer/Allsport/Getty Images

After earning her degree, Dawn darted overseas to play professionally in Italy, France, Brazil, and Spain. Running offenses abroad served as a master’s in leadership, eventually bringing her back to the States as the ABL and WNBA launched on the heels of her first Olympic gold medal.

For the latter part of the ’90s, Dawn ascended in the hoops space in America. From a Nike signature shoe to appearances in SLAM Magazine, she was playing on TV and even starring in commercials.

The hard work in hoops was paying off regarding relevance, but it wasn’t making her or her peers rich.

By the year 2000, the average WNBA salary was only $55,000.

That season, she’d start every game at point guard for the Charlotte Sting. Over the summer, she doubled down on her craft by winning her second Olympic gold in Australia.

Weeks later, she’d do something unprecedented for an active athlete her age: She’d start her college coaching career in Philly.

Earlier that year, a chance trip to Temple turned into a recruiting visit for the local legend. Despite having no interest in coaching and fair fear from her peers that taking on two jobs would be impossible, she accepted the challenge to turn around a program that hadn’t appeared in the NCAA Tournament since De La Soul debuted.

From 2001 to 2006, Dawn worked two jobs at once. She dominated her playing profession by being an annual mainstay of the WNBA All-Star Game while also winning another gold medal in Athens.

Jeff Gross / Allsport

Joseph Labolito / Getty Images

When she wasn’t killing it on the court, she hustled hard on the sideline. During those dual-employment days, the Temple Owls were winning the Atlantic-10 outright early and often while advancing in the NCAA Tournament because of it.

It was a sleepless stretch for the dream merchant, solidifying her sales pitch the last season she played pro.

In 2006, Staley’s final All-Star campaign coincided with the first year she’d produce one. After traveling to Tampa to recruit a three-sport stud in 2002, Dawn’s worlds collided four years later when Candice Dupree became Temple’s first female player to be drafted to the WNBA.

“When I was in college, she was still playing at the pro level,” Dupree told Boardroom. “So we’d go to New York, Connecticut, Charlotte, and DC to watch her play. I learned what it meant to be a pro just by watching her when I was in college.”

While coaching at Temple and playing in the WNBA, Staley sent both Kamesha Hairston and Dupree to the pro ranks. Each first-round pick found their footing under Staley in Philly, with the Tampa talent playing against her college coach just weeks after hearing her name called.

“To learn from her and compete against her my first year in the league?” said Dupree. “Not a lot of people can say they’ve done that, if anybody at all.”

Lacing up against her college coach after going No. 6 overall, Dupree entered a professional world she shared for one season with her mentor. By the time Dupree’s days in the league were done, she’d have seven All-Star selections, one WNBA Championship, and three Olympic gold medals to her name.

Like her coach, she’d find a fit on the sideline with the San Antonio Spurs. Unlike her coach, she’d finish her playing career earning $170,000 for a single season.

Just as the rate of pay has increased in the WNBA, Staley’s seen her value ascend since leaving Temple for the greener pastures of South Carolina.

Second Home

When Dawn Staley arrived in Columbia, SC, the Lady Gamecocks had never made a Final Four.

In its history, the school had produced an impressive five WNBA Draft picks, many of which Staley had played against

Since taking over in 2008, the Gamecocks have gone to five Final Fours and won two national championships. The 2023 WNBA season opened with eight of her players on rosters and finished with Dawn’s disciples claiming Finals MVP and Rookie of the Year honors.

“My passion has always been young people, just making sure they understand what it takes when they get to the league,” said Staley. “They are the ones that will take the league to higher heights.”

David E. Klutho / Sports Illustrated via Getty Images

As alluded to, this is true. Staley has sent 14 players from SC to the WNBA and produced MVP talent with shoe deals and public profiles.

The top of the list includes A’ja Wilson, arguably the best player in women’s basketball and the blueprint for Staley’s system of success. Under her acclaimed coach, Wilson won several individual accolades and a national title. This tutelage and excellence led to her going No. 1 overall in the 2017 WNBA Draft, setting up the two-time league MVP for two titles.

As a pro, Wilson is estimated to have already earned $630,600 in WNBA action alone. She left Columbia with an array of records and a college degree. Each time she returns, she sees an 11-foot bronze statue saluting her greatness.

She also sees the coach that sculpted her success.

Lance King / Getty Images

“I really enjoy helping to mold players and getting them ready for life,” Staley said. “My passion’s at the collegiate level, and I hope it stays that way.”

From a financial standpoint, it likely will.

Wilson’s WNBA coach, two-time champion Becky Hammon, makes $1 million a year — a figure that tops all active players and coaches in the league.

In the college game, Staley stands to make $2.1 million in base salary this season. That number can only go up as added incentives to sweep SEC and NCAA awards total another $600,000.

In the third season of a historic seven-year deal valued at $22.4 million, Staley’s decision to coach college basketball during her pro playing career has set her and others up for bigger bucks than they could ever imagine.

Still, the dream merchant is not just selling student-athletes on what they could achieve at South Carolina. Rather, she’s looking to break open the floodgates on just how big and lucrative the women’s game can get.

“I like it,” said Staley. “It’s a challenge.”

A Dollar & a Dream

In 1992, Dawn Staley’s biggest challenge when it came to basketball was taking on Pat Summit’s Tennessee Volunteers in the prior season’s National Championship Game.

By the time Staley graduated from Virginia, she had a communications degree and the school scoring record to show for it. What she didn’t have was a paying job close to home. All those accolades left her unemployed in America, where basketball was concerned, taking the ACC assist leader to seasonal work abroad.

In 2023, Dawn returned to Europe. Taking her Gamecocks with her, the No. 6 team in America took over Paris through a 100-71 shellacking of No. 10 Notre Dame. While Staley’s squad won the game, both rosters benefitted from a team trip to France.

Additionally, Staley’s muscle played a part in having two African-American coaches tip off the college season not just abroad but broadcast for fans everywhere.

The revolution was televised as Rebecca Lobo, a teammate of Staley in the 1996 Olympics, and Andraya Carter, a player Staley coached against upon arriving at SC, called the game for ESPN.

The setting was special. The stage was familiar. This season alone, Staley’s squad will play on ESPN networks 10 times.

Not only will her young roster need to show and prove on the court, but fans will have to tune in to put pressure on industry execs to invest more money in the women’s game.

“We need more networks to compete for our talents,” said Staley. “Our television deal is up with ESPN. ESPN’s done a great job giving us a platform to grow and take us where we are now.”

Competition is where the game thrives and where Staley finds herself.

Last spring, Staley’s squad lost at the hot hands of Caitlin Clark. While the Final Four exit ended the Gamecock’s quest to repeat, it exploded opportunity for the women’s game as Iowa and Louisana State put on a Natty for the ages — and the record books.

The battle between Clark and Angel Reese captivated the country, drawing in 9.9 million viewers. For comparison, that outing outperformed Game 1 of the 2023 MLB World Series. For reference, Fox is currently under contract with the MLB for $5.1 billion for said broadcast rights.

C. Morgan Engel / NCAA Photos via Getty Images

As women’s college basketball begins its most anticipated season, perhaps ever, Staley sees more than just the ten players on the court but all of the broadcast partners capable of taking the game to a whole new level. Because the current contract with ESPN expires in 2024, the stakes are higher this season for all involved.

“We need other networks to show our worth,” said Staley. “ESPN knows our worth, but if there’s no competition? You’re not going to throw hundreds of millions of dollars at our sport if nobody’s competing for us in that space.”

It’s a fight she finds herself in the middle of despite being financially secure.

It’s a fight taking place in the middle of a season with hoop dreams of the team and individual variety all afloat.

Money, Power, Respect

Throughout her Hall of Famer career, Dawn Staley has ascended titles without shifting shapes.

Still standing only 5’6, she’s a giant in the game that competes at the highest level with coaches, countries, and institutions. The open market opportunities of NIL mixed with the big bucks shelled out to higher profile programs make Dawn’s dream merchant mantra a tougher sell than years past.

When recruiting the country’s top talent, Staley is extremely cognizant of the fact that picking a college to play basketball at is a financial decision that affects not only WNBA dreams but also the immediate earnings for families and the players themselves.

Because of funds, collectives, and NIL markets, a top-tier student-athlete often makes a high-level financial decision at only 18 years of age.

“I get the pull on the money,” said Staley. “If someone’s offering you $200,000, and that’s something you’ve never seen, and your family has to work ten years to get that in your bank account? I get it; I truly understand that part of it. Go for it; I am not mad at all. But I also don’t want to devalue what we bring to the table and the experience that you would have under me and our coaching staff.”

It’s a wild world for players and peers of the Hall of Fame coach. Because Staley’s seen the women’s game grow from playing in empty fieldhouses to selling out football stadiums, the promise of education and exposure still has to compete with promises of cold, hard cash.

“People are probably offering them a lot more money to lure them,” Staley said. “But the lessons that you get [here] are invaluable.”

Always in the weeds and on the grind, Staley is fighting hard to ensure that South Carolina has the same financial resources as the power programs she competes with.

“I look at the NIL space as a challenge,” said Staley. “We may not have the most, but I want to be competitive when it comes to recruiting young people. I don’t want that to be the factor if someone beats us out by $25,000 or $50,000. I don’t want that to be the determining factor.”

When the floodgates first opened on NIL, it was truly the wild, wild west where coaches could chase bags for their players. That all stopped a year ago when the NCAA changed the rules on the fly.

“The NCAA completely stopped us last October,” said Staley. “We had to shut everything down from me going out there and saying, ‘Hey, can you come do an all-team deal at South Carolina?'”

Because the NCAA no longer allows Staley and other coaches to find and facilitate NIL deals, the funding for players is fragmented and often of great variance from athlete to athlete and school to school.

Thus, the equity Dawn’s built over her illustrious legacy across brands does not bear the financial fruit it could for her players. This matters much on campus and in recruiting.

“As coaches, we have access to so many sponsors and relationships with companies,” Staley said.

This proves truer for Staley than most. Because of her resume on the sideline and on the court, she has the gravitas to appear in an Under Armour commercial with Aaliyah Boston and sit on the stage at Nike’s World Basketball Festival. Still, the Hall of Fame point guard has to play the background in earning for her athletes.

Because of this, she has to rely on the resources provided by the university that in SEC country usually go to the gridiron.

“There are things called collectives now, and we have to work through the collectives,” Staley said. “Collectives do a lot of work for football because they’re the main breadwinners, and I get that. But when we’ve had as much success as we’ve had at the University of South Carolina? We should be rolling in it, and we’re not.”

Once again, the 2x National Champion has to rely on her resume. One that adorns almost every accolade as a player and one that’s placed a handful of hopefuls in the WNBA.

“The things that we equip our players with will more than bring in the money that they deserve,” said Staley. “But they just gotta come to South Carolina first to get there.”

Next Up

When Dawn Staley took her tri-state swag to the SEC, few could’ve predicted record-setting coaching contracts and multiple National Championships.

Upending a women’s basketball scene long dominated by the likes of UConn and Tennessee, Staley serves as a disciplinarian and player’s coach all at once, not too different from that of Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa.

The biggest difference for Staley compared to the top tier of recruiters across all college sports is that she played professionally — and exceptionally — earning respect and reverence that few coaches across from her can match.

This type of esteem connects with parents and players alike.

C. Morgan Engel / NCAA Photos via Getty Images

“When you go into people’s living rooms and tell them that they’ll graduate?” said Staley. “They’re working to get to the next level. When you dangle that in front of them? They work a little bit harder.”

When looking for hard work, look no further than MiLaysia Fulwiley. When looking for the perfect place to take her talents, Staley’s program made perfect sense.

“I picked South Carolina because I wanted to be coached by somebody who’d been in my position before,” Fulwiley told Boardroom.

Already a viral sensation one game into her college career, Fulwiley exploded in Paris and across social media. Going coast to coast in France, the revered recruit went around the world and around her back, laying in a jellyroll lay-up that had everyone from Magic Johnson to Jamal Crawford singing her praises.

Hidalgo and Fulwiley moving DIFFERENT out here, turn on ESPN
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) November 6, 2023

“It felt unbelievable when I heard that Kevin Durant shared my video,” Fulwiely said. “Seeing NBA stars and people who play basketball giving my move credit? It means a lot.”

While the freshman phenom owes her talent and hard work to the heralded highlight, getting seen on such a stage is a shoutout to Staley.

The program built by Dawn in Columbia, mixed with the pressure she’s put on the NCAA and ESPN, all funnel toward bigger platforms for the girls she coaches like Fulwiley.

In high school, the McDonald’s All-American was courted by coaches nationwide. She chose SC not just because of its proximity to home, but the character and resume only Staley could offer. Since arriving on campus, the flashy point guard has learned from a WNBA legend who played the same position.

Just the same, Fulwiley’s received coaching from Staley’s staff on thriving in the new open market of endorsements.

“She had multiple people come and talk to us about our NIL deals,” said Fulwiley. “We also have NIL companies in our program called Garnett Trust. She tells us to stay focused on basketball, and the NIL will play its part.”

So far, so good. Represented by Excel Sports Management, Fulwiley will continue to thrive off the court thanks to the work she’s putting in on the court.

Aurelien Meunier / Getty Images

Leading the No. 2 recruiting class in all of the women’s college basketball, Fulwiley will run the show for Staley, which is green where age is concerned.

“We’ve got a little different team,” said Staley. “We’re super talented but not much on-court experience.”

All the while, Staley will continue to fight the good fight for women’s basketball. Just like her early days at Temple while playing point for the Charlotte Sting, the dream merchant is sacrificing sleep so that these girls can make more money and more noise than anyone ever imagined.

“Every season brings on a different challenge no matter who you have,” said Staley.

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The post Dawn Staley: The Dream Merchant of Women’s Basketball appeared first on Boardroom.

The 2023 NBA Rookie Class Shoe Deal Rundown

Nick DePaula — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 15:33:56 +0000

Wemby is a Nike athlete & Scoot signed with Puma, but what about the rest of the bunch? Let’s break down this year’s NBA rookie class by shoe deals.

Early on, the 2023 crop was pegged as one of the deepest NBA Drafts in recent memory, with multiple top picks projected to be future All-Stars and a depth of promising players to be selected thereafter.

With a range of wings and guards throughout the first round and a 7-foot big man in Victor Wembanyama who clearly defies all convention at his size, it could also become one of the more impactful drafts of the last decade from a marketing standpoint.

Below is a full rundown of NBA rookie-class shoe deals — from the Swoosh to Puma and everything in between.

Nike

Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets
Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons
Anthony Black, Orlando Magic
Kobe Brown, LA Clippers
Bilal Coulibaly, Washington Wizards
Keyonte George, Utah Jazz
Jordan Hawkins, New Orleans Pelicans
Dereck Lively II, Dallas Mavericks
Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Dallas Mavericks
Julian Strawther, Denver Nuggets
Cason Wallace, OKC Thunder

With nearly 70% of the NBA signed to the Swoosh since becoming the league’s official uniform manufacturer in 2017, Nike has cast a wide net in every draft since, landing nearly a dozen draftees in each class thereafter. This year, the haul is undoubtedly headlined by Wembanyama, who, in just a handful of preseason games, is already proving he just might live up to the lofty hype early on.

Landing the Thompson Twins, who had huge interest from competitors as they looked to achieve their childhood dream of “getting a shoe company,” was a massive win. Anthony Black’s court vision alongside reigning ROY Paolo Banchero should make the Magic a League Pass favorite, Brandon Miller is a natural-born-scorer, and Keyonte George could prove to be the steal of the draft for the Hazz.

In all, the Swoosh did well.

Jordan Brand

Jett Howard, Orlando Magic
Cam Whitmore, Houston Rockets
Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat
Marcus Sasser, Detroit Pistons

Jordan Brand always refers to their athletes and endorsers as “family,” so it was only right that each of their rookie signings had a pre-pro connection to the brand already in place.

Jett Howard, son of longtime NBA vet Juwan Howard, played for his pops at Jordan-sponsored Michigan, former UCLA forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. laced up in Lukas and Zions while in Westwood, and Marcus Sasser was at Jumpman-branded Houston during his four collegiate seasons. Rockets rookie Cam Whitmore even played for Carmelo Anthony’s Jordan-sponsored AAU squa, Team Melo, way back in middle school.

“It’s super dope to be signed to Jordan Brand after being at a Jordan Brand school,” said Howard. “In college, I wanted this to happen.”

New Balance

(Stephen Gosling / NBAE via Getty Images)

Nick Smith Jr., Charlotte Hornets

Since their NBA re-emergence in 2018, which began with intern-turned-future-first-rounder Darius Bazley, New Balance has almost exclusively signed veterans as endorsers in the handful of years since. Nick Smith, a 6-5 point guard out of Arkansas taken 27th overall by the Hornets, changes that, bringing some youthfulness and, well, balance to the NB roster.

Adidas

Photo courtesy of Adidas

Gradey Dick, Toronto Raptors
Jalen Hood-Schifino, Los Angeles Lakers
Trayce Jackson-Davis, Golden State Warriors
Kris Murray, Portland Trail Blazers
Max Lewis, Los Angeles Lakers
Jalen Wilson, Brooklyn Nets
Jaylen Clark, Minnesota Timberwolves

While perhaps a lighter Three Stripes class than in years past, I attribute a lot of the shift in draft strategy to the fact that Adidas is already locked in with five signature athletes and prioritizing the launch of Anthony Edwards’ killer debut model this fall.

Like Jordan, the brand largely kept things in the family, landing Adidas powerhouse college stars like Kansas’ Gradey Dick and Indiana’s Jalen Hood-Schifino – both of which had Adidas NIL deals while in school – to lead their rookie class.

Under Armour

Photo courtesy of Under Armour

Jarace Walker, Indiana Pacers

The No. 8 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft just might be one of Under Armour’s most familiar signings upon entering the league. The Baltimore native in UA’s backyard played for Team Thrill on the brand’s AAU circuit for four years while also attending UA-sponsored IMG Academy during High School before bringing things full circle as a pro.

Puma

Photo courtesy of Puma

Scoot Henderson, Portland Trail Blazers

Waaaay before Scoot Henderson heard his name called by Adam Silver this past June, Puma was already locked in. The brand originally signed the explosive point guard to a shoe deal during the summer of 2021, when the Marietta, Ga., native was just 17 years old and had signed with the G-League Ignite.

Fast forward a year later, and Scoot was starring for the Ignite and facing off against Wemby in Vegas. The game had so much buzz, and Puma felt so strongly about Scoot’s 28-point showing and star power that they pressed go right then on a signature shoe for his rookie season.

As a result, the brand took a more measured approach to the draft and the fall sneaker agency windows, with both LaMelo Ball and Scoot locked in as their signature athletes going forward.

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The post The 2023 NBA Rookie Class Shoe Deal Rundown appeared first on Boardroom.

2023 WNBA Finals: Aces & Liberty Shoe Deal Breakdown

Nick DePaula — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 15:02:19 +0000

As the two superteams prepare to tip off, the sneakers hitting the hardwood will feature a wider range of brands than any other WNBA Finals before it.

Since the spring, the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces showdown became the inevitable WNBA Finals matchup that all expected. While the superteams feature some of the league’s most decorated athletes, the star power is also easily seen off the court, where the Aces and Liberty headliners helm the sneaker rosters of nearly every major brand.

While Nike will be worn by 12 of the 22 players across the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces rosters, a spectrum of six brands will be represented by stars on each side. The league’s only two current signature shoes are worn by Liberty stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu.

It was a detail that Ionescu was well aware of long before the Finals match-up was finalized.

“Being able to do that in New York, tells a story in itself,” Ionescu said before the season started. “Having the only two players on the same team, rocking their shoes, being now projected to be one of the top two teams in the league and potentially winning a championship, while doing so and doing it in New York – you just can’t put that into words.”

While the Aces may not technically have a current signature athlete, they do have a league-leading four players that released their own player exclusive sneakers throughout the course of the season. With Under Armour headliner Kelsey Plum, longtime Adidas endorsers Chelsea Gray and Candace Parker, and of course, Swoosh staple A’ja Wilson, the team has seen its players impacting the launch calendar all summer long.

For New York, in addition to Stewart and Ionescu, Betnijah Laney has laced up Adidas all season, Jonquel Jones continues to wear Kevin Durant’s Nike series, Kayla Thornton is one of the few W players in New Balance, and center Stefanie Dolson inked with Jordan Brand in the middle of this year’s playoff run.

As the 2023 WNBA Finals get underway, these are the featured faces of the footwear industry to keep an eye on.

LAS VEGAS ACES

A’ja Wilson – Nike

As the elusive arrival of the anticipated A’ir A’ja still awaits, expect Aces star A’ja Wilson to lace up the new LeBron 21 in a clean player exclusive black and gold colorway throughout the WNBA Finals. The first player to receive her own PE of the model, keep an eye out for LeBron and the Lakers courtside for Game 1 to show support.

Chelsea Gray – Adidas

Wearing her own player exclusive orange and purple edition of the Dame 8, complete with “POINTGAWDDDDD” along the heel, reigning Finals MVP Chelsea Gray continues to cement her partnership with Adidas. Gray launched her PE at the start of September exclusively at the Adidas flagship store in Las Vegas. Now, she is looking to continue adding to her accolades as the Finals get underway.

(Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images)

Candace Parker – Adidas

The bridge between WNBA signature shoe eras of the 2000s and now, Candace Parker was one of the last players to receive her own signature shoe just after joining the W in 2008, until the resurgence more recently of signature silhouettes for the likes of Breanna Stewart, Elena Delle Donne and Sabrina Ionescu. While she hasn’t been available to play since her season-ending foot injury in late July, Parker remains one of the league’s foremost footwear icons and is the face of Adidas’ newest Exhibit Select model for women.

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Jackie Young – Puma

When Puma made its re-entry into hoops a handful of years ago, it signed the #1 picks in both the NBA and WNBA Draft. Jackie Young helps to headline the brand’s resurgence in basketball ever since, and is known to mix in and showcase a variety of Puma’s latest and greatest. This season, she’s worn everything from the All-Pro Nitro, the Fusion Nitro and the signature Stewie line.

(Photo by KeShawn Ennis/NBAE via Getty Images)

Kelsey Plum – Under Armour

One of the league’s biggest sneaker free agents a year ago, Kelsey Plum entered the season as Under Armour’s new face of the WNBA. She also launched her own “Dawg Class” camps to empower the next generation of guards and appeared at brand events at both the NBA and WNBA’s All-Star Weekend. Throughout the season, she’s rotated through a variety of Curry 1 Retro colorways.

“I wanted to be aligned with someone that saw the vision of me and them, and feel like we can grow together to impact new spaces,” Plum said just after signing on. “Under Armour sees the potential in me to be able to impact that on a bigger level.”

(Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)

NEW YORK LIBERTY //

Betnijah Laney – Adidas

As one of the league’s most fashionable players, it was only right that Liberty forward Betnijah Laney laced up one of Adidas’ more stylish silhouettes in recent years, as she donned the Harden Vol. 7 in everything from its bright teal colorway to sharp pink pairs.

(Photo by Evan Yu/NBAE via Getty Images)

Breanna Stewart – Puma

The 10th WNBA player in league history to receive her own signature sneaker, Stewie has worn a variety of colorways all summer paying tribute to her family, her hometown of Syracuse, NY, and her contrasting on- and off-court demeanors.

She’s expected to lace up this Liberty teal pair dubbed “Stew York” during the Finals, with an eventual launch on the way in December.

(Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jonquel Jones – Nike

Ever since the KD 10, former league MVP Jonquel Jones has been one of the leading headliners of Kevin Durant’s Nike series. Look for Jones to continue rocking the new KD 16s in her own player exclusive teal edition, as her first season with the Liberty leads to the Finals.

(Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

Kayla Thornton – New Balance

As New Balance looks to add even more women’s basketball athletes to its growing hoops roster with its recent signing of Stanford standout Cameron Brink, Liberty forward Kayla Thornton has been one of just a few WNBA players to don the brand this season. She’s primarily worn the Two Way V3, with custom-painted looks in a gradient teal-to-black fade also highlighting the Liberty logo along the heel.

(Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

Sabrina Ionescu – Nike

Just the 12th player in league history to launch her own signature shoe, Sabrina Ionescu has laced up nearly 20 colorways of her Sabrina 1 model throughout the season, celebrating everything from her journey to the league after starring at the University of Oregon, her close friendship with Nike founder “Uncle Phil” and the spark she provides as the team’s floor general.

(Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Stefanie Dolson – Jordan

The newest Liberty star to land a sneaker endorsement deal, “Big Mama Stef” signed on with Jordan Brand at the start of the playoffs and is expected to be featured in apparel campaigns as the brand continues its push across women’s categories.

She’s been linking up her rotation to Liberty hues as of late, sticking with Luka Doncic’s signature series over the past month.

(Photo by Evan Yu/NBAE via Getty Images)

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The post 2023 WNBA Finals: Aces & Liberty Shoe Deal Breakdown appeared first on Boardroom.

Boardroom NIL Report Card: Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders

Griffin Adams — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 14:00:00 +0000

From Jackson State to Colorado, Shedeur Sanders is a magnet when it comes to the NIL space. Boardroom breaks down his valuation, deals, and more.

Being the son of one of the best defensive backs of all time certainly has its pros and cons. One of those pros is that new Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders gets to play for his father, Deion “Prime” Sanders, who is in his first season as Buffaloes’ head coach.

This isn’t new for the father-son duo, which did the same thing at Jackson State for Shedeur’s freshman and sophomore campaigns. Once Prime accepted the job, it was only a matter of time before his son — who threw for 3,732 yards and 40 touchdowns for the Tigers in 2022 — followed him to Boulder.

Now, with more exposure as the starting quarterback of a Power 5 team, it’s safe to assume Shedeur will see more deals come his way regarding name, image, and likeness (NIL). Not that the star QB was hurting before that.

But where does Sanders sit relative to his counterparts regarding the NIL space? What kind of deals has he signed to this point to get him there? Boardroom breaks down his portfolio.

Shedeur Sanders NIL Market Value

All data via On3.com’s NIL rankings as of Sept. 20, 2023.

College Football NIL rank: 1
Overall NIL 100 rank: 2
Current Valuation: $5.1 million
10-week High: $5.1 million
10-week Low: $1.3 million
Total Social Media Followers: 1.8 million (1.5M on IG, 266K on TikTok, 51K on Twitter)

The above monetary figures are via On3’s NIL Valuation, a proprietary algorithm that “establishes the overall NIL market and projected 12-month growth rate by measuring two categories, Brand Value Index and Roster Value Index.”

“While the algorithm includes deal data, it does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals athletes have completed to date, nor does it set an athlete’s NIL valuation for their entire career.”

Notable Shedeur Sanders NIL Deals

Oikos

When it comes to commercial marketing, it doesn’t get much bigger than the Super Bowl. It’s a linear opportunity to get your face out there in front of millions of people, and honestly, if you don’t know the Sanders Family by now, there’s a good chance you aren’t watching the Super Bowl anyway.

This commercial is a brief snippet of what I imagine the household could be on a daily basis — competitive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2nVkM-ZcI8

While “Old Time Prime Time” seemed to settle the score at the end of the ad, the next family competition is probably just around the corner. Could it turn into another NIL opportunity? Who knows, but don’t be surprised if the father-son duo collaborate on deals in the future, too.

“There’s always been a very competitive nature between my sons and me,” Coach Sanders said. “When Oikos came to us with this opportunity, I was excited to go head-to-head with my son because I now get to prove to everyone that Dad is still the stronger – and more handsome – Sanders.”

Gatorade

When NIL first got going, Gatorade was mighty selective regarding who it wanted to sponsor. The first college athlete it decided to partner with was UConn’s Paige Bueckers in November 2021, and then just a few months later, it was Shedeur’s time. Sanders — as well as Paige — was even chosen to represent the company before former Florida QB Anthony Richardson, which was a natural collaboration from the jump.

And while he was the second student-athlete to sign with Gatorade, Shedeur was the first HBCU athlete to do so, having agreed to it while at Jackson State. You can find Shedeur in a number of Gatorade ads and on the company website. There’s even the option to buy a Shedeur Sanders Gx Bottle.

Gatorade has since made smaller deals with a number of college athletes across the country, helping promote certain campaigns and products. But Sanders — as well as Bueckers and folks like Hansel Enmanuel — remain the front-facing college athletes for Gatorade.

Mercedes-Benz

If you’ve been paying attention to NIL at all these last couple of years, you know that cars and athletes are a popular deal combination. For most, though, it’s a deal with a local dealership in which the athlete may appear in a commercial or two while getting a whip to ride around in for free.

For Sanders? He’s being featured all over Mercedes-Benz’s official social media accounts — not just in Jackson, Miss., or Boulder, Colo.

Pocket protection worthy of a quarterback. The EQB has all the latest safety features Mercedes-Benz has to offer. @shedeursanders#MercedesAllStar, #MercedesBenz, #EQB pic.twitter.com/R9YcAfQcQZ
— Mercedes-Benz USAㅤ (@MercedesBenzUSA) November 11, 2022

At the time of the deal, Sanders was promoting the company’s electric EQB SUV — Sanders got his own 2022 model as part of the deal.

BRADY Brand

Speaking of making money moves, Tom Brady has been doing just that ever since retiring from the NFL. One of those ventures includes the BRADY Brand, an apparel line that launched in early 2022 while the GOAT was wrapping up the final season of his career.

With that, Brady signed 10 athletes to NIL deals off the bat, with one of those being Sanders. Nine months later, the company decided to sign the Colorado QB as an official ambassador.

We’re excited to announce that @ShedeurSanders, the star QB from Jackson State and son of football legend Deion Sanders, has officially signed with BRADY. pic.twitter.com/kOsAF30nhs
— BRADY (@bradybrand) October 13, 2022

“Shedeur Sanders is the perfect ambassador for BRADY,” Brady said. “He embodies everything we look for in a BRADY athlete and his character and values align perfectly with our brand. Not only is he an exceptional football player and quarterback but he is one of the most influential players of his generation, and we’re thrilled that he’s officially joining the BRADY family.”

Sure, your dad is Prime, but hearing that from perhaps the best player to play at your position has gotta be pretty cool.

More notable deals: Under Armour, Actively Black, PLB Sports, Beats by Dre

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The post Boardroom NIL Report Card: Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders appeared first on Boardroom.

The ‘Back2Back MVP’ Returns: Curry Brand Retroing Pack For the First Time

Nick DePaula — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 19:12:29 +0000

After originally releasing in 2016, one of the most coveted packs from Curry’s signature series is seeing a return launch on July 21.

When Stephen Curry took the court for Game 2 of the 2015 NBA Finals, he made a statement right away with his footwear.

Featuring a fading white to black upper and metallic trophy gold hits throughout, the special edition of his first signature shoe with Under Armour spelled out the accolades and starting points of his journey in graphic form that led to his first MVP award.

With callouts to his birthday and draft date, along with phrases like “Underdog,” “Family,” “Charlotte,” and “The Bay” featured throughout, the celebratory pair was an instant favorite among Curry fans. The underside of each tongue on the Retro editions features the year in which he won MVP, along with phrases that speak to Curry’s approach that year.

The following year, the Warriors star became the first player in league history to be named MVP by a unanimous vote. Under Armour was well prepared along the way during the team’s record-setting 73-9 season, as the company created yet another gold-laden special edition sneaker for the occasion. This time around, in 2016, it released both pairs together in a two-shoe pack, with custom slider levels housing both shoes together in one oversized black and gold box.

Over the last season, the Curry 1 and Curry 2 have been receiving the retro treatment from Curry Brand, and on July 21, the “Back2Back MVP” Pack will re-release, pouring on nostalgia back to the time of Curry’s sudden rise to the top of the league.

“Does that mean I’m old?” Curry joked. “It’s crazy to think of how much has happened since February of 2015 when the Curry 1 dropped. … To now be able to revisit those with retro drops and releases, to pay homage to special moments in my basketball career and life, is special. I think fans and people who appreciate the journey, can re-live amazing moments that we all share.”

In many ways, his first two shoes set the foundation for what is now a signature series that has reached 10 models. The line will continue on throughout the remainder of his playing career, and extend beyond even.

The 35-year-old’s newly inked “lifetime deal” with Under Armour in March officially named him as president of Curry Brand, with the two sides now locked in for the long haul ahead. As the brand continues to evolve and grow, the retro component touching on some of the biggest moments of his career will continue to be a priority.

Image courtesy of Under Armour

“It elevates it a lot, cause what we do on the floor is everything,” said Curry. “The moments that you can create in these shoes — the colorways and all of that — you can give life to what you do on the court. Those experiences make it even more real and something that you can always look back on.”

In the “Back2Back MVP” Pack, in particular, Curry can pinpoint what he dubs “highs and lows” when he looks at each model.

“I see the [Curry] 1, I see the [Curry] 4 and I see the [Curry] 5, and I know those are shoes I won championships in,” he reflects. “I see the [Curry] 2, and that’s the one we got 73 wins in, but obviously didn’t win a championship.”

While the two models are linked through his tandem of MVP awards won in each sneaker, they also represent an evolution of the line — before a departure on the third shoe and a refocused and sleeker look was seen on the Curry 4 that the series has carried ever since.

“We obviously brought back the Charged Foam, but we elevated the upper a little bit to make it a little more forgiving and a little bit fresher, especially right out the box,” said Curry. “For a lot of people, the [Curry] 2 was one of the most comfortable shoes they’ve worn, which was pretty dope to think about. … You drop the [Curry] 1, and there’s a lot of excitement because it’s the first one, and then you come out with the [Curry] 2, and make the experience and the ride even more comfortable, more plush, and more durable out there on the court. That speaks volumes right there.”

Image courtesy of Under Armour

As he thinks back across his decade-long tenure with Under Armour, Curry is able to reflect on the timestamps and memories layered into each of his signature silhouettes. All of the shoes, Curry said, take him back to a specific time and place.

“The fact that we’ve had so many highs within this journey makes it even more special,” he continued. “It gives you chills and goosebumps thinking about what we were feeling and thinking in those moments when you were wearing each of those shoes. I think that’s what this whole game is about.”

As Curry Brand continues to add additional Retro drops to the calendar in the years ahead, the re-releases and remixes will continue to harken back to the highlights of his first 14 seasons in the league, whether it’s via MVP awards, championships, or record-breaking nights. One thing is certain though, his shoe is walking with him along his path toward what has become an iconic career.

“It’s a great way to reflect, have gratitude and appreciation for how far we’ve come from, and celebrate some of the amazing moments that we’ve had and that made me who I am in my NBA career and give it some newfound life,” framed Curry. “That’s the one thing that I’m most excited about. You want to always relive, ‘How did you get here, and what were those amazing moments along the way that matter?’”

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The post The ‘Back2Back MVP’ Returns: Curry Brand Retroing Pack For the First Time appeared first on Boardroom.

The Best Sneakers of the 2022-23 NBA Season

Nick DePaula — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 15:16:59 +0000

With the NBA season now behind us and the Draft ahead this week, Boardroom looks back at the best sneakers worn this year.

The hardwood heat was relentless, all season long. The NBA loosened its longtime color restrictions in 2018, so once again, players laced up a wide spectrum of themes and colorways, new and old, that caught the attention of sneakerheads and fans alike.

With 22 signature sneakers in store throughout the year, the league’s brightest stars had a flurry of planned out pairs at their nightly disposal. Young guns like Paolo Banchero, Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams and others also were eager to make their mark.

Of course, the league’s biggest collectors, like PJ Tucker, Montrezl Harrell, and DeMar DeRozan, still had their respective legendary stashes of rarities, vintage pairs and player exclusives on hand as well.

While difficult to fully pare down to just 50 slots, below is a celebration of the greatest sneakers to touch the hardwood throughout the 77th NBA season.

For the sake of variety, in what is clearly and simply known as ‘The PJ Tucker Rule,’ no single player appears more than three times. And as always, it’s my opinion.

50 / Mason Plumlee — Nike HyperMax Chris Kaman PE

It’s a special moment any time you see an “Air Sasquatch” sneaker. When Mason Plumlee pulled up to Media Day in a rare PE originally made in 2011 for Chris Kaman during his short-lived New Orleans Hornets days, we knew off top that this season had some surprises in store.

(Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

49 / Damian Lillard — Adidas Dame 8 ‘PDX Carpet’ custom

Roughly six years late, the Trail Blazers finally broke out long-requested PDX Carpet-inspired uniforms that fans had been thirsting for for years. It was only right that Damian Lillard had a customized pair of the Dame 8 ready to go featuring the Portland Airport’s much-loved quirky carpet graphic that’s become an Instagram staple for travelers upon landing in the northwest.

(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

48 / Stephen Curry — Curry 2 ‘Double BANG’ Retro

One of the defining moments of Stephen Curry’s early ascent to superstar status was his 40-foot game winner in OKC, which earned not one, but two of announcer Mike Breen’s iconic “BANG” declarations. Cycling through some of the “greatest hits” of his decade with Under Armour, his Curry Brand brought back the yellow giraffe print colorway of the Curry 2s he had on back in 2017, even celebrating the occasion by gifting Breen one of the first pairs of the special edition retro.

(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

47 / Ja Morant — Nike Ja 1 ‘Chimney’ PE

While speculation surrounds the Ja 1 launch calendar, one of the early bright spots of Ja Morant’s signature series was this purple colorway featuring a smoke texture through the upper. The bold ‘We want all the smoke’ phrasing on the heel only added to the storytelling and theme.

46 / Montrezl Harrell — Nike Zoom Ultraflight

For years now, Harrell has been one of the league’s greatest sneaker free agents, constantly rotating through a collection of rare exclusives and now-vintage hoop classics from the 2000s. One of his best pairs was when he broke out a white and royal Ultraflight during the middle of the season, spotlighting a cult classic top performer from 20 years ago that paired well with Philly’s home unis.

45 / Taurean Prince — Nike KD 2 OG

One of the great performers of Kevin Durant’s signature series — at just an $88 retail price — saw a surprise return earlier this season on the feet of sleeper collector Taurean Prince.

44 / Andre Igoudala — Curry 4 Flotro PE

After his Nike contract officially expired three seasons ago, Andre Iguodala has enjoyed his sneaker free agency by often wearing pairs from teammate Stephen Curry’s brand. His black and pink Curry 4 Flotro PE stood out as one of his best wears of the season.

(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

43 / Josh Giddey — Nike Zoom KD 4 “Galaxy”

When Josh Giddey pulled up to the Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star Weekend, the court visionary took it back to one of the best All-Star Weekend sneaker themes we’ve ever seen — the Galaxy Pack. In a gleaming metallic silver, the KD 4 that Kevin Durant first debuted during the 2012 All-Star Game was a welcome return, with its aeronautical Galaxy theme still hitting as hard as it did a decade ago.

(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

42 / Terrence Davis — Li-Ning Way of Wade 10

The Way of Wade 10 was an incredibly underrated model this year with the light purple debuted by Sacramento Kings wing Terrence Davis. One of the best colorways of the sleek design.

(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

41 / Jordan Poole — Nike Kobe 10 Grinch iD

The “Grinch” Kobe 6 has become an annual staple across the Christmas Day slate of marquee games, but Jordan Poole’s pair of “Grinch-” inspired Kobe 10 iDs stole the show this year.

(Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

40 / Jimmy Butler — Li-Ning JB 1 “BigFace Coffee”

Joining the signature fold later in his career, it was only right that one of Jimmy Butler’s best pairs of his JB 1 model was a deep brown nod to his BigFace Coffee empire.

39 / Bam Adebayo — Air Jordan 37 Low ‘Bam Bam’

Very straightforward and awesome PE: Edrice Adebayo of course goes by “Bam,” so Jordan Brand made him some Air Jordan 37 Lows that draft off of Flinstones character Bam Bam’s signature outfit. An easy win.

(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

38 / Juan Toscano-Anderson — Nike Hyperdunk OG

Early in his Laker days, JTA was breaking out the original Hyperdunk once headlined by Kobe Bryant in 15-year-old colorways, like this clean white and purple team bank edition. One of the industry’s most impactful hoop shoes.

(Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)

37 / Jerami Grant — Adidas Crazy 1

One of the all-time futuristic designs stands as a forward-looking aesthetic all these years later. Trail Blazer forward Jerami Grant rocked these in a handful of colorways throughout the season. The white, grey, and purple accented pair inspired by an original unreleased sample of The Kobe was the best of the bunch.

(Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)

36 / Isaiah Stewart, Deandre Ayton & Terry Rozier — Puma Stewie 1

The return of WNBA signature shoes was long overdue, and with Puma’s launch of the Stewie 1 for the decorated Breanna Stewart came NBA support across the feet of all of Puma’s top endorsers, like Isaiah Stewart, Deandre Ayton and Terry Rozier.

(Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)

35 / Trey Lyles — Nike Kobe 6 ‘JR Smith iD’

Trey Lyles has one of the very best Kobe collections across the league, and aside from the rare and exclusive, he also has a batch of original NIKE iD-created colorways from the late 2000s. Originally designed by JR Smith during his Denver Nuggets days, this Carolina blue accented pair was a great surprise in the impressive Lyles rotation.

34 / Kyrie Irving — Ethics LG Two

After attending a Harvard business school program through the NBPA, veteran shooting guard Langston Galloway and his wife Sabrina launched their own sneaker company, Ethics. After arriving in Dallas, sneaker free agent Kyrie Irving “wanted to show him some love” and broke out the second edition of Galloway’s Ethic brand during a practice session, serving as the official debut of the LG Two.

(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

33 / Montrezl Harrell — Reebok Question Brandon Jennings PE

With an affinity for the rare and under the radar, one of Trez’s best surprise pairs of the year was a Reebok Question PE originally made for Brandon Jennings during his 2016 season with the New York Knicks. Only six pairs were made, with the power forward impressively tracking down a rare size 13.

(Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)

32 / LaMelo Ball — Puma MB.02 “Slime”

Following up on his hugely successful signature debut with Puma, Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball stuck with the loud and lively looks of his mid-cut series for his second sneaker, none more splashy than the neon and red accented “Slime” pair of the MB.02.

(Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).

31 / Zion Williamson — Kanye West x Louis Vuitton Don

While Zion Williamson unfortunately didn’t see the court time that Pelicans fans may have hoped for this season, he did up his sneaker game on the sidelines with a 2009 pair from Kanye West’s coveted Louis Vuitton collection.

(Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

30 / D’Angelo Russell — Way of Wade 10 Low

With one of the best player logos in the league, “DLo” took his sharply designed Li-Nings to Los Angeles this season after a mid-season trade and broke out clean colorways of the low-top Way of Wade 10 in Laker hues.

29 / Jalen Williams — Adidas Crazy 97 ‘Kobe Bryant Dunk Contest’

Already among the Association’s rising sneaker stars, OKC Thunder rookie Jalen Williams rocked a great rotation throughout his debut season. Of his many vintage Kobe Bryant silhouettes, the purple EQT Elevation worn by Kobe during his 1997 Slam Dunk Contest win were one of his best pulls.

(Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

28 / Ant Simons — Nike KD 15 ‘Timothy Goodman’

With a graphic-laden upper inspired by the Brooklyn community, artist Timothy Goodman’s collaborative effort atop the KD 15 was one of my favorite signature executions of the season. Worn by players throughout the league, the black base and mint accents paired best with the Blazers’ PDX Carpet jerseys and became a favorite of explosive scorer Ant Simons.

(Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)

27 / Markelle Fultz — Nike Kobe 9 Low “Yeezy” iD

Markelle Fultz has been rotating through an impressive stash of Kobe and LeBron sneakers during his time in Orlando. This black, glow, and solar red Yeezy-inspired pair of the Kobe 9 Low created on NIKE iD in 2014 stands out at the top of the ranks.

(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

26 / Jerami Grant — Adidas TMac 3 PE

Along with his rotation of Kobe sneakers from the Laker legend’s early chapter with Adidas, Jerami Grant also received a few of his own player exclusive models from Tracy McGrady’s signature series. His clean black patent leather pair of the TMac 3s inspired by an 8 ball immediately turned heads.

25 / Klay Thompson — Anta KT 8 ‘Gold Blooded’

For a fourth time, Klay Thompson enjoyed taking in “Ring Night” as a member of the Warriors dynasty, and Anta planned ahead, creating a gleaming gold edition of his signature KT 8s for the occasion.

24 / Kevin Porter Jr. — Puma Rise Nitro x Chris Brickley “Life Is Beautiful”

One of the cleanest colorways to hit the court this season, the Puma Rise Nitro designed by best-in-class trainer Chris Brickley served as a tribute to his New Hampshire upbringing. The fading blue and salmon accented edition was worn by the likes of Kevin Porter Jr. and other Puma athletes, bringing Brickley’s career full circle, as players he’s trained wore his sneaker on the NBA hardwood.

(Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)

23 / Kyle Lowry — Adidas Gil Restomod “D&G”

Back in the late 2000s, Gilbert Arenas’ had one of the greatest sneaker free agencies in league history. Among the many pairs the Wizards star rocked, none created a stir like the Dolce & Gabanna designer high tops he broke out at Staples Center.

Kyle Lowry is wearing a Gil Zero Retro inspired by the time Gilbert Arenas rocked Dolce & Gabbanas in a game pic.twitter.com/IgGLheKQoW
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) December 13, 2022

When Adidas planned to retro his signature Gil Zero last year, color designer Xavier Jones instantly knew he wanted to celebrate the gold and blue accented designer sneakers along Arenas’s much-loved low tops.

22 / Anthony Edwards — Adidas Harden Vol. 7

The Harden 7 was the best signature shoe of the season — so it appears twice on this list. The pink pair donned by TWolves star Anthony Edwards was one of the freshest editions.

21 / Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — Converse Prototype BB “Cheetah Kobe” PE

As one of a select few headliners of Converse Basketball, OKC star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander unveiled several player-exclusive editions of the brand’s latest models, none more impressive than this purple cheetah pair inspired by Kobe Bryant’s Christmas edition of the Kobe 7.

20 / Paolo Banchero & Jayson Tatum — Jordan Tatum 1 ‘Huevos Bancheros’

When Paolo Banchero entered the league, @IRodC1 tweeted out this:

His first shoes better be called Huevos Bancheros or everyone in marketing is getting fired. https://t.co/6OzxZPy4F7
— The Bombastic Clown (@IRodC1) July 28, 2022

Fast forward to the end of Paolo’s Rookie of the Year season, and it really happened. Incredible.

This really happened https://t.co/IGayt6jArt pic.twitter.com/ZPFi8rpLMx
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) March 28, 2023

(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

19 / Ja Morant — Nike Ja 1 “Scratch”

Of the many Morant 1 colorways, a retro Grizzlies-inspired edition in white and teal was one of the best received, with the claw scratch marks along the forefoot and midsole only adding to the execution.

18 / Davion Mitchell — Nike KD 3 ‘All Star’ Retro

When one of the greatest models from Kevin Durant’s signature series was retroed earlier this year, it was only right that they hit the court not long after. Kings guard Davion Mitchell was the first to break them out, with the vivid metallic red pair originally laced up by KD for the 2011 All-Star Game seeing a return after a decade-long hiatus.

17 / Tyrese Haliburton — Nike Kobe 6 x Air Zoom Generation hybrid custom

These were wild. Crafted by custom artist “Kota Kustoms,” this black and yellow snakeskin hybrid sneaker worn by Pacers All-Star Tyrese Halliburton combined both the Kobe 6 and the Air Zoom Generation into a potato head pair that actually worked well and had Twitter on fire in real time.

(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

16 / Erik Spoelstra — Air Jordan Retro 3 ‘Cyber Monday’

I’d love to see Coach Spo’s GOAT account. The order page is possibly a purchases recap of dozens of “Cyber Monday” Air Jordan 3s, which has been the Heat coach’s sideline staple for the last three seasons since the league loosened up its dress code standards for coaching staffs to allow for sneakers. A great look.

15 / Andre Iguodala — Sole Collector x Nike ‘Cowboy’ Dunk Low

This was awesome. Toward the tail end of the regular season, Andre Iguodala unearthed a pair of Sole Collector collabs from 2005, originally launched in New York during an event with Nike. Only 225 pairs were made, with each individually laser etched and numbered along the heel. The idea from the magazine’s creative director ‘Retrokid’ was for each panel to be a different color and material, making these one of the wildest Dunks of all time.

14 / Kareem Abdul-Jabbar — Adidas Forum ‘The Captain’

With LeBron James about to break his all-time scoring record, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was well prepared for the big night. Clad in a custom Three Stripes varsity jacket, Kareem also wore Adidas-gifted, clean black and gold accented Adidas Forum Lows, featuring his ‘KAJ’ initials, ‘Captain’ nickname and accolades layered into the upper throughout.

13 / Stephen Curry — Curry 10 Flow ‘Met Gala’ PE

On Twitter, they called it the cleanest fit and cut of his life. When Stephen Curry pulled up to the Met Gala with his wife Ayesha in 2021, the leather-laden suit featuring detailed gold embroidery along the back was an instant hit. Amongst his many Curry 10 options this season was a player exclusive pair inspired by the memorable fit, down to the embroidery graphic and oiled leather eyestay. He broke them out in Game 7 of the First Round and dropped 50.

12 / LeBron James — Nike LeBron 20

This season was a great bounce-back for the LeBron sneaker series, with the 20th edition of the King James line leaning into a lighter and lower look than the more overbuilt designs of his recent models. While some colorways were unmistakably loud, this black Laker edition was the cleanest.

(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

11 / Domantas Sabonis — Nike Kobe 6 PE

Of all of the Kobe 6 PEs worn throughout the league, Domas’ pair was easily one of the freshest.

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

10 / Kevin Durant — Nike KD 15 ‘Off-White’ PE

The KD 14 leaned into some Presto inspiration with its midfoot cage, and Kevin Durant’s following signature sneaker dipped right back towards one of Nike’s most popular pure comfort sneakers. This PE colorway inspired by the beloved Off-White edition of the Presto hit that inspiration perfectly, even down to the five Alpha Project dots along the midsole.

9 / PJ Tucker — Nike Zoom GT Cut 2 ‘Travis Scott’ PE

When he re-signed with Nike in 2019, one of Tucker’s biggest priorities was the ability to design his own batch of player exclusive sneakers. In addition to an endless flow of Kobe PEs, PJ has been cooking up GT Cuts for each of the past two seasons. Among his handful of pairs this season, this edition inspired by the Travis Scott x Fragment Air Jordan 1 rightfully got the most attention.

(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

8 / Andre Iguodala — Nike Air Yeezy 2 “Red October”

One of the all-time classics saw the sideline earlier this season when longtime Yeezy enthusiast Andre Iguodala broke out the “Red October” Yeezy 2s in San Francisco in January.

(Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)

7 / DeMar DeRozan — Nike Kobe 6 “WNBA Orange Hoody” PE

During a quarterly check-in meeting with his Nike reps, DeMar DeRozan pitched a Kobe 6 inspired by the WNBA’s signature orange hoody.

It was the same hoody that Kobe Bryant wore when he once took Gianna Bryant to a Lakers-Mavericks game, and the Kobe 6 PE spoke to Kobe and DeMar’s longtime support of the women’s game.

6 / Luka Doncic & Jason Kidd — Jordan Luka 1 “Zoom Flight 95” PE

Early in his Hall of Fame playing days, Jason Kidd headlined one of the greatest sneaker designs in industry history with the carbon fiber clad Zoom Flight 95. Now the Mavericks head coach, JKidd was excitedly surprised earlier this season with his own PE pair from Mavs star Luka Doncic’s Jordan signature series, with Luka gifting him a Zoom Flight 95-inspired edition of the Luka 1.

5 / Jayson Tatum — Jordan Tatum 1 “Blueprint” PE

Among the many Tatum 1 colorways that Celtics star Jayson Tatum wore this season, the royal blue pair featuring an architect’s vector graphic along the heel immediately stood out as a favorite.

“I wish we were selling that one,” Tatum told me earlier this season. “The Blueprint is kind of the phrase around when we started the conversation around me having my own shoe and my business within Jordan Brand. It’s a nod to Jay-Z, my favorite rapper, and The Blueprint is my favorite album. But also, it’s storytelling around part of the campaign, which is that ‘I always knew.’

I always had these goals and was mapping out the plan of my life. It’s surreal to say this, because I never take any of this for granted, but I truly did dream of all of this. I did speak on all of this to my mom and my grandma, ‘When I get older, I’m going to be the No. 1 draft pick, be an All-Star and have my own shoe.’ It’s a nod to that and that way of thinking as a kid.”

4 / PJ Tucker — Nike Zoom KD 4 “NERF”

Around midnight in Boston, the night before Game 7 of the second round series between the 76ers and Celtics, Tucker was getting shots up in TD Garden.

He had laced up the “NERF” edition of the KD 4, one of the greatest themed sneakers of all time and a defining launch in Kevin Durant’s signature series back in 2011. With its unique strap angling and iconic mini hoop-inspired color tones, the demands have been loud from all parts of the sneaker community for a “NERF” KD 4 Retro.

(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

3 / James Harden, Lonnie Walker & others — Adidas Vol. Harden 7

The aforementioned best signature sneaker of the season’s best colorway was the clean and simple silver and black. With a distinctive court read and swooping collar framing, the metallic silver toe cap and ribbed midfoot panel made for a new design language that can be helmed by Harden going forward.

2 / PJ Tucker — Nike Zoom Huarache ’09 x Kanye West

Every season, PJ breaks out a shoe that blows me away. When he first wore these in 2020, this was that shoe. He broke them out again in January in Los Angeles. Some have speculated they’re worth around $25K — and even the most in-the-know collectors weren’t aware that a size 14 even existed. Kanye is a size 12, and there was a size 9 sample made as well. But PJ got his hands on ‘em, in his size, as he almost always somehow does.

1 / Malik Monk — Nike Zoom Kobe 5 PE custom

What an awesome shoe. When Malik Monk was on the Charlotte Hornets, he created a batch of Kobe 5 and 6 PEs that are some of the cleanest colorways to hit the hardwood. Then he took things up a notch, having a customizer add hits of splatter paint along the midsole of these white, purple and teal Kobe 5s for a somehow even more impressive upgrade. Paired perfectly with the purple Kings unis, Monk’s PEs take the crown as the best sneaker of the season.

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The post The Best Sneakers of the 2022-23 NBA Season appeared first on Boardroom.

The Viral Chef Curry Sneakers Get Retro Roasted for April Fools’ Day

Nick DePaula — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 22:11:31 +0000

Signature sneaker unveils are often a carefully crafted moment, with the hopes of driving conversation and interest online with potential fans and sneakerheads alike. As Stephen Curry found out in 2016, being on the wrong side of viral is never ideal.

“It was pretty entertaining back then,” Curry, who can now laugh at the ordeal, said.

In between Games 3 and 4 of the 2016 NBA Finals – an all-time matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers – Curry’s second signature model was unveiled in all white, a summer-ready, low-top look.

Let’s just say the 48 hours that followed for the “Chef Curry” 2s became the stuff of legends on Twitter. The jokes were endless, with everyone from Forrest Gump and Mr. Rogers making cameos, to instant classic one-liners taking over the shoe name.

“With how viral all of the memes and stuff were, you gotta have fun with it,” said Curry.

Early Bird Discount Buffet 9s pic.twitter.com/B3f3rm6BdZ
— FearTheSword (@FearTheSword) June 10, 2016

oh wow pic.twitter.com/UqF00flIF4
— nick (@nick_pants) June 10, 2016

I thought I had em looking straight last week pic.twitter.com/DyxYxGscGK
— Seth Curry (@sdotcurry) June 10, 2016

Heading into April Fool’s Day, he of the newly-inked potential lifetime Under Armour contract and his Curry Brand will be re-releasing the infamous “Chef Curry” themed sneakers, with a twist.

The design has thankfully been updated, with the Curry 2 featuring more modernized materials, a much sleeker look, and the brand’s “Flotro” performance lens, now incorporating its high-tech Flow technology for cushioning and grip.

“If you rock it now, it’s an ode to the past, but the performance is even way better,” he said.

The toe features a charred look, a nod to the original getting relentlessly roasted on Twitter.

Image via Under Armour

“I actually have the shoe on right now,” he told Boardroom over the phone. “It’s hilarious, just looking at it. It’s a great opportunity to acknowledge how far we’ve come since the Chef Curry 2 shoe.”

All season long, Curry Brand has looked to storytelling around some of the biggest sneaker moments during the Warriors star’s 10 years with Under Armour. The April Fools’ launch day served as a lane to lean in on one of the admittedly less-loved moments.

“The fact that that was the second Finals, we all know how that played out,” he added. “Bringing the concept back, [we wanted to] add the charred toe and the flames, after I had added the ‘Straight fire’ in my own handwriting in the middle of the Finals.”

Image via Under Armour

Later that fall, at Warriors media day, Curry poked fun again at the Chef Curry phenomenon from earlier in the summer. He pulled up in an all-white Curry 3 Low, an exclusive edition made just for him that was never released.

“If you check the pictures from there, I wore a special edition colorway of the 3s, that was a little subtle jab back,” he said. “The evolution of the line is what we are all about.”

With the new Flotro edition in store this spring, the series has evolved, and in Curry’s eyes, elevated from that brutal stretch of Twitter’s wrath in 2016.

“It’s dope to know that we’re that far removed from it, too,” he said. “It was seven years ago, which is crazy. It was an opportunity we had, from a storytelling perspective, to acknowledge how far we’ve come.”

As much as he may like the new edition more, he still immediately laughs when thinking back to the circus of the original “Chef Curry” sneaker, and of course, has a personal favorite meme.

“The Life Alert lady, that was on the ground next to the bed,” he said, without hesitating. “They photoshopped the shoes on her, and that was phenomenal. The Life Alert 2s!”

Stephen Curry Inks a ‘Lifetime Deal’ with Under Armour

Bernadette Doykos — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 13:01:23 +0000

The post Stephen Curry Inks a ‘Lifetime Deal’ with Under Armour appeared first on Boardroom.

Puma Teases Rihanna Return

Russell Steinberg — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 15:36:47 +0000

The post Puma Teases Rihanna Return appeared first on Boardroom.

Under Armour Sees Q3 Earnings Beat Projections as Leadership Change Nears

Anthony Puccio — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 16:59:06 +0000

Ahead of new President and CEO Stephanie Linnartz’s debut on Feb. 27, the sportswear giant modestly outpaced revenue expectations for 2022 Q3.

Under Armour reported its third-quarter 2022 earnings on Wednesday, beating Wall Street’s expectations behind a slight surge in revenue, but a concerning outlook because of excessive inventory during the holiday season. FinTech company Refinitiv indicated that the sporting apparel company raked in $1.58 billion compared to analysts’ expectations of $1.55 billion, while earnings per share reached 16 cents adjusted versus the nine cents expected.

Here’s a quick overview of the Q3 Under Armour earnings report:

Net Income: $121.62 million, up from $109.66 million this time last year
Retail sales: $1.58 billion, versus $1.53 billion in Q3 one year ago
Wholesale revenue: Up 7% from the same period last year

Despite some inventory issues during peak holiday season, Under Armour won big around the globe with a revenue increase of 45% in Latin America and 32% in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. On the flip, sales were down 9% in Asia. Furthermore, Under Armour’s 25% spike in footwear helped the company recover from a 2% decline in apparel, which makes up a majority of the company’s sales.

What’s Ahead for Under Armour?

The future of the company should be in good hands with new President and CEO Stephanie Linnartz starting her first day with the company on Feb. 27. Linnartz, the former President of Marriott International, would not be considered the only reason behind a profit-forecast raise, but “the company clearly sounds excited about their future prospects and direction,” BMO Capital Markets analyst Simeon Siegel said via Reuters.

At the time of the hiring, the company told CNBC that it is bullish about its current strategy, but acknowledged the brand was not growing worldwide at the most ideal rate. “The board is confident that Stephanie – along with our leadership team and all of our key stakeholders – will accelerate our ability to realize the substantial opportunities for Under Armour as both an operating company and aspirational brand,” Kevin Plank, Under Armour Executive Chair and Brand Chief, said on the occasion.

With Under Armour endeavouring to make bigger leaps specifically in the e-commerce realm, the company is surely hoping that the digital acumen Linnartz showcased in transforming Marriott International can help accelerate its own initiatives in the months and years to come.

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The post Under Armour Sees Q3 Earnings Beat Projections as Leadership Change Nears appeared first on Boardroom.

Boardroom Staff Picks: Nick DePaula’s Top Sneakers of 2022

Nick DePaula — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 05:01:00 +0000

If last year felt like a comeback for the sneaker game, then this one was an even bigger step forward. Check out the 25 top sneakers of 2022 courtesy of Boardroom’s Nick DePaula.

With variety and versatility across the board, we saw everything from new brands entering the mix to the long overdue return of WNBA signature sneakers; and even a simplified, refined design approach for some of the industry’s longest-running player series.

The ongoing shipping delays that marred 2020, 2021, and seeped into 2022 are hopefully now behind us, which led to an actual launch calendar to follow along throughout the second half of the year. While the “2974” Curry 9 technically released in June of this year, that was clearly a model made for a moment in 2021, much like several other worthy launches that eventually arrived months later.

While stay-at-home-friendly lounge pairs, lofty retro collabs, and aspirational high fashion silhouettes still stood out, for me, this year marked a return of the excitement to simply wear basketball sneakers at any chance. Whether on-court or off, there was an awesome mix of hoop models throughout the course of the year that brought new storytelling and new tech, or simply celebrated the icons of the industry that we’ve been waiting to see return yet again.

Read ahead for a look at my 25 top sneakers of 2022, and be sure to chime in with your favorites (or argue relentlessly with me) on Twitter.

As I always like to remind everyone: it’s my opinion, so that’s the way it’s gonna go.

25 / Two 18 x Air Jordan 2 Low SP

Every brand, boutique, or celebrity dreams about getting their own Jordan collab, but bringing a new lens and fresh perspective to the same batch of a dozen beloved models isn’t always as easy as it sounds. With Jordan looking to push the II relentlessly this year, Detroit’s Burn Rubber and its elevated sister store Two 18 did just that. A rich leather upper brought new accents to the low-top look, map graphic insoles helped to tell a story around the prideful Michigan boutique, and a message about the clean water crisis throughout the state expressed through the clear-then-muddy translucent outsole rounded out a great execution.

24 / Prada America’s Cup ‘AC Factory’

I remember texting my boy in March: “Whoa. Prada just launched a Nike iD site.”

The price was outlandish, slightly more than the old $10-$30 markup on iD, but for the first time ever, you could pick and choose materials, colors and even the mesh on what I’ve always considered to be the greatest designer sneaker design of all time. While the standard triple black pair is a classic, I’ve always wanted a variation with a white midsole and outsole. So I made some, and the packaging and finished product turned out incredible in hand. And no, I didn’t add a word on the heel in Times New Roman — an option better left to Nike iD.

23 / Adidas TMac 2 ‘SVSM’

Throughout his 20-year career in the NBA, LeBron James has certainly had more PE sneakers than anyone in league history. Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that he had dozens of PEs while still in High School. Along with his Reebok Question, Air Jordan 9, and Ultraflight exclusives, it was the gleaming green patent TMac 2 PE that is perhaps his most loved pair from the SVSM days. All these years later, Adidas finally released them, making for an awesome return of what was once just a cult-classic, worn by the most touted phenom in hoops history.

22 / Nike Zoom Pegasus Next

Everyone needs that one shoe to mindlessly throw on for a grocery store run, or perhaps, even an actual run. The newest Zoom Pegasus was that shoe for me. Easy to slip on. Light and bouncy. Powered by the brand’s ZoomX foam, aka wild comfy. These got a ton of run in the rotation.

(Photo by Andy Hayt/NBAE via Getty Images)

21 / Reebok Answer IV ‘The Tunnel’

When it comes to untold theme colorways for some of the most re-released sneakers of two decades ago, it’s understandably hard for brands to come up with new stories, but designer Xavier Jones pulled it off with these. Tying back into the arrival fit that Allen Iverson wore to Game 1 of the 2001 NBA Finals, arguably the greatest individual performance of his career, this new look atop the Answer IV honored his achievements on the court, with an entirely fresh take on color and graphics. Down to the re-created, all-over I3 printed durag pattern along the collar liner, Jones absolutely killed these.

20 / Nike LeBron 20

This is the shoe LeBron needed. After a few consecutive models that boasted too much visible cushioning and eventually were ditched by James himself in favor of the lighter and lower Ambassador series, his 20^th signature model represents a nice reset and grounding for the league’s longest ever franchise. The design is familiar and approachable, but still incorporates enough nuance and quirk, like the double Swoosh along the collar, and the detailed traction pattern that highlights several phrases and places that tell ‘Bron’s story over the last two decades.

19 / Adidas Harden Vol. 7 PE

I know, I know. These didn’t technically release in 2022, but I’m making an exception because that’s just how excited I am for James Harden’s best signature shoe since his very first one in 2016 – in this color specifically. Debuted by Lil Baby in late August, the metallic silver upper is perfectly balanced by black border framing panels, all in a swooping Bugatti-esque read. It’s the best-looking, most wearable, and most progressive design that we’ve seen yet from the admittedly up-and-down Harden series with Adidas.

18 / Puma MB.01 ‘Rick & Morty’

LaMelo Ball has become exactly the star that Puma was hoping he’d be when they signed him just ahead of the 2020 NBA Draft. His first signature was absolutely on fire, with each colorway smoking out at retail and Foot Locker going all in on his series for the foreseeable future by locking in an exclusive partnership with Puma for all things Melo. The Rick & Morty collab was perfect, tying into Ball’s “not from here” mantra in a high contrast and loud colorway.

17 / Nike Dunk Low ‘Lisa Leslie’

Sure, the Panda Dunks could easily be shoe of the year, as they seemingly just won’t go away, but I was drawn to the deeper stories told through the always-open canvas silhouette; much like the brand’s reimagining of the iconic eBay Dunk Low that benefitted the Sandy Bodecker Foundation to the tune of $400K. Another pair that was slept on over the summer was Lisa Leslie’s Sparks hued low top, honoring the 20^th anniversary of her groundbreaking first WNBA dunk. With a balanced palette and Leslie’s #9 font along the heel, here’s to hoping that the brand opts to launch even more player exclusive feeling Dunks and Forces down the road.

16 / Nike Air Max Scorpion ‘Black / Purple’

It’s a shoe of preposterous proportions and bulbous bubbles under the far veering guise of performance running. With a sharply contrasting minimal and thin knit upper, you could easily smoke your ankle just walking down the street with one wrong step.

Even then, the Air Max Scorpion is a design risk worth taking. They were even more enormous and ridiculous in person than I expected, and also surprisingly more comfortable for an avid-anti-Air Maxer like myself. I like to think of them as the shoe I never asked for and didn’t think I’d like, but that’s a credit to the polarizingly strong and unique design that Nike pulled off here. Needless to stay, I was crying-in-Target-levels of devastated when I found out that the black and purple colorway was a Women’s release and not available in my size.

15 / Puma x Chris Brickley Rise Nitro

When it comes to themed sneakers, I always joke to designers that it’s best to assume that 95% of people don’t actually know the story behind the shoe. It needs to be a fresh shoe first, and then the added storytelling and details can take things over the top from there. That’s what I love about best-in-class hoop trainer Chris Brickley’s new collab with Puma. (That’s an awesome sentence to even be writing – he’s a trainer and got his own shoe.)

By far, Brickley created the best colorway of the Rise Nitro while layering in a rich backstory that highlights his New Hampshire upbringing. The rich blue gradient and the green and sand accents found along his home state’s license plate made for the perfect starting point. He went in on every detail from there, with bonded lettering along the heel, added phrasing along the collar and a special edition shoe box as well. Just a great execution for someone that has continued to elevate and extend into spaces and lanes beyond even his wildest imagination.

14 / Nike KD 15 ‘Timothy Goodman’

Sneaker designers often talk about their creations being an open canvas. As we saw with the KD 15 and its flowing midfoot panel, the shoe has already taken to color and graphics in a variety of ways. After first working with the Durant Family Foundation to donate an art-laden basketball court to a Brooklyn school in 2020, New York artist Timothy Goodman then lent his hand and signature font-based style to the canvas that is the KD 15. With phrases and details honoring Durant’s time in Brooklyn and the surrounding community, these are already in the lead for one of the best expressions of a new basketball silhouette seen this season.

13 / Nike Air Max Penny 1 ‘Orlando’

One of the greatest signature shoe designs ever returned this year in a colorway not seen since 2011. Sparking memories of the classic Lil Penny ads and Penny Hardaway’s reign as one of the most dynamic point guards in league history, the clean black and white colorway still translates all these years later.

“This one right here is my favorite color code,” Penny told me years ago. “Even though it was made for the Orlando Magic colors then, there’s nothing too crazy about it, and it just looks great.”

12 / Travis Scott x Jordan 1 Low ‘Reverse Mocha’

While the “Black Phantom” pair certainly has its fanbase, it was the white-based “Reverse Mocha” look from earlier in the year that stood out most for me. A simple colorway with subtle off-white shades along the midsole and Swoosh, the latest much-anticipated addition to the Cactus Jack editions with Jordan Brand rose straight towards the top of his collaborative efforts to date.

11 / A-Cold-Wall x Dr Martens 1461

When it comes to sharp construction and finishing details, A-Cold-Wall by Samuel Ross is one of the very best apparel brands out there. For years now, the company has also brought that level of attention to detail to its many footwear collabs, with its execution of the Dr Martens 1461 silhouette standing out amongst the full range of partnership pairs produced. With a tweaked eyerow design and icy blue clear outsole, A-C-W brought a great twist to one of the brand’s most ubiquitous boots.

10 / A Ma Maniere x Jordan 4 ‘Violet Ore’

It’s getting to the point where we can just hold a Top 10 slot each year for the latest A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan collab. Following up on its already-successful run of Retro Jordan efforts, the desaturated purple hue highlighted in the ‘Violet Ore’ edition of the Jordan 4 made for an elevated execution and yet another easy win.

9 / adidas Crazy 1 ‘Sunshine’

Certainly a polarizing pair for most, the Audi co-designed Adidas signature shoe worn by Kobe Bryant at the turn of the millennium was almost too futuristic at the time of their initial release. And they still might be.

While the simple white and black colorway had aged well and the metallic silver is a favorite for many, I’ve always been drawn to the unmistakably loud “Sunshine” pair that Bryant only wore once, at the 2001 All-Star Game. In my opinion, it was the single greatest colorway worn by Kobe during his 6-year run with Adidas.

8 / Li-Ning Way of Wade 10

I was going to say “quietly producing” – but really, that’s a matter of people not being open-minded enough to seek out great design. For several years, Li-Ning has been producing great design. After overhauling their brand positioning and pricing strategy a few years back, the Beijing-based brand has been ramping up ample tech, become known for its sharp construction cues and impressive on-court performance – all while injecting unique looks into their hoops line.

The Way of Wade series is often leading the charge. Priced at a steep $225 USD, Dwyane Wade’s 10^th signature shoe raises the bar yet again, with every last pixel showcasing the effort and intent poured into a great sneaker.

7 / Curry 4 Flotro ‘Night Night’

I don’t care what the official colorway is called. These are the NIGHT NIGHT 4s. The Curry 4 is my favorite Curry model of the series, and the Flow-powered update edition that Stephen broke out for one of the great individual season runs in league history lived up to expectations.

The all-light purple suede pair in particular became Curry’s go-to throughout the playoffs. Initially unbeknownst to him, the Warriors were undefeated in them, every time he wore them. The ruthless “Night Night” celebration, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP and “2974” record-breaking night at MSG will probably be what we remember most from Curry’s incredible 2021-22 season years from now, but that purple pair of Curry 4s atop a Flow bottom should be mentioned in the same sentence, and immediately became one of his very best sneakers.

6 / Air Jordan 1 Retro ‘Lost & Found’

Chicago 1s will never get old, and yet, Jordan Brand found a new way to re-deliver one of the game’s most iconic sneakers for a new generation. With vintage mom-and-pop packaging and aged details perfectly harkening back to the touch and texture of an original 1985 pair, the newest take on Mike’s debut Airs were a must-add for everyone’s collection this year.

5 / Raf Simons Cylon-21

I’m constantly looking for new designs from all corners of the industry, and the smooth suede and rich leather Cylon-21 from Raf Simons instantly caught my eye when I first saw them. Right away, Raf’s trademark embedded pods and a removable heel spoiler added uniqueness and an element of futurism to the design. They’re a confident departure from the rest of the market, while still somehow feeling familiar enough for everyday wear.

(Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)

4 / Puma Stewie 1 ‘Quiet Fire’

It somehow took a decade, but Puma stepped up and launched the first WNBA signature shoe since 2011, with accolade-laden Breanna Stewart helming headlines with the release of her own “Stewie 1.” In a vibrant volt lead colorway, her signature shoe was sleek, swift, and strong – much like her game – making for one of the most important releases of the year.

“I hope it becomes a little bit of a competitive thing and then turns into a domino effect,” she said ahead of the launch. “That’s how the industry works.” With more Stewies to come, other brands throughout the industry are indeed expected to follow, marking a new era for WNBA stars as they continue to ramp up their marketing presence both on and off the court.

3 / Jordan 1 Low EX ‘Smoke Grey’

Is it the Jordan 1 that everyone was trying to frantically track down all year? Perhaps the opposite, as these almost immediately entered “sleeper territory” and were fairly easy to grab, even after their under-the-radar release. I found myself wearing these on a daily basis almost as much as any other shoe this year, and eventually snagged a second pair for down the road. With muted tones of grey atop a black base, the neoprene-like upper and exposed foam tongue and collar made these one of the most comfortable 1 Lows to kick around and wear. They quickly became a daily go-to, wherever I was off to.

(Photo by Evan Yu/NBAE via Getty Images)

2 / Nike Kobe 6 Protro ‘Mambacita’

This launch represented more than a sneaker. With the Kobe Bryant Estate and Nike agreeing to terms on a new long-term partnership after a year-long contract hiatus, the Mambacita Kobe 6s arrived just in time for what would have been Gianna Bryant’s “Sweet 16” birthday. Along with celebrating the life of Gigi with a heartfelt tribute sneaker, the shoe represented the collective excitement of Bryant fans around the globe, as more Kobe releases are thankfully now on the way in 2023, and beyond.

1 / Nike Zoom Flight 95 Retro

The Zoom Flight 95 in black and carbon fiber will be my favorite shoe of the year in any year that the Zoom Flight 95 is released. Even 27 years later, I still think it’s the single greatest basketball shoe design that the industry has seen.

It still looks futuristic, in motion, and forward-thinking, even by today’s standards. Yes, the brand tried collab editions with the usual suspects and finally gave us the All-Star colorway worn by Jason Kidd and the White / Red look that Brent Barry leapt from the free throw line in — but there’s still no beating the best original colorway of the best basketball design ever.

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Aaron Judge Appointed Yankees Captain

Anthony Puccio — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 14:17:01 +0000

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Stephanie Linnartz Named President & CEO of Under Armour

Anthony Puccio — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0000

The President of Marriott International, Inc. arrives to kick-start a new era at UA “as both an operating company and aspirational brand.”

On Wednesday, Under Armour, Inc. announced the hiring of Marriott International Stephanie Linnartz as its new CEO and President. The company praised Linnartz’s “digital prowess” and “success in transforming the hotel chain’s online presence” after a seven-month search.

“Under Armour is an iconic brand with a huge opportunity ahead,” said Linnartz in a statement. “This company has immense energy and excitement, and I am committed to building growth while maintaining operational excellence. I look forward to joining the incredible UA team, partnering with Kevin [Plank] and the board, and leading this amazing company into its next chapter, delivering for athletes, teammates, customers, and shareholders.”

Effective Feb. 27, 2023, Linnartz will join the company as President, Chief Executive Officer, and member of its Board of Directors, effective Feb. 27, 2023.

Under Armour names Marriott International president Stephanie Linnartz as its new CEO.

That's another female CEO leading a sportswear retailer (Foot Locker and Dick's are also led by women).https://t.co/OzV7jxP3RV pic.twitter.com/jGa3Z42B9c
— Shoshy Ciment (@ShoshanaCiment) December 21, 2022

“As a 25-year veteran of one of the world’s most respected global companies, we are thrilled to welcome Stephanie to the brand,” said Kevin Plank, Under Armour Executive Chair and Brand Chief. “She is a proven growth leader with a distinguished track record of brand strategy, omnichannel execution, talent acquisition and development, and passion for driving best-in-class consumer connectivity, experience, and brand loyalty.”

In her role as president of Marriott International, Linnartz’ managed a portfolio of nearly 8,200 properties across 138 countries and territories and 30 brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Marriott Hotels, W Hotels, and Westin. She also worked on Marriott Convoy, the company’s customer loyalty program that now reports 173 million members worldwide.

“The board is confident that Stephanie – along with our leadership team and all of our key stakeholders – will accelerate our ability to realize the substantial opportunities for Under Armour as both an operating company and aspirational brand,” said Plank.

Per CNBC, Under Armour “really” likes the strategy currently in place, but acknowledged the brand is “not growing as much as we want.” The company reported $1.57 billion in sales in fiscal Q2, up 2% from the prior year, along with a net income of $87 million.

The Stephanie Linnartz CV

In her 25+ years at Marriott, Linnartz ascended in several different roles: Global Officer, Sales, Marketing & Revenue Management; Group President of Consumer Operations, Technology, and Emerging Businesses; and President.

2017-Present: Board of Directors, Home Depot
2017-Present: Board of Trustees, College of the Holy Cross
1992-95: Sales & Operations, Hilton Worldwide

Education

MBA in Finance, College of William Mary
Graduate Studies in Economics, Norwegian School of Economics
BA in Political Science & Government, College of the Holy Cross

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XFL Uniforms: League Reveals Under Armour Designs For All 8 Teams

Randall Williams — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 18:44:00 +0000

Ahead of the league’s 2023 return, the XFL announced Under Armour as its exclusive partner for equipment and apparel.

On Wednesday, the XFL revealed Under Armour as the league’s official uniform partner. UA will provide all on-field equipment for the XFL, including jerseys, training apparel, sideline apparel, and base layer apparel.

The 2023 XFL uniforms were created through a collaboration with the league’s ownership (Dany Garcia, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and RedBird Capital) and marketing teams alongside Under Armour itself. The Maryland-based athletic apparel company is using its ArmourGrid 2 jersey as the model. The jersey additionally features Under Armour’s signature ArmourGrid Vent and twillot fabric.

“Over the past decade, we have fostered a prolific partnership with Under Armour for Project Rock. They have proven to be a best-in-class partner and true innovators in the high-performance sports space,” XFL Chairwoman and Owner Dany Garcia said in a statement. “Integrating them into the XFL as Official Uniform Partner is a natural extension of this long-standing relationship. We have been closely collaborating with their exceptional talent to ensure these uniforms reflect the dynamic energy of each team and are engineered to deliver state-of-the-art athlete solutions to drive player performance while also prioritizing health and safety.”

Now presenting our 2023 uniforms, live on @SportsCenter!@UnderArmour | #XFL2023 pic.twitter.com/BPRZREQj0j
— United Football League (@TheUFL) December 7, 2022

As Garcia notes, business partner Dwayne Johnson has a longstanding relationship with Under Armour that dates back to 2016. The deal has seen Johnson and UA join together to create shoes, hoodies, jackets, hats, sweatpants, leggings, shirts, sports bras, and even headphones.

“As a company that was born on the grid iron, we are excited to support the XFL, its athletes, and fans on this new venture. Our partnership with the League is an evolution of Under Armour’s commitment to support athletes on their journey to compete in sport with innovative performance solutions they need to train, compete, and recover both on and off the field,” said Sean Eggert, SVP, Global Sports Marketing, Under Armour in a release. “Dwayne Johnson is an exceptional UA athlete and partner and we’re proud of the work he and Dany have put in to make their vision of next-level XFL a reality.”

These 2023 @XFL2023 uniforms

Which are your favorites? pic.twitter.com/8GV0fiBy3L
— ESPN (@espn) December 7, 2022

As Johnson added on the occasion:

“We have built an incredibly strong relationship with Under Armour over the years as our trusted partner with Project Rock. For almost two years now, we have been working closely with Under Armour to ensure these new uniforms not only represent the pride and history of each city, but are also designed to withstand the physicality of this sport and each player leaving it all on the field come game day. Now it’s time for our players to gear up and ball out XFL style for the 2023 season.”

The relaunched XFL will kick off its regular season on Feb. 18, 2023 following the conclusion of the current NFL campaign. ESPN will serve as the league’s exclusive broadcast partner.

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Under Armour to Release Shedeur Sanders Signature Jersey

Randall Williams — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 18:00:47 +0000

100 fans will be able to purchase an officially licensed Shedeur Sanders jersey through Under Armour.

Under Armour will release a signature Shedeur Sanders jersey that will make the Jackson State quarterback the first and only HBCU player with his own officially licensed jersey. A limited number of the special edition jersey will be available for purchase.

It is no surprise that Under Armour is the brand empowering Sanders to release the jersey. Under Armour is Jackson State’s uniform sponsor and the brand has also had a relationship with his father, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders.

The business of college athlete jersey releases has grown slowly since the NIL era began last year. Earlier in 2022, players such as Bryce Young, Caleb Williams and Quinn Ewers were able to release replica college football jerseys through the Fanatics and OneTeam Partners’ NIL jersey program.

Sanders is no stranger to NIL deals. Earlier this year he was nominated for NIL Male Athlete of the Year at the first annual NIL Summit, alongside Young, Rayquan Smith, Chase Griffin, Gable Steveson, and Shareef O’Neal. Ultimately, Griffin won the award. But Sanders’ noteworthy deals include Gatorade, Beats by Dre, Brady Brand, Oikos and PLB Sports & Entertainment.

On the field, Jackson State is having its most successful season in program history, touting the school’s first 11-0 season. Sanders has been responsible for much of that success. He’s thrown for 32 touchdowns, 3,000 yards and has a 70% completion percentage with just six interceptions.

Next up for Sanders, the SWAC Championship game, where he’ll lead the Tigers against Southern.

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Jordan Brand in Action at Howard University

Michelai Graham — Sun, 13 Nov 2022 13:00:46 +0000

Boardroom spent a day at Howard University to dig into how Jordan Brand is transforming the HBCU’s athletics program and interacting with students.

Jordan Brand will be more cemented in Howard University‘s culture, thanks in part to the university’s new deal with the Jumpman owner.

Boardroom first broke the news in May about Howard inking a landmark 20-year deal with Nike’s Jordan Brand. The prominent HBCU and Jordan Brand officially announced their school-wide partnership on Aug. 11.

“You don’t see anything but Jordans on campus,” Kenny Blakeney, head coach of Howard’s men’s basketball team, told Boardroom in an exclusive interview. “I always ask, what would history be without Howard? What would culture be without Howard? I think Jordan understands that as well.”

With only three months of the partnership officially becoming a reality, the iconic Jumpman symbol has since been added to all Howard Bison athletics teams’ gear. The pair quickly jumped into the partnership with some activations on campus as well, but Boardroom wanted to take a deeper look into how the deal came about and what it means for the Bison community.

The Birth of Howard x Jordan Brand

A shot of the Howard men’s basketball team at its lifestyle photoshoot. (Courtesy of Howard men’s basketball)

Howard’s six-year deal with Under Armour began in the summer of 2016, and the contract expired sometime this past summer. Howard was the first HBCU to sign a deal with the Baltimore sportswear maker at the time. Under Armour supplied the university’s athletics team with apparel, accessories, equipment, and game-day uniforms. Howard’s new deal with Jordan Brand seems like it will expand far beyond just interfacing with the university’s sports program and reach students and campus infrastructure.

Howard men’s basketball head coach Kenny Blakeney.
(Courtesy of Howard men’s basketball)

Blakeney was a part of the initial conversations regarding the Jordan Brand partnership and said the deal came about in such an interesting way.

“I knew it was a reality from day one,” Blakeney said.

Blakeney said he was getting a bunch of calls about a documentary, but since he didn’t know much about filmmaking, he reached out to Grant Hill, his old teammate and friend from Duke University. When Blakeney asked Hill for some guidance, Hill told him to give Spike Lee a call instead. Rest assured, Blakeney’s five-minute call with Lee turned into an unexpected six-hour conversation on a Saturday afternoon.

“As we’re having this conversation, he naturally [said], ‘I see your program changing,'” Blakeney said about how Howard Bison athletics and Jordan Brand came up in his discussion with Lee. “This was all on a random Saturday the first time I reached out to him.”

From that first talk, Blakeney said Lee reached out to someone in Michael Jordan’s camp and helped him start building structure for what turned into a 20-year deal between Howard and Jordan Brand.

Ty Grace, Howard women’s hoops head coach, remembers being super excited about the opportunity to work with Jordan Brand when she first heard about the partnership. Grace felt a sigh of relief when the deal was officially signed, she said.

“It’s a good feeling to be a part of something people regard so highly,” Grace told Boardroom. “It’s nice to be able to say, ‘yeah, that’s us. We with them.'”

Grace looks at the deal as a way to elevate everybody at Howard, not just athletes.

“The global effect that Jordan has on people is way bigger. It’s a part of the culture, it really is,” Grace said. “People can say what they want, but Jordan is Black culture. People recognize that fully.”

Some may assume that being in a Jordan Brand-sponsored sports program comes with much pressure to perform well, but Blakeney said he doesn’t feel any of it.

“I think my standards are higher for myself than someone else’s standards will be for me,” Blakeney said. “I have my own pressure and my own things I challenge myself with.”

Grace agrees and says there is always added pressure at Howard, but her mission remains the same: to win championships and put her players on the right path to graduation.

“That’s always been the plan. Even before Jordan Brand, we wanted to be the best,” Grace said. “I look at it as [Jordan Brand] has our back, and they are going to support us as we try to achieve these things that they represent and that we represent.”

A hopeful future

With Jordan Brand and NIL in play now, there are so many opportunities for Howard to excel. Regardless, Blakeney hopes the university’s athletics program sticks to its guns.

When bringing up-and-coming athletes to Howard’s campus, Blakeney is more concerned with making sure they can thrive on campus and in the community, and have adequate living quarters. Simply put: He wants the student-athletes to feel as if they are fully supported.

“Everybody thinks we should probably be recruiting five-star kids, [but] it has to be the right one, to be honest,” Blakeney said. “Some things just don’t mix. It’s about us finding the right young men for our program regardless of what those stars look like.”

Blakeney is most looking forward to bringing Howard’s athletic facilities up to par, including a remodeled locker room, training room, and more. He said these campus updates, along with improving living conditions, are “certainly in the works.”

“It’s about infrastructure. Can we get our infrastructure up to a place where student-athletes feel like they’re not taking a discount by coming to Howard or feel like they aren’t compromising anything? It doesn’t have to be the Taj Mahal,” he said.

Grace thinks this was a great move by Jordan Brand and “absolutely strategic,” with Howard being the first and only HBCU signed to the company. She said that Jordan Brand signing with Howard in a deal that spans two decades shows how committed the company is to the university’s success.

“Howard already had this brand of black excellence, and people view us as one of the top academic institutions where Black people come from,” she said. “To bring in athletics, it seals the deal now. [Howard] is doing everything big.”

As the years go on, Grace hopes Jordan Brand will engage with Howard’s student body culturally and academically.

Jordan Brand’s Influence

Howard men’s basketball team at Bison Madness. (Courtesy of Howard men’s basketball)

Boardroom talked to a group of Howard athletes about what they hope Jordan Brand brings to the HBCU’s culture and how they envision their collegiate athletic tenures progressing under Jumpman.

These interviews have been edited for length and clarity.

MICHELAI GRAHAM: Is there added pressure to perform as a Jordan Brand school?

Steve Settle III, forward: I don’t feel like there’s added pressure. Obviously, the Jordan Brand name holds a lot of weight. I feel like people, student-athletes included, that go to this institution are ready for it. It’s something we are built for. We go to the best HBCU in the country, and it’s not easy. It’s nothing different from lacing up your shoes and giving it your all every day.

Destiny Howell, guard: Yes. We are the first HBCU sponsored by Jordan Brand, so of course, that puts a lot of pressure on all athletes on campus. Other schools that are Jordan Brand have been with the brand for a while.

We are definitely feeling it, but pressure makes diamonds.

Elijah Hawkins, guard: No, I feel like it’s all the same.

Nia Nelson, wing: No, because we still have to play the best basketball and be ourselves. That doesn’t change. I feel like there may be a little bit more pressure to be active on social media.

MG: What was your immediate reaction when you found out about the Jordan Brand deal?

SS: I honestly didn’t know how to react because I didn’t expect it to actually happen. We’re an HBCU, so I didn’t understand the magnitude of it until it really happened. Now that it’s real and we’re getting Jordan Brand gear and seeing the symbol on the court, it’s a big deal.

It was the greatest feeling ever to see all the people excited for us, too. It felt like they were 100% behind us.

DH: I was at the crib when they did the big announcement, and I was like, “Yo, we’re with Jordan.” At that moment, I felt like this was bigger than the gear and Jordan. We have someone that believes in Howard and helping put our name on the map for sports. I was really excited.

EH: I was in my dorm room when I found out. I was excited. I’ve never been part of Jordan Brand for anything. It’s always been Nike, Under Armour, or Adidas.

NN: I was shocked and excited. Shocked because we’re the first HBCU to get signed by Jordan and excited because we’ll get noticed more.

Steve Settle III. (Courtesy of Howard men’s basketball)

MG: How is Jordan Brand already changing your athletic experience at Howard?

SS: It has changed a lot. You know, Under Armour shoes weren’t the most comfortable. The quality and everything are so much better. You can just really feel the difference and the love the brand has for us. Jordan has gifted students a number of things already, too. This is a 20-year partnership, so I can’t imagine what the future holds.

DH: There are boxes of gear downstairs. When we were with Under Armour, it was a bag. It wasn’t the same type of vibe. We’re feeling the love, and I really like what’s going on.

EH: It’s expanding my drip on the court!

NN: Honestly, it’s the court for me. It feels like it has more grip on it and the balls are a little better. The shoes feel nice, too.

MG: What do you hope comes of Howard and Jordan Brand’s partnership?

SS: I hope we can elevate this program to be seen as one of the top programs. HBCUs are in a whole separate category and aren’t mentioned with some of the top programs. We have some of the same talents, and we can compete with those top schools. We aren’t always given the same opportunities and aren’t mentioned in the same breath. I feel like this partnership is a step in the right direction.

DH: We’re trying to be an NCAA Tournament team. We’re not trying to be a MEAC team, no disrespect to the MEAC. The expectations for tournament teams are definitely higher, and that’s something we’re trying to meet and grow into. We’re trying to build a culture here at Howard, and Jordan sees the vision as well.

EH: I hope it brings new experiences. People are really starting to see Howard for real on an athletic level now. I think the history of Howard basketball isn’t talked about enough. When you hear about Howard, you hear about academics, and don’t get me wrong, we have great academics here, but we have good athletes, too.

NN: I hope that it brings more athletes to the program, specifically ranked players.

MG: What would you like to see Jordan Brand bring to Howard’s campus?

SS: Besides gear, I want it to bring a sense of community. I want us to feel like a big family. I want the athletes and the students to be seen as one. This is not just for the athletes, it’s for everybody. Jordan Brand is doing stuff for everybody, not just us.

DH: Jordan sponsored our Bison Madness; we never had Under Armour do that. Our students have already been very involved. Everybody loves Jordan. They had this pop-up shop where they gave out bags and slides and a lot of different stuff. The students were just eating it up, and they didn’t get the same stuff we got. The fact that Jordan is being inclusive of all students is nice.

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A post shared by Howard Univ. Men’s Basketball (@humensbb)

Under Armour wasn’t doing that at all. The fact that Jordan is trying to be so pro-Howard, it’s something that we’re all feeling.

EH: I hope it brings more attention to us.

NN: I hope it brings more students and supporters to the games. I really want more people to come to see us play.

The post Jordan Brand in Action at Howard University appeared first on Boardroom.

Under Armour Unveils Innovative SlipSpeed Sneaker

Vinciane Ngomsi — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 16:40:04 +0000

The brand’s latest shoe was inspired by high school athletes, but the sneaker’s unique features could appease a separate community as well.

There are hundreds of sneakers on the market that perform various functions, but Under Amour claims to have manufactured “the best trainer that’s ever existed.”

On Wednesday, the sportswear brand unveiled the UA SlipSpeed, a performance shoe that boasts a collapsible heel design. An innovation two years in the making, Under Armour’s research and development team revealed high school students were the motivation behind the sneaker’s construction.

The company noticed such athletes were pushing in the heels of their shoes and unlacing them after a training session. Recognizing there was a gap in adaptable footwear, the Baltimore-based company opted to create a trainer that holds up during a workout but also converts to a lifestyle product to wear outside the studio.

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A post shared by Under Armour (@underarmour)

“When we took a look at the market and spoke with athletes, what we continued to hear was the need for versatility — there was a clear demand for an innovative and versatile solution in the performance footwear category,” Marcus Cheatham, Under Armour’s Director of Product, Special Teams, said. “What we have created with UA SlipSpeed is a trainer that not only adjusts to fit your specific footwear needs any time of the day, but also still packs in some of our biggest performance innovations like UA Flow and UA Iso-Chill for optimum training.”

Additional features include UA Flow which promises unmatched comfort and traction, a 12-point lockdown system for a unique fit, and cool-to-the-touch Iso-Chill technology with padding from the heel to toe. After hours of wear, naturally, shoes accumulate that recognizable must. Under Armour conducted some additional testing to ensure the SlipSpeed could hold its own while in the wash. So, a laundry bag is included with every pair.

(Courtesy of Under Armour)

Appealing to the next generation of athletes was a no-brainer, but it sounds like UA also developed something for those who struggle with putting on their shoes. The SlipSpeed’s ingenious, crushable silhouette eliminates the chore of forcing feet into sneakers and with the absence of laces, allows for easy alterations for a personalized fit.

The Under Armour SlipSpeed retails for $150 and is available in unisex sizing on Oct. 31. Expect a global launch complete with more colorways in Spring 2023.

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Azzi Fudd: Curry Brand’s Face of the Future

Ian Stonebrook — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 20:36:47 +0000

As Stephen Curry builds out his namesake footwear and clothing company, his first signee is working her way up the college basketball ranks.

With four championships, two MVPs, and more than a quarter-billion dollars in NBA earnings to his name, Stephen Curry has done it all on the court. As the father of three looks to build his legacy outside of basketball, he’s now using his platform to create capital and spur change.

via Curry Brand

Curry Brand, the point guard’s footwear and apparel subsidiary within Under Armour, is the culmination of all things Steph, meant to express his social and athletic interests in a way that’s even bigger than he is.

To grow, Steph has invested in individuals that embody his passion for sport and society.

Enter UConn women’s hoops standout Azzi Fudd.

“It’s an honor to be the first player to be partnered with Curry Brand,” Fudd told Boardroom. “But to not only be the first person but also the first female? That meant a lot to me.”

Just as Steph changed basketball by elevating the importance of the three-point shot, he’s looking to impact how brands view athletes by making a women’s college player the featured face of his empire. For years, Steph has hosted his own camp for high school prospects, inviting those he saw himself in.

Fudd was among the first female attendees and will be far from the last.

“I was one of the first girls invited,” recalled Fudd, who now works as a counselor at the camp. “That was probably one of my favorite basketball memories. I got the bag of gear and my jaw dropped like, ‘This is all just for me!’ The guys were all too cool because they’re used to it, but walking in the gym and seeing Steph working out? I was so happy and excited to be there.”

Years in the making…from SC30 Select Camp to our first ever athlete signing, a dream of mine to welcome @azzi_35 to the @sc30inc fam! Hype to be a part of the journey on and off the court. Family, purpose & changing the game for good 100%. The vision is set. Let’s do it Azzi! pic.twitter.com/em6s8yGEgR
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) December 1, 2021

While free gear from the game’s greatest shooter may have floored Fudd years ago, the two will work together for years to come in an effort to deliver apparel, sneakers, and campaigns intended to change the game and influence the industry.

For Fudd and Steph, the two business partners share a through-line of hard work and humility.

Game Recognize Game

Fudd met Curry in 2018 when she attended his Select Camp as one of only two woman athletes invited.

Prior to that, the talent at Under Armour had been eyeing her behind the scenes as she played high school hoops in the brand’s backyard of Washington, DC.

In Nov. 2020, two years after attending Curry’s camp, Fudd committed to UConn. A year later, she made her NCAA debut in a win over Arkansas. A couple months after that, she made her first start…and made a major impact.

25 of em The first of many @azzi_35⁩ https://t.co/ZUhMd0tuEg
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) February 6, 2022

Since showing up in Storrs, Fudd has landed NIL deals with the likes of Chipotle, American Eagle, and TikTok. She’s also struck a deal with BioSteel Sports Nutrition, where she is an equity partner. It’s all part of leveraging her greatness in the game for business opportunities off the court.

“NIL and college together is all that I know,” Fudd said. “My agents and my parents do a lot for me behind the scenes so that I can focus on basketball and school — the things that matter most.”

As her family and business brass filter through the requests, they seek partnerships that reflect her play and platform, and also her personal relationships.

Such an opportunity came in December 2021 when Fudd announced a multi-dimensional partnership with Curry Brand. A year later, it’s just hitting its stride.

“Azzi Fudd is the best choice to start a brand relationship like this because she is the next face of women’s basketball,” Steph Curry said at the time of the signing. “Our values are aligned when it comes to family, and in terms of hard work and for the appreciation of blessings in your life.”

The second season of Curry Brand and Fudd’s freshman year aligned in a historic fashion. Over the span, Steph took home his first Finals MVP and Azzi won Big East Freshman of the Year while UConn advanced to the national title game.

As the designers at Curry Brand remain busy amplifying stories from Steph’s history, the marketing team plans for Fudd’s future. After averaging 12 points a night in her debut season, the Storrs sophomore spent part of the summer working at the Select Camp, training with Steph, and shooting campaigns for future Curry Brand activations.

Timing is of the essence as Fudd’s Huskies are backed by Nike, a rival sponsor, meaning she can’t wear Curry Brand sneakers on the court during her regular season or March Madness moments.

“This summer has been my first chance to really wear and rep Curry Brand and be with Steph in person for a shoot,” Fudd said. “Now getting to learn from him in person and see how he works? I’ve learned a lot.”

For Game 3, @StephenCurry30’s shoes have a message: #RetireInequality

During the 50th anniversary of Title IX, athletes across several leagues have worked with @TIAA to raise awareness & push to close the retirement pay gap facing women.

More info here: https://t.co/5jfSFNt6WS pic.twitter.com/XEIOXf03hI
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) June 9, 2022

Since last season ended, Fudd has leaned into her Curry connection. She’s backed Steph on shoe launches as she’s worked on her own game behind the scenes. The timing has been brilliant for both as Steph stole the spotlight all spring and into the summer, winning his fourth NBA Championship while rotating Curry 4 FloTros and Curry 9s.

While Azzi watched, she also activated.

“She was just used for International Women’s Day for the WNBA with her being the face of it,” Steve Segears, Global Merchandising/Senior Merchant for Curry Brand, told Boardroom in July. “We did the Title IX colorway, which sold out. The proceeds are going back to fighting for that cause. One of our biggest pillars is leaving any community or cause better than we found it and that’s one thing that’s really ingrained from a Stephen standpoint.”

For her sophomore season in Storrs — and for each summer after — Fudd will continue to hone her skillset while promoting her partnership with Curry Brand. She’ll lead the Huskies in heat from the Nike Kyrie and KD lines in NCAA action, while amplifying Steph’s shoes in NIL.

In both spaces, however, she’ll continue to learn the business as Steph builds his brand.

Next Steps

Azzi Fudd laces up the Curry 10 at Curry Camp pic.twitter.com/qdaswc4giW
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) August 5, 2022

Even at a Nike school, Fudd remains aligned with the future of Steph’s footwear line.

“It’s pretty crazy to see myself when you open the Under Armour website representing this brand,” Fudd said. “I had never thought about the behind-the-scenes of any of this stuff. I’m learning that there’s so much that goes into building not just a brand but a shoe and a company. I’ve met so many incredible people along the way.”

Fudd says she has worked on a couple of designs tied to her teams back home. They’re deep in personal meaning and should be coming out soon. When she returns to her high school in DC — the same place Under Armour execs discovered her — she’ll represent Curry Brand not in just shoes, but spirit.

See, if a Jumpman speaks to excellence and fearlessness, the Curry emblem equates to humility and hard work.

Sheesh let’s get it @TeamCurry https://t.co/WH4ieaDkAa
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) July 20, 2021

“[Steph] became one of my favorite players because of how he acted around us,” Fudd said. “He’d hop in drills with us, teach us, and give us advice. He wasn’t Hollywood and I just loved his personality. His attention to detail? I aspire to be at that level. Getting to work with him and seeing all that firsthand? It’s a great reminder of where I want to be on the women’s side. He’s just such a great role model to have.”

Since meeting Steph at his camp in 2018, the camp has developed an entire women’s division. After her sophomore season, Fudd will return to the camp as a coach, counselor, and role model.

Once she graduates from UConn, she’ll leave as much more.

“She will be the face of the women’s Curry Brand for years,” Segears said. “As she makes her ascent into the WNBA we can get even louder with some of the stories that she wants to bring to life.”

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XFL Partners With Under the Lights Flag Football

Randall Williams — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 15:19:45 +0000

The league and K-12 flag football league will hold the first-ever Youth Flag Football World Championships in December.

The XFL has announced a partnership with Under the Lights Flag Football, the kindergarten through 12th grade flag football league for boys and girls. As part of the partnership, the XFL and Under the Lights will co-host the first-ever Youth Flag Football World Championships on Dec. 27-30 in San Antonio, TX.

With Under the Lights already established in seven of the XFL’s eight markets, a partnership is a natural fit for both sides. The XFL’s initial host cities will be in Arlington, Houston, Las Vegas, San Antonio, Seattle, Washington D.C., Orlando, and St. Louis. On top of that, XFL co-owner Dwayne Johnson is partnered with Under Armour, which has been Under the Lights’ brand partner since 2016.

“I love our XFL and Under the Lights partnership and all the phenomenal opportunities that it will bring us,” XFL co-owner Dwayne Johnson said in a release. “But the most important opportunity that this partnership will bring is creating an environment and culture for our kids that is fueled by hard work, discipline, and a whole lot of fun.”

The announcement also links the XFL to the NFLPA. OneTeam Partners acquired Under the Lights in January 2021, and OneTeam partners is a joint venture founded by the NFLPA, MLBPA and RedBird Capital. The XFL previously tied itself to the NFL in February with a partnership that will be focused on health, safety, scouting, officiating, and testing of different game rules.

“When you partner with somebody like Dany Garcia and Dwayne Johnson what comes along with that is visibility,” Under the Lights Chairman Eric Beach told Boardroom. “This is a growing game that could be super fun if done correctly around the world and we want and need to be leaders in that space. This partnership is perfect for everybody because that’s also one of their goals.”

Flag Football could make its Olympic debut in 2028 in Los Angeles. The NFL partnered with the International Federation of American Football in hopes of helping the sport make its Olympic debut in six years. Flag football was also played at The World Games in Birmingham, Alabama in July.

“We’ve built the XFL to be a league deeply rooted in culture, passion and opportunity,” XFL co-owner and chairwoman Dany Garcia said in a release. “There are such clear and natural synergies between the XFL brand and Under the Lights – steadfast commitment to our communities, diverse and robust engagement opportunities, and at the forefront: an unwavering love for football. By investing in our youth, we can ignite the passion for the next generation of athletes.”

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CEO Steph: The Future of the Curry Brand

Ian Stonebrook — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 22:43:35 +0000

Since signing with Under Armour in 2013, Stephen Curry has become one of the NBA’s most marketable stars. Boardroom breaks down his rise from sharpshooter to sportswear strategist.

As one of the NBA’s best, Stephen Curry wears many hats, but away from the court, he only wears one if it’s sporting the splash emblem from his Curry Brand.

Day in and day out, CEO Steph is expanding more than his bag, but his briefcase, too — taking more meetings and conquering new categories as the figurehead for his namesake company. Fresh off his fourth NBA title — and first Finals MVP honor — Curry is expanding his influence in the sportswear industry beyond his Hall of Fame playing career.

“He took real ownership in launching Curry Brand,” Curry Brand GM Ryan Drew told Boardroom. “In 2021, we met with the Foot Locker, Inc. team and Stephen was on the Webex. We’ve got all of their senior people on at Foot Locker, and we’re introducing everybody to Curry Brand: strategy, direction, product. Steph walked everyone through the strategy in the first 15 minutes.”

Jose Carlos Fajardo/MediaNews Group/East Bay Times via Getty Images

The Webex walkthrough took place just weeks after the Curry Brand launched in December of 2021. It may have been even more unprecedented than his career-high 62-point performance against Portland days prior.

“The guys at Foot Locker told me, ‘Not have we never had an athlete jump on a call like that. We’ve never had an athlete, especially of Steph’s caliber, walk us through the strategy for his own brand,'” Drew continued. “That’s an example of how he is really bought in, and he believes in what we’re doing.”

Needless to say, the seasoned Chef Curry is more than an athlete and more than a model for a singular signature shoe. Like Mike before him, Curry is leveraging his likeness into multiple models across a global audience.

To the trespassers, instigators, disruptors of the status quo. Together we’re going to #changethegameforgood. pic.twitter.com/hxQRgDAysC
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) December 1, 2020

“He used to just be an endorser with Under Armour,” Drew said. “Now as a brand, we’re looking at how to expand our business.”

How is Curry planning to translate his all-time greatness into an empire that can compete with the likes of the Jumpman and sustain for generations?

Boardroom spoke to the team at Curry Brand to learn all about what can be expected from CEO Steph.

A Decade of Dominance

As the story goes, Under Armour swooped Steph Curry away from Nike in 2013 and paid the then-ascending shooter less than $4 million a year.

In his first season wearing the Shield, Steph soared. The Golden State star averaged 24 points and made his first All-Star Game. By February 2015, Under Armour had the Curry 1, Steph’s first signature shoe, ready for retail at All-Star Weekend in the major market of New York City. Months later, Steph had his first NBA championship, which set the stage for a five-year run of making the Finals and accumulating accolades.

RAY CHAVEZ/MediaNews Group/Bay Area News via Getty Images

That summer, Steph and UA renegotiated the details of their deal and agreed on a contract extension that runs into 2024 and gives Curry equity in the Baltimore brand.

The baller and the brand released shoe after shoe over the course of a run that saw Steph winning three championships, two MVPs, and two scoring titles. In late 2020, Under Armour announced Steph’s own subsidiary, the Curry Brand, which is celebrating more championships and more milestones in an already eventful 2022.

“This year, we launch Curry 10 in the fall,” Drew shared.

The landmark launch times out perfectly with Steph’s current victory lap, including hosting the 2022 ESPYs on Wednesday and preparing to defend the Warriors title next season. Steph will lead the aptly named Curry 10 while leaning into his past pairs and off-court interests through retro releases and collaborations.

Much like Mike built Jordan Brand 25 years ago at the top of his winning ways, Steph is looking to take Curry Brand to the industry’s pinnacle with Jordan’s same moxie but strategy and storytelling all his own.

Learning from the Past

As an up-and-coming talent at Under Armour, Curry’s signature series caught fire with the Curry 1 and Curry 2. Corresponding with back-to-back MVP seasons, the introductory iterations were beloved by kids and adored by collectors.

However, all that early success led to overdoing it and altering their success rate. At Curry Brand, the team behind Steph is keen on not making the same mistakes twice.

“We’re keeping things tight,” Drew said. “We don’t want to go back to the days when we were blasting millions of pairs of Curry 3s out there that you could find any given day at price points that were half the price of what retail was. We want to really protect the brand now that it’s Curry Brand.”

Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

Protecting the Curry Brand means making smart strategic decisions in regard to allocations while also improving the structure and storytelling tied to pairs of past acclaim.

“The storytelling is really deep,” Drew added. “In some cases, it’s new. In other cases, the history has already been written by Stephen. It gives us the chance to create new products off historic moments Steph had [while wearing] the product.”

Fortunately for Steph and Curry Brand, the idea of telling stories both old and new through a famed footwear franchise is one where the path has already been paved.

Like Mike

For fans of footwear, the 2020 ESPNThe Last Dance documentary was more than just behind-the-scenes basketball content. It was an inside look at Michael Jordan transitioning from back court to front office. In that iconic last season, which corresponded with the first full year of Jordan Brand, MJ kept spectators on their toes more than ever when wondering what’d he’d have on his feet.

As CEO Jordan, Mike tested signature shoes for Eddie Jones in practice while pulling out Vin Baker styles for flights. Most notably, MJ shocked Madison Square Garden by returning to his iconic Air Jordan 1 for his final outing in NYC as a Chicago Bull.

This same flair for the moment, whether by function or flash, has crept into Steph’s conscience now that he helms his own brand. Steph used the 2022 NBA Playoffs to dive deep into his bag.

Curry had sprained his left foot in a March outing against the Boston Celtics, Golden State’s eventual Finals opponent. He returned to the court for Game 1 of the first-round series against the Denver Nuggets. Many will remember that Steph came off the bench, but few will have noticed what was on his injured foot: 2019’s “Thank You Oakland” Under Armour Curry 6.

Ray Chavez/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images

“The 6 is an interesting one,” said Drew. “It was the first time he’d been back on the court since he had hurt his foot, and he probably came back a month earlier than he should have. He called us in workouts and said, ‘My foot is still really tender. The traction and the grip of Flow is so extreme from shoes I’ve worn in the past that it almost feels like it’s keeping my foot tender. Is there another shoe I should wear to kind of break myself in until I get back fully?'”

Drew suggested switching back to the pre-Flow Curry 6, though there wasn’t much he could do to make that happen.

“It’s not like we had 6s on ice!” Drew said, laughing. “Nobody had them, so he had to go back into his garage into some deadstock and actually pull those out. The 6 has a lot of the same flexibility in the upper, but it’s a much stiffer platform, so it gave him an opportunity from injury into wearing Flow.”

Elsa/Getty Images

Throughout the 2022 Playoffs and into the Finals, Steph switched shoes early and often. He went 6-0 in his “Lucky Lilac” Curry 4 FloTro while also wearing colorful Curry 9 Flows inspired by the likes of Craig Sager and The Cookie Monster.

Just like Mike went deep into the 1998 NBA Playoffs, allowing him to rotate Air Jordan 13s in mid and low fashion before bringing out the unreleased Air Jordan 14 for his last shot in the Finals, Steph’s winning ways have allowed him and his brand to display their full breadth of products while still selling into the summer.

“We’ve been lucky enough to consider April through June as a time to launch basketball product,” Drew said. “It’s been an embarrassment of riches over the last eight years to be able to display product deep into the playoff runs.”

After year one of Jordan Brand, Michael Jordan retired from the game of basketball — building his company off retro products and a new class of endorsers.

To billions of basketball fans – including Curry himself – the impact Mike made on the market through his brand still inspires.

“Think about where Jordan Brand was when MJ retired, where it is now, and the amazing growth that they’ve had,” Steph Curry told Boardroom’s Nick DePaula in 2021. “Obviously, he’s the GOAT, he’s a legend, and he’s paved the way for this generation to do what we’re doing.”

While Mike might have launched Jordan Brand right before he retired for the second time, the break didn’t last long. Famously, MJ came back to the game for two short seasons in Washington.

Even as a Wizard, Mike had his marketing hat on. He rotated retros on East Coast road trips while adding cache to the D.C. team. Steph, arguably still in his prime, has already showcased the same sense of cool and curiosity when building his own brand both on the court and in the tunnel.

“This year, you’re going to see the full breadth of all of those silos for the first time,” Drew said when discussing the wide range of Curry Brand drops that will include callbacks to signature styles from previous seasons.

“Steph really understands marketing and merchandising,” he continued. “He realizes for us to be a much bigger brand, we have to be bigger than just one shoe. The opportunity for him to use different products — whether it’s a retro shoe or pullout a FloTro shoe? I think he knows the gravity of the moment, which is important.”

So, what’s FloTro, and what’s the difference between it and retro? That’s another ingredient to Chef Curry’s secret sauce.

The Brands Within the Brand

Currently, Curry Brand product touches the categories of golf and kid’s clothing. Still, basketball is the base with Steph’s on-court wears ranging from new signatures to two takes on old favorites: retro and FloTro.

Retro is self-explanatory: offering one-to-one bring-backs of Under Armour Curry signature shoes from Steph’s iconic past. Sometimes, it’s old shoes in classic colorways; other times, it’s nostalgic makeups redressed in new themes or collabs, such as February’s Under Armour Curry 1 Retro released with Museum DC.

Harry How/Getty Images

“When we collaborated with Museum DC, we had lines wrapped around the corner for a 10:30 a.m. release,” Curry Brand Global Merchandising/Senior Merchant Steve Segears told Boardroom. “People were waiting outside since 2 a.m. with light snowfall and chairs camped out.”

As alluded to, the retro range of releases strikes a chord with fashion through collaboration, making models made memorable by Steph on the hardwood even more lovable in the lifestyle space.

Conversely, the modern merger of past and present is FloTro: updated takes on old Steph signatures sporting the new Flow foam that the four-time champion swears by. The term FloTro plays off Kobe Bryant’s Nike branding of “Protro,” which essentially means performance retro. Leveraging function over pure fashion, Curry’s FloTro sneakers are built to compete.

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Steph started this new subline with the Under Armour Curry 4 FloTro in 2022. Later this year, the Under Armour Curry 1 FloTro will release, translating this past-meets-present theme with hologram branding that shifts from old to new. Not only does FloTro allow the opportunity to bring new energy to old models, it gives the brand a second chance to sharpen the specs when returning to the market.

“We knew some of the things in the past that may have made people not get to the Curry 4, like the ease of entry or the tooling,” Segears said. “Now, we see these two worlds collide: an iconic shoe and the greatest tooling of all time.”

In March, Curry Brand brought in The Museum DC again to launch the FloTro 4 while also introducing their aptly named Curry Flow Cozy: a casual and comfortable model meant for running errands more than running up the score.

“It’s our to-and-from shoe,” Segears said, smiling. “I’m from DC, and people have asked me if Steph is from here because they feel so ingrained in the stuff he does.”

By becoming multifaceted in models and ingrained in various communities, Curry Brand aims to grow organically with the same spirit as Steph.

That jacket tho S/o to @ROMEOHUNTE, the amount of Black talent in the fashion right now is unreal. #BHMFits Styled by Sherri McMullen of @shopmcmullen pic.twitter.com/eLlB65hgjc
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) February 25, 2022

Last season, the brand brought out regional releases in Under Armour’s backyard while Steph sported Black designers on his back when arriving to games in The Bay. Next year, the two totems will collide on an array of products that pairs African American-owned companies with the platform of the Curry Brand through collaboration.

“We’re all about taking advantage of his tunnel looks,” Segears shared. “It’s about focusing on smaller regional brands and giving them Steph’s platform.”

Once again, it’s signature Steph.

“Steph started the Underrated for people that didn’t have major colleges knocking on their doors,” Segears said. “He’s taken that to golf and basketball, so why don’t we do that from a design standpoint? Giving up-and-coming artists the opportunity to leverage his platform and get stuff on him? What we get in return is regional relevancy. “

Through multiple silos within Curry Brand, the brand is seeking global and local dominance sooner than you might think.

2022 & Beyond

The first half of 2022 couldn’t have gone any better for Curry Brand. Steph took home his fourth title, earned his first Finals MVP, and hosted The ESPYs. At retail, the back half will be just as busy.

From the Curry 10 to FloTro 4s and FloTro 1s, Curry Brand has big plans in the near future. This September, they’re launching collaboration programs with big box retailers such as Shoe Palace and Foot Locker. In November, they’re dropping a global initiative said to be on the same level as last season’s Sesame Street collection.

All the while, old favorites are being brought back very carefully.

Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

“We’re being really, really intentional about how we launch retro styles,” said Drew, who keeps in close contact with the brand’s namesake superstar. “Because we have so many touch points with him now instead of these official big meetings? The communication about the brand is very fluid. He’s super involved, which makes our jobs considerably easier.”

Drew brought up that Curry Brand Senior Footwear Designer Ed Wallace has already finished next year’s Curry 11 — said to shift Flow and the future of basketball to where Steph sees it going. Seemingly, just as Steph provides the pace on Golden State’s championship offense, he directs product flow for his growing company.

“Sports have taught me so much,” Curry told Boardroom in 2021. “And now Curry Brand is the expression of driving that mission home with everything that I do.”

Holding court on calls, wearing hats of the NBA championship and Curry Brand variety, CEO Steph is diving headfirst into building his own business beyond basketball.

The post CEO Steph: The Future of the Curry Brand appeared first on Boardroom.

The Unlikely Rise of the Under Armour Curry 4 FloTro

Ian Stonebrook — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 18:45:56 +0000

Learn how Stephen Curry’s retro-inspired hybrid sneakers helped carry him to his fourth NBA championship and first Finals MVP honor.

The summer of Steph is in full swing.

After winning another ring in 2022, Stephen Curry is as in-demand as ever. The four-time champion has his hands full these days, hitting the links, building a brand, and hosting the ESPYs. His jam-packed schedule also includes his Under Armour Curry 4 FloTro sneaker releasing at retail July 22 — in both black and pink colorways.

Under Armour Curry 4 FloTro “Pink”

Under Armour Curry 4 FloTro “Black”

Famously, the Curry 4 FloTro became Steph’s sneaker of choice during the 2022 NBA Playoffs as the Warriors went 6-0 when he was wearing the aptly nicknamed “Lucky Lilac” motif. As the baby-faced assassin put the Boston Celtics to sleep in Game 6 of The Finals, the man with the hot hand and cool shoes sat on the floor in disbelief, wiping tears of joy from his green eyes.

To think, it was only three years prior that he sat stunned in that same pose, shedding tears of anguish with his franchise’s future appearing bleak. It was that setback in 2019 that set the foundation for revising the future of Steph’s footwear.

It’s Lonely in the Lab

Dating back to his days at Davidson, Curry’s journey is a screenplay that Walt Disney couldn’t write.

From underrated and undersized to the people’s champ, Steph overcame the odds to change the game, inspire others, and make his family proud. Over the course of his NBA ascent, everything had seemingly gone to script until his fifth straight trip to the NBA Finals in 2019. Closing out Oracle Arena, his home away from home and the place he became a superstar, the perfect going away party was unceremoniously spoiled by visitors from The North.

Stephen Curry exits following Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals. (Photo by Santiago Mejia/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

Losing to the Toronto Raptors in the 2019 NBA Finals, the Golden State golden boy lost more than just a chance to three-peat. Rather, he’d lost his two top running mates to injury and trade winds. With the future uncertain and his back against the wall, Curry did what he always did.

He went to the gym.

That summer, while working out tirelessly and wear-testing upcoming products, the team at Under Armour presented Steph with their next innovation: Flow foam. Intended for running, the futuristic foam created by Dow Chemical and Dupont had aspirations of shaving mile times on the track and moving units at the mall. In a sense, it was meant to compete with Adidas Boost and Nike React in the transcendent running and training category.

Curry is both curious and a figurehead for Under Armour, making him the perfect candidate to beta test the technology for basketball, despite its original purpose. As they say, desperate times call for desperate measures. With Steph coming off a Finals loss and slipping sales traction in the market, both the baller and the brand took a risk and crossed their fingers.

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

“You don’t put your No. 1 guy in the experimental foam until you’re ready to do it,” Curry Brand GM Ryan Drew admitted to Boardroom.

Thanks to favorable feedback and gut intuition, conversations crept up about Flow foam being featured in the upcoming Under Armour Curry 8 — a shoe set to release at retail roughly 18 months after that post-Finals workout. Because the 8 uppers were still stuck in development stages, the team at UA put together a makeshift sample by stitching the Flow sole to that of an old favorite.

“It was a happy accident that we came up with the Curry 4 FloTro,” Steve Segears, Global Merchandising/Senior Merchant for Curry Brand, told Boardroom. “He was working out and was our first wear tester for Flow to see what benefits it had on the basketball court. We had the Curry 8 tooling, but we didn’t have the upper at that time, so we were Mr. Potato Head-ing uppers onto the Curry 8 Flow tooling, and the Curry 4 was the first one we tested. We saw it when he was testing it, and we said, ‘Hold on, we’ve got something here.'”

Over the course of that workout, Steph became infatuated with Flow. So much so that he hit his design team and brand with an ultimatum.

“We were planning on starting Flow in running,” Segears said. “Steph put it on the court and said, ‘If the 8 doesn’t have Flow in it, then we’re not doing an 8.’ He was so demanding.”

Months later, Steph started the 2019-20 season in the Under Armour Curry 7 — a low-top look built off the brand’s HOVR platform and MicroG foam. Infamously, he broke his hand five games into the campaign, shutting down his hopes of returning to the Finals for instant vengeance. In a matter of minutes, the Warriors went from perennial favorites to losing their way into the draft lottery.

(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

All the while, Steph and UA worked behind the scenes to expedite the process of rushing Flow for the upcoming Curry 8 as a means to launch the Curry Brand.

By the fall of 2020, both were ready, and so was Steph. With Flow on his feet, the prodigal point guard put up a career-high 32 points per night and played in 63 games. Though the Warriors lost in the play-in tournament, Steph’s box score and shoe box both pointed to signs of future success.

“Steph used to ice his knees after every game,” Segears said, “but he said because of Flow it takes some of the wear-and-tear off of landing. He no longer has to ice his knees because he isn’t feeling that same pain. Flow has a lot of benefits, and if you’ve played in it, you can feel it.”

As the 2021-22 NBA season approached, Flow had proven itself on the court and in the market. With the Warriors eyeing a comeback campaign finally at full strength, the Curry Brand looked to leverage their latest innovation with an old favorite.

Passing around the Potato Head hybrid Steph wore years ago in the gym, designer Ed Wallace and creative director John Humphrey discussed ways to remake and release the concept that started it all. Little did they know how good the timing would be.

Hustle & Flow

Just as Chef Curry cooked quietly behind the scenes, getting stronger in structure and smoother in shots, his team at Under Armour devised new ways to amplify the emerging Curry Brand. Through Flow, Steph’s greatest hits had the chance to be remastered and re-released to a new audience with new benefits.

“When I saw the Curry 4 FloTro, it was just a prototype hanging around our Portland office,” recalls Curry Brand Senior Footwear Designer Ed Wallace. “The 4 is everybody’s favorite. We decided to keep it simple and true to the OG, but improve it from a performance standpoint and make it feel premium.”

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

2017’s Under Armour Curry 4 is aesthetically the creme de la creme of the Curry signature series. Debuted without warning in the heat of the postseason, Steph shocked at-home audiences in the audacious look en route to winning his second NBA title.

“When it comes to FloTro, we have a unique proposition here,” Segears said. “The Curry 4 is an iconic shoe. When he broke out the original pair in the Finals? We know what type of history he created in it and that it was a major departure from the Curry 3. It captured a lot of eyes, and people were extremely excited about it.”

While the Curry 4 proved easy on the eyes and appealing at market, it still had its flaws. The silhouette was so sleek and sharp, the knit collar and midfoot fit was too snug for some. Two Curry-branded pull tabs help with ease of entry on the FloTro. The cushioning also left room for improvement, with a priority placed on court feel in the original, and the more plush ride of Flow entering into the equation now.

“When Ed and I were going back to redo the 4, we looked at consumer feedback, as people who wore the 4 a lot,” said Segears. “Ed put extra padding in the ankle, and we really scrubbed all the details. Some of the areas that caused problems in the past? They will not cause you those problems moving forward because these guys really went in.”

As a nod to Steph’s summer of 2019, the Under Armour Curry 4 FloTro made its debut on court during the 2021-22 NBA season. After a noteworthy debut in Portland, the comeback kid began putting pairs in rotation for his first trip back to the playoffs since losing to Toronto years prior. Not only did Steph play often in the FloTro 4s, he excelled.

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

“Steph’s really superstitious,” Drew said. “When he finds something he likes, he’ll stick with it. If he doesn’t have a good experience? We’ve seen him go into the locker room and change. I remember being super paranoid years ago when he only had one shoe, feeling like the sky is falling. Now he’s got so many shoes that he can pull out of the bag. He has so many options, and it’s great for us.”

Rotating through pairs of new Curry 9s, and even breaking out the “Oakland” Curry 6, Steph somehow found solace most in the unexpected FloTro 4. Famously, he went 6-0 in the NBA Playoffs wearing the “Lucky Lilac” colorway, taking home his first Finals MVP in the shoe.

The timing was vindicating for the Curry Brand team.

“It’s been an incredible string of events,” Drew said. “To tell me that ends with this? I’m just so happy for Stephen because he’s so different from anyone I’ve worked with. There’s rooting for people because you’re a fan, and then there’s rooting for people because you deeply support them and believe in what they do.”

For Drew and Curry, those tears of pain in Oracle had come full circle in Boston.

“You have background knowledge of all that went into it, the blood, sweat, and tears,” he added. “I was crying when he won, and he was crying. It was cathartic after the last couple of years.”

Old Dog, New Tricks

On July 22, Steph Curry releases his newest sneaker.

Well, kind of.

Refining the beloved but flawed Curry 4 from the 2017 NBA Finals, the 2022 Curry 4 FloTro features Under Armour’s trademark Flow cushioning with reengineered uppers for softer fit and less pinching. This month, both black and pink pairs will begin the rollout, with the “Lucky Lilac” and grey get-ups hitting stores on Aug. 5.

The pink pair plays off of the All-Star iteration of the original Curry 4. The black-based drop is a simple, no-nonsense style with the grey take benefiting from a glow-in-the-dark sole. Both days of drops build out the ever-growing Curry Brand breadth of products, while also adding energy for the landmark launch of the upcoming Curry 10.

Through FloTro, Curry Brand builds the opprotunity to tell numerous stories on a string of silhouettes year round. It’s good for business — and even better for ballers.

“It gives us the opportunity to go backward and take another bite at the apple,” Drew said. “Sometimes the construction wasn’t that great, or the traction wasn’t that great or the cushioning was terrible. We can go back and fix that stuff to bring it back to speed, similar to what Nike’s done with Protro. That language is already out there, and FloTro is using the vernacular of the sneakerhead. That was intentional.”

Not only is FloTro a treat for hoopheads and fans of Steph, it’s a rare underneath-the-hood rebuild that typically doesn’t make its way to retail.

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Performance hybrids as a means of transitioning techs or aiding injuries have long existed in hoops. Famously, Nike modified many original Air Jordan 1s for an up-and-coming Mike, adjusting the strap and sole for the sophomore star returning from a navicular stress fracture in his left foot. Years later, the Swoosh readied the Black Mamba’s debut of the low-cut Nike Zoom Kobe 4 by having Kobe Bryant play games in a sole-swapped version of his famed Hyperdunk.

While those styles were never released at retail — save the lifestyle-leaning Air Jordan 1.5 decades after the fact — the Under Armour Curry 4 FloTro is built off the same mechanics of his Hall of Fame forefathers. The implementation of modern mechanics on an archival classic is somewhat signature to the Nike Kobe Protro series, of which the term FloTro derives, while the larger legacy play is inspired by that of MJ’s Jordan Brand.

In essence, the Curry FloTro series aims to please two audiences at once, releasing modernized playable retro basketball shoes while still offering them in casual friendly colorways.

The Finals MVP’s endorsement and eye-catching color of the “Lucky Lilac” launch place the Curry 4 FloTro in high favor. Through hard work and great timing, the Steph Curry franchise has another summer blockbuster.

“We had a little bit of luck on our side from a release standpoint,” Segears said. “You know about all the supply chain issues, and we weren’t immune to those. Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.”

The post The Unlikely Rise of the Under Armour Curry 4 FloTro appeared first on Boardroom.

NBA Free Agency Begins, Jokic Nets Largest Contract in League History

Rory Robinson — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 07:18:57 +0000

Nobody can deny the talent of two-time MVP Nikola Jokić, and the Denver Nuggets kicked off free agency season by running him his check. Jokic signed a five-year, $270 million supermax extension, making it the largest in NBA history. The blockbuster deal includes a player option and a trade kicker with a total value of $303 million over six years. Elsewhere around the league, CAA Basketball co-head Jessica Holtz stayed busy as she secured supermax deals for Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns with the Suns and the Timberwolves, respectively.

FTX Accelerates BlockFi Purchase for Reported $25 Million

Crypto may be crashing, but FTX – one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges – continues to make moves. The company originally provided a $250 million emergency line of credit to crypto lender BlockFi. Now, FTX is in advanced talks to purchase BlockFi in a deal expected to be signed by the end of this week and worth an estimated $25 million. Earlier this year, BlockFi was valued at $3 billion, reflecting a 99% decrease in value.

Elena Delle Donne, Nike Unveil the DELDON 1

For the last several months, two-time WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne has been sporting an unidentifiable sneaker, baffling sneakerheads. Finally, she revealed it as her first signature shoe with Nike. Currently, the shoe is reported to hit shelves in October.

Logan Paul Jumps into the Ring with the WWE

Logan Paul is headed to the WWE. The social media mega-influencer is no stranger to the ring, having shown up and put on a show at last year’s Wrestlemania. Paul broke the news to his 23 million Instagram followers. As part of the agreement, Paul will appear at a number of events in 2023, including multiple WWE premium live events.

Boardroom caught up with Paul at this year’s VeeCon to discuss his newest endeavors in the world of Web3. Check it out.

Ice Cube Partners With the NFL to Elevate Black Businesses

Ice Cube’s sports initiatives don’t just stop with the Big 3. The NFL announced a brand new partnership with the west coast legend’s Contract with Black America Institute. Together, Cube and the NFL aim to increase community equity and empower Black-owned businesses within the tech and finance industries.

Under Armour Releases Historic Curry Flow 9 “2974” Colorway

Last season, Stephen Curry surged into the record books, breaking the all-time NBA three-point record, surpassing Ray Allen’s marker. To celebrate, FTX launched 2,974 NFTs that were digital replicas of his game-work shoes. Now, the Curry Flow 9 is being immortalized by Under Armour in a physical version as well. The limited colorway is available for $160 on the Curry Brand website.

Paris Saint Germain Inks Jersey Deal with Qatar Airways

Messi and Mbappe will have new drips on the pitch this season thanks to PSG’s newest deal. Paris Saint Germain linked with Qatar Airways for a new jersey deal worth an estimated $84 million annually. The airline has worked in collaboration with the hugely popular team dating back to 2020, collaborating on fan experiences and content.

TikTok Megastar Khaby Lame Teams up With Binance

TikTok’s biggest star wants to debunk crypto myths. On the heels of Cristiano Ronaldo joining the crypto company as a global ambassador, Binance inked a deal with TikTok sensation Khaby Lame, who has over 145 million fans on the platform. Through their collaboration, the pair will aim to educate the world about cryptocurrency and launch an NFT collection in the process.

Denver Post Aims to Sell Nearly $43M of Colorado Rockies Shares

Looking to get in on a major league ownership team? Now could be your time. The Denver Post is looking to sell a piece of its stake in the Colorado Rockies. The paper currently owns a 7.3% stake in the MLB club and is looking to sell half of its ownership, worth an estimated $43 million. The Rockies are estimated to be worth approximately $1.43 billion, ranking the franchise at number 22 in Major League Baseball.

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Tom Brady Enlists Dude with Sign for Newest BRADY Brand Campaign

Chuck McMahon — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 12:54:58 +0000

The dude with the sign always has something to say. The king of the meme account has taken to badgering Tom Brady for the newest viral campaign for the seven-time Super Bowl champ’s new underwear line for BRADY Brand. In the Instagram post, the Dude holds a sign that says, “Stop trying to promote your underwear, Tom,” which TB12 promptly takes out with his signature spiral.

Harry Styles and Gucci Get a Laugh with 70s-Inspired Collab

Harry Styles is elevating Gucci’s appeal to millennials. The Italian fashion house’s artistic director Alessandro Michele and former One Direction frontman have teamed up to create a twenty-five look collection inspired by the 1970s and feature the brand’s “grumpy bear” logo, a favorite of Styles. The collection, entitled “HA HA HA,” is set to hit storefronts this October.

WNBA’s Latest Documentary“We are the W” Premieres Tonight

The WNBA is humanizing its athletes in its latest film. We are the W will debut tonight on NBA TV at 6:30 p.m. ET. Starring in the film is veteran Angel McCoughtry, Isabelle Harrison of the Dallas Wings; and Didi Richards of the New York Liberty. The powerful film aims to highlight players as more than athletes, emphasizing them as daughters, sisters, leaders, activists, survivors, and much more.

Beyoncé’s Newest Single “Break My Soul” Just Dropped

Beyoncé gave fans a first taste of her Renaissance. The queen just dropped her newest single “Break My Soul” and the internet shut down to head to the dancefloor immediately. Blends of disco and house elements amplify the record with additional vocals provided by Big Freedia. Renaissance is set to release on July 29th, with Bey cryptically adding that it would only be “act i,” giving fans reason to believe that more acts will follow.

Allyson Felix’s Saysh Footwear Brand Secures $8 Million in Fundraising

Allyson Felix may have hung up her track spikes, but the record-holding Olympian is only getting started. Her women’s only footwear brand Saysh raised $8 million led by Gap Inc. With the influx of capital, the brand will expand its product line towards new activity-specific sneakers. Saysh also hopes to scale its own e-commerce channels with Gap Inc. brand Athleta, showcasing the brand on the company’s website.

Phoenix Suns Hire Morgan Cato as First Assistant GM Woman of Color in NBA History

Morgan Cato is blazing a trail. Cato will become the first woman of color to hold the title of assistant GM in NBA history with the Phoenix Suns. She’s no stranger to NBA operations, previously working with the league in New York. Her past initiatives include officiating development, as well as launching Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Jimmy Butler Keeps $100 Cup Dream Alive With Big Face Coffee Brand

Jimmy Butler was serious about $100 coffee cups. Previously, Butler sold cups of coffee to fellow NBA players during the 2020 ‘bubble” season. But now, Jimmy wants to reach $100 per cup status with his Big Face Coffee brand. Butler believes that a variety of coffee beans and unique merch components will help reach the brand’s goals. Currently, Big Face Coffee has a partnership with Van Leeuwen, with their own flavor in their stores all over NYC.

Steph Curry Commemorates Under Armour Origins During Championship Parade

Steph Curry paid homage to his relationship with Under Armour. During the Golden State Warriors championship parade, Steph wore a pair of Anatomix Spawn PEs from when he first signed with the brand in 2013. Since then, Curry has released nine signature sneakers and has produced four championships with the Warriors. Business Insider has reported that Curry alone adds an estimated $14 billion to Under Armour’s market-cap value.

Rob Dyrdek and Diplo Launch New Cannabis Seltzers

White Claw, but make it with your buds. That’s the approach Rob Dyrdek and Diplo took with their new cannabis-infused seltzer developed in collaboration with Leisuretown. The California-based cannabis beverage company partnered with the stars to produce the THC-infused drink, featuring 2.5 mg of THC and 5 mg of CBD. Flavors will include Cherry Vanilla, Ginger Berry, and Yuzu Lime upon their unspecified launch date.

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Excel Sports Management Acquires Creative Agency Game Seven

Randall Williams — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 15:18:00 +0000

The Brooklyn-based creative and experiential marketing agency enhances Excel’s reach and impact across sports, culture, and lifestyle.

Excel Sports Management, the sports agency that represents and works with the likes of Tiger Woods, Kevin Love, Clayton Kershaw, Red Bull, Under Armour, Outback Steakhouse, and 2K Games, has acquired creative and experiential marketing agency Game Seven.

Game Seven is known for the campaigns it’s created for brands including Nike, Foot Locker, Oakley, Bleacher Report, Instagram, Spotify, and Meta. “We started Game Seven with the ambition to build an agency capable of harnessing and converting our love of sports culture into breakthrough marketing campaigns,” said Justin Leonard, co-founder of Game Seven Marketing, in an official release.

“Over the last 12 years, we have evolved from a niche experiential agency into a full-service creative shop, and our team has had the privilege of creating a wide range of impactful work, both physical and digital, alongside some of the most innovative brands in the world. As we look towards the future, the ability to grow, scale, and diversify our work is paramount. Jeff and the Excel team have built one of the best agencies in the world, and our combined expertise will bring a new and differentiated offering to the marketplace.”

Justin Leonard and his brother, Matt Leonard, founded Game Seven in 2010 with the goal of delivering creative and experiential wins for brands across sports, culture, and lifestyle without sacrificing authenticity. Game Seven will keep its name and branding, while the Leonards’ roles as Co-heads of the agency will be preserved under the terms of the acquisition. They’ll both additionally hold equity stakes in the organization going forward.

As Excel Sports Management founder and President Jeff Schwartz added on the occasion:

“Excel and Game Seven share foundational elements, as both agencies started in basketball and have since expanded well beyond into various other sports and entertainment verticals. Game Seven’s evolution from experiential marketing into a leading creative shop in sports make them a great fit for Excel. This strategic investment ensures we can satisfy any brand’s marketing ambitions within sports.”

The post Excel Sports Management Acquires Creative Agency Game Seven appeared first on Boardroom.

Derrick Henry & Reese Witherspoon Join Nashville SC Ownership Group

Bernadette Doykos — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 13:23:16 +0000

Derrick Henry is ready for some football, but his next move doesn’t have anything to do with the NFL. King Henry took his place among Nashville royalty, securing a spot as part of the ownership group of the city’s newest team, Nashville SC alongside Reese Witherspoon and her husband Jim Toth. Henry becomes the fourth NFL star who is invested in an MLS team, joining Patrick Mahomes, Mark Ingram, and Russell Wilson.

Aliyah Boston Signs with Under Armour

It’s been nearly a month since the Unversity of South Carolina cut down the nets, but Aliyah Boston keeps on banking wins. The Naismith Women’s National Player of the Year announced on Tuesday that she is the newest member of the Under Armour team. As part of their partnership, Under Armour will sponsor Boston’s first-ever women’s basketball camp in St. Thomas, the island from which she hails. The collab was a natural one for Under Armour, which also sponsors the whole women’s program at South Carolina.

Neymar Jr. Kicks Off Partnership with German EV Maker e.GO

Neymar Jr. has several titles, but “champion for the environment” is the most recent one on the list. The Brazilian national team and PSG footballer announced on Tuesday that he will serve as e.GO’s global ambassador with an exclusive new partnership entitled “Green On and Off-the-Pitch.” Neymar Jr. will kick off the relationship with an appearance at a May 5 event, during which the company will reveal its newest model, the e.wave X.

Diddy Revealed as Executive Producer of Billboard Music Awards

Diddy has accumulated many titles through the years, but he is set to tackle a new challenge as the Executive Producer of the Billboard Music Awards. The show is set to take place on May 15 and will run live on NBC. In a statement, Diddy set expectations high, saying, “This will be unlike any awards show – I’m bringing the love and setting the frequency at an all-time high.” Doja Cat and The Weeknd lead all nominees.

Mark Emmert Set to Step Down from NCAA in 2023

Mark Emmert’s tenure as the president of the NCAA has not been without challenges. The embattled exec announced on Tuesday that he will step down from his position by June 30, 2023. He has faced enhanced scrutiny throughout his time in the highly paid position, as he failed to help the NCAA evolve amidst the demands of a changing landscape, from NIL to gender equality.

Mets Tap Oak View Group for Patch Deal Search

Let’s go Mets. As the MLB ushers in the new patch era, the Mets have become the most recent team that is looking for sponsorship. They have tapped Oak View Group to help them find the right partner for a patch deal. Per Nielsen, an MLB jersey sponsor could appear on camera almost three times more than NBA jersey patches. The future deal is expected to bring in $10-15 million annually for the team.

Pharrell Heads to DC for ‘‘Something in the Water’ Festival

Pharrell has special plans for the weekend preceding Juneteenth this year. The multihyphenate confirmed that the festival will return, but this time to a new home. The Something in the Water Festival launched in 2019 in Pharrell’s hometown of Virginia Beach. However, after expressing concern with how his 25-year-old cousin died at the hands of authorities in the community, he has moved the festival to a new location in Washington, DC. The stacked lineup includes a little something for everyone from Ja Rule & Ashanti to Tyler, the Creator, and will run from June 15-17.

Vintage Patek Philippe Sells for $7.68M, Setting New Record

A Vintage 1957 Patek Philippe Ref. 2499 perpetual calendar timepiece sold for $7.68 million at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong on Tuesday. With the purchase, it became the most expensive watch sale in history, but isn’t the first time that a watch from this collection fetched a record. The item was part of a 38-item collection that was from a single owner.

RARES Helps SNKRS Losers Get a W with New NFT

RARES, the social investing platform for sneaker collectors, is launching an NFT program to help footwear enthusiasts score some value out of the Ls they take on the Nike SNKRS App. The platform’s new membership-based NFT project is here to cheer up sneakerheads who strike out on the SNKRS app. Welcome to the “Hype Drop L Club.”

Kaylee Hartung Joining the Thursday Night Football Team

Amazon Prime is about to feature Thursday night’s modern version of must-see TV. Beginning next season, the streaming service will be the exclusive home to Thursday Night Football. Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit will take their place in the broadcast booth, but it is expected that Kaylee Hartung will be the newest addition to the crew where she will serve as a sideline reporter. It is unknown whether or not Hartung will maintain some of her responsibilities with ABC, similar to Herbstreit’s with ESPN.

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Serena Williams and Lewis Hamilton Join Group in Quest for Chelsea

Bernadette Doykos — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 13:03:06 +0000

Chelsea is about to have a new owner. The bidding process is down to three parties for the six-time Premier League champions, as Roman Abramovich put the team up for sale following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. News emerged on Thursday that two of the biggest names in sports are getting into the game, as Serena Williams and Lewis Hamilton join British businessman Sir Martin Broughton’s investor group. Combined, they will contribute $26 million to the proposed purchase.

Maradona’s “Hand of God” Jersey to Smash Records with $6.32M Premium

One lucky collector is about to own a piece of soccer lore at a historical price. Maradona’s “Hand of God” jersey, which he famously swapped with British midfielder Steve Hodge following his iconic performance, is currently up for auction by Sotheby’s. While there are two weeks left in the sale, reports have emerged that the $6.32 million premium has been met at this time, and the impending sale is set to be the largest for a jersey in history, which previously belonged to Babe Ruth’s road jersey, which sold for $5.6 million in 2019.

Jordan Spieth Signs Four-year Extension with Under Armour

Jordan Spieth is having a great week. The world’s 20th-ranked golfer followed up his victory at RBC Heritage over the weekend, announcing on Wednesday that he will stay with the Under Armour family. Spieth signed with UA in 2013 as he turned professional at the age of 19. As part of the new deal, Under Armour will contribute $1 million to the Jordan Spieth Family Foundation, which focuses on youth programming and scholarships.

Lamar Jackson Fronts StatusPRO’s ‘NFL Pro Era’ Reveal

StatusPRO has debuted the first fruit of their partnership with the NFL and NFLPA that was announced earlier this year. The sports technology and gaming company created the league’s first officially-licensed virtual reality game. NFL PRO ERA, will be available this fall on both PlayStation VR and Meta Quest. In the game’s preview, the video features a first-person view from the perspective of Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Additionally, the voiceover for the trailer comes via hip-hop artist and former NFL Draft prospect Tobe Nwigwe.

Snoop Dogg Tills the Metaverse with New Virtual Cannabis Farm

April 20 marked Snoop Dogg’s highest holy day and he did not hold back on the business announcements. Snoop revealed that he is teaming up with his son, Cordell Broadus (known in Web3 as Champ de’ Medici) to launch the metaverse’s first-ever cannabis farm. The announcement comes in partnership with the mafia-themed game Mobland.

Wimbledon Declares Ban of Russian, Belarusian Athletes

The return to the grass courts is about two months away, but in the run-up to Wimbledon tournament officials announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes will be banned from the competition. The ban comes as a direct response to the country’s invasion of Ukraine. The move is expected to have a major impact on the competition, as it will preclude some of the sport’s top talent, including men’s No. 2 player Daniil Medvedev, from playing in the tournament.

Golden State Warriors Sign Two Acts to New Label

The Warriors are looking to make a mark, both on and off the court. The team, which is looking to improve to 3-0 in tonight’s matchup against the Nuggets, announced this week that it is launching its own record label GSW. It has inked two artists, K-pop sensation Bam Bam and Oakland rapper Mayzin. Bam Bam is set to release the label’s first track later this week.

Rams Set Return to the Rocket Mortgage Draft Room

The LA Rams are riding the high of their Super Bowl win, but they are preparing for the team’s next generation of stars who will hopefully help them hoist their second consecutive Lombardi Trophy. On NFL Draft night, Sean McVay and the team’s execs will post up in the Rocket Mortgage Draft House, teaming up with Netflix’s hit show Selling Sunset and its stars Mary Fitzgerald and Jason Oppenheim to take over the Malibu mansion. The activation will also include several sponsors, from Gatorade to Frito Lay.

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Stephen Curry // Behind The Signature Logo

Nick DePaula — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 13:00:00 +0000

With the launch of his own Curry Brand in 2020, the Warriors star also launched a new logo mark. Boardroom breaks down its backstory.

For most signature athletes, the logo adorning each of their annual sneakers follows them throughout their career, from model to model as their respective series extends.

As Stephen Curry explains it, the re-framing and re-positioning of his Under Armour endorsement deal, first landed in 2013 and later morphing into the launch of his very own Curry Brand subsidiary in late 2020, was cause for taking a new approach.

“I thought it was great to have a fresh start. I know everybody [knew] the SC — aka the SportsCenter logo,” he joked. “We were seven signature shoes under that logo, and it had a lot of success with it, but I thought [it would be good to have] a fresh start under the Curry [Brand] name.”

A look at a variety of the original “SC30” logo concepts from 2013.

While several brands and athletes have followed the ‘initials + jersey number’ format over the years when creating a signature logo, Curry was looking for a more abstract gesture that could still layer in multiple meanings at once.

Sure, the logo would be incorporated on signature shoes, but it would also need to live in a variety of other settings. Curry’s vision is for the logo to represent not just a signature series, but a fully immersive brand that is soon extending into multiple sports and product silos — emblematic of the impact he’s had on the game and away from the court.

At the start of 2019, the conversation picked up around launching Curry Brand a year and a half later with new branding. The Curry 8, the first product from the new venture, would also be debuting the company’s new Flow technology, giving the Curry Brand more innovation to launch with.

The former head of Curry Brand, longtime industry veteran David Bond, called on the Seattle-based Tether Agency to explore creating an entirely new logo and branding identity. The agency had a familiarity the company, having worked on signature campaign launches for the Curry 4 and sneakers headlined by Cam Newton and The Rock.

After months of concept work and feedback from Curry to start the year, Tether founder Stanley Hainsworth eventually met with Stephen at his Curry Camp in the Bay during the summer of 2019 to hammer home the ideas and land on the final logo.

“The brand logo is a flair off of a lot of different inspirations,” said Curry. “My signature being one, you’ve got the ‘S’ and the ‘C.’ Anybody who’s seen my signature, I do the big ‘S’ and ‘C’ in there. It’s also kind of a play on the ‘3’ [hand gesture] symbol that is a huge part of my game and something that I hope I transformed on the court in terms of what it means to shoot the 3 with volume and efficiency.”

Straight from @StephenCurry30 — the design details that inspired his new Curry Brand logo & font.

Plus…an iced out Curry Brand chain?? https://t.co/CjOh8hIS8S pic.twitter.com/1ADqbt1zyV
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) May 18, 2021

While the starting point may be still be initial-based, it’s the way in which the curves and flow of the logo merge together to form a more loosely-geared new shape that gives a different initial read than his prior logo.

“You also have the higher arc here, a nod to the halo effect and me drawing in inspiration and purpose from my faith and the overall presence within the game,” said Curry. “It’s a cool little collaboration of all of those different inspirations.”

While not every logo needs a nickname, the mark quickly became referred to by a familiar Curry-related term.

“We call the logo the ‘Splash,’” said Ryan Drew, Curry Brand GM.

In addition to the logo mark, the full package of “Curry Brand identity marks and guidelines” — as it’s officially called within their offices — also includes an entirely custom font type that is seen across all apparel and written text from the brand.

“The Curry font, which is on the shoe box, all of the curves and lines is the 3-point arc,” described the league’s all-time 3-point leader. “You have that as a consistent thing in the ‘C’ and [all of the letters.] … I thought that was pretty dope that we could bring that to the product and to the brand and have a fresh start.”

Already, the brand logo has been spotted on a variety of basketball court donations, on the uniforms of the Howard Golf Women’s and Men’s teams that Curry is personally funding, the jerseys of his beloved Davidson basketball, and the history-making special edition Curry 9s he laced up last December at Madison Square Garden.

To celebrate the December 2020 launch of the logo, Curry treated himself to a custom diamond pendant set in rose gold and crafted by Kilani Jewellery in Toronto, who shut down their entire workshop’s production in October 2020 to create the piece for him.

“It was the most I’ve spent on a chain. I’ll leave it at that,” Curry laughed. “It’s probably the most flair and the biggest piece I’ve ever had made, but it obviously has a special meaning.”

Now two seasons in, as Curry Brand continues to grow and expand, it has stayed rooted in its “Change the Game for Good” tagline and giveback-first approach. Establishing the new logo along the way has been a point of emphasis since the beginning.

“It’s important for us to show consumers that while Under Armour and Stephen have been partners since 2013, this brand has its own identity and is unique in its purpose-led mission,” added Drew. “At the end of the day, it’s all about impact. We are committed to the Splash logo always being a symbol for doing good.”

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Curry Brand Confirms Complete Sesame Street Pack Release Dates

Nick DePaula — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 16:50:59 +0000

The Golden State Warriors All-Star launched Curry Brand under the Under Armour umbrella in November 2020.

Following up on the November releases of the Big Bird- and Count-themed editions of the Curry 9 Flow, Curry Brand is introducing five additional versions of Stephen Curry’s signature kicks in the coming months, as part of its season-long collaboration with Sesame Street.

“Everybody knows Sesame Street, and we brought the characters to life through the shoes,” said Curry. “Each colorway is so drastically different and shows their individuality, but they’re also unified.”

From March through June, new takes celebrating Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, Lily the Tiger, Abby Cadabby, and Elmo will each be unveiled, with Curry’s favorite pair being the red-based edition he first debuted in November.

“My favorite Muppet on Sesame Street is definitely Elmo,” he said. “He’s always laughing and smiling and having a great time and bringing the best out of everybody. It’s the same joy that I try to bring to the court.”

Throughout late 2020 and into 2021, Curry and his team of Curry Brand designers worked in partnership with Sesame Street to execute each design. They played off of costume textures like fur and feathers — incorporating in a balance of “sophistication and light-hearted fun,” as designer Spencer Hawkins described it.

For the “Oscar the Grouch” pair in particular, a mix of metallic silver drafting off of the character’s famed trashcan dwelling is met by subtle touches of green throughout.

“We show a characterization of his eyes and the trashcan, as opposed to literally printing his face somewhere else on the shoe,” explained Hawkins.

Throughout the season, Curry has enjoyed a series of memorable games in specific colorways from the “Street Pack.” While he’s knocked down several go-ahead buckets late in games, he drained his first buzzer-beating game-winner in the yellow and pink “Big Bird” pair.

At All-Star Weekend last month, he raised $108,000 for the Metro Cleveland Public Schools thanks to his 50-point barrage, an ASG-record 16 made 3-pointers and All-Star Game MVP honors — all while debuting his bright pink “Abby Cadabby”-themed Curry 9 Flow.

“This shoe has a special meaning to me now that I was rocking them when I won the MVP award,” he reflected. “Ten years from now, I will know exactly when I wore them, what it meant to me, and what was accomplished in them.”

Stephen Curry in the “Abby Cadabby” Curry 9 Flows from the Sesame Street for #NBAAllStar

(h/t @NickDePaula) pic.twitter.com/DJWTNXPNhp
— Boardroom (@boardroom) February 21, 2022

There will be more memories made by Curry in the Sesame sneakers once he returns to action in the coming weeks after suffering a sprained left foot ligament last Wednesday. The Warriors star is excited for the final batch of Curry Brand x Sesame Street pairs to make their way to retail.

“The colorways are bold, they’re loud, and they pop,” added Curry. “They speak to what each of the Muppets brings to life, so it’s pretty dope.”

See each colorway below.

Cookie Monster / “Taking Cookies” (March)

Oscar the Grouch / “Talking Trash” (March)

Elmo / “Dribble Me Elmo” (April)

Abby Cadabby / “Now You See Me” (June)

Lily the Tiger / “Beyond the Stripe” (June)

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Virgil Abloh-designed Nikes Bring in Record-setting $25M at Auction

Bernadette Doykos — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 14:13:50 +0000

The lasting impact of Virgil Abloh will not soon be forgotten. Sotheby’s auctioned 200 pairs of Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 Low brown and tan exclusives designed by Abloh prior to his passing, with proceeds benefiting the late designer’s “Post Modern” Scholarship Fund for Black fashion students. With the final gavel, the auction brought in more than $25 million, eight times more than the anticipated $3 million that the lot was expected to fetch.

Manfred Promises “Good Faith Proposal” Amidst New Round of MLB Negotiations

MLB spring training is on hold, but league insiders indicate that efforts towards contract resolution continue to move forward. Commissioner Rob Manfred told reporters that the owners will present the players’ association with a meaningful proposal to end the lockout as the two sides meet on Friday. He also indicated that the parties had agreed to introduce the designated hitter to National League play, in a move thought to be a concession ot the players.

SEC Distributes $778M to Conference Schools

There is little debate that the SEC is one of the – if not the – most dominant conferences in college sports, and it pays to be that good. According to ESPN, the SEC distributed $778 million across the schools in its conference, an average of $54.6 million per institution. This figure does not include the $23 million one-time distribution to cover COVID-related hardships that each school received.

Rodgers, Kupp, and Watt Bring Home NFL Awards

The Super Bowl is only 48 hours away and in the lead-up, the stars were out in LA. At the annual NFL Awards, Aaron Rodgers took home his second consecutive MVP award as speculation grew as to his next steps after this season. The LA Rams’ Cooper Kupp has just one more box to check on his All-Pro season, as he was crowned Offensive Player of the Year. On the defensive side, T.J. Watt was recognized for his ferocious play with Defensive Player of the Year honors. Bengals QB Joe Burrow also took home the Comeback Player of the Year after overcoming an ACL injury at the end of last season.

Binance Drops $200M for Stake in Forbes

This Super Bowl Sunday you will not see an ad for the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange Binance, as it has paired with Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler for an anti-ad in which he tells viewers to do their own research. However, the company made moves this week as it announced that it has secured a $200 million stake in Forbes, as the 104-year-old publishing company seeks to merge with a publicly-traded SPAC in the next quarter. The move signals a major step for cryptocurrency, as Forbes is one of the foundational leaders in finance media.

Amazon Declares “Football is Open” in Prime Ad

While the Super Bowl is a momentous and festive unofficial national holiday in the U.S., it’s also the last game of meaningful professional football each year until August. Amazon’s Prime Video aims to strike the balance between joy and impending emptiness in its Super Bowl commercial, set to debut on Sunday. The spot will preview Prime Video’s exclusive Thursday Night Football contract and try to build anticipation for its first regular season date, slated for Sept. 15.

Harden, Porzingis Find New Homes Amidst Final Hours of NBA Trade Deadline

NBA fans stayed busy on Thursday tracking moves in the final hours leading into the NBA trade deadline. Major moves sent James Harden and Paul Millsap to Philadelphia in exchange for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, and Andre Drummond. Elsewhere, the Mavericks picked up Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans for Kristaps Porzingis. The Lakers failed to make any final moves, as reports indicate that LA declined a move that would send Russell Westbrook to Houston for John Wall.

Topps to Auction Exclusive Mickey Mantle NFT

Topps is teaming up with the Mantle Estate and Major League Baseball to auction a 1952 Mickey Mantle NFT. The item will be sold via a 72-hour auction on OpenSea, and the winner will not only get the one-of-one collectible but also have the opportunity for a 30-minute conversation with Mantle’s sons.

Under Armour Outpaces Revenue Expectations as Supply Chain Threatens Outlook

One of Under Armour’s most decorated ambassadors may have hung up his cleats, but even TB12’s retirement couldn’t dampen the sportswear brand’s quarterly numbers. The Baltimore-based company amassed $1.57 billion in revenue driven by apparel, accessories, and footwear, outpacing expectations. However, the faulty supply chain cast a shadow on the good news, as it threatens the company’s projections for the present quarter. Pre-market trading was down on Friday morning.

NASCAR Driver Kevin Harvick Joins All-star Subway Menu

The Daytona 500 is just a week away and NASCAR champ Kevin Harvick is getting prepared. He added another accolade to his CV on Thursday, becoming the most recent athlete to get his own sandwich at Subway. His “Full Throttle Ham” joins an all-star roster that includes Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, and Marshawn Lynch.

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Stephen Curry’s Latest Retro Collab is a Work of Art

Ian Stonebrook — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 19:06:00 +0000

Revising Steph Curry’s revered first signature shoe, a Washington, DC-based boutique brings its brush strokes to an Under Armour icon.

The year 2015 was a Stephen Curry masterpiece.

Winning his first NBA championship, his first MVP trophy, and First Team All-NBA honors, the timing was perfect for the Golden State Warriors — but perhaps even better for Under Armour.

Swooping the surging shooter out of the arms of Nike in 2013, the Baltimore brand saw a signature athlete with mass marketability. They were right, allowing Steph to become the face of their basketball business upon his arrival. Shortly after, they went all-in with the release of his namesake Under Armour Curry One sneaker, dropping during his banner 2014-15 campaign.

Photos by Sam Johnson

Now ascendant at Under Armour to the point where he has his own Curry Brand, the best shooter the NBA has ever seen has the luxury of launching his ninth signature sneaker with UA, while also returning to the shoe that started it all.

The Under Armour Curry One was first brought back by way of Shoe Palace in 2018 and a retro run in 2021, that is now extending into 2022 through a new lens.

Photos by Sam Johnson

To start this Curry campaign, Under Armour has called in The Museum DC for a colorful collaboration on the first edition. While the original Curry One brought the brand into the coveted space of storytelling and chase back in 2015, this 2022 take is cut from the same cloth, introducing a multi-colored makeup decked out with DC detailing.

The Museum DC, a boutique and brand based in the nation’s capital, lives by the mantra ‘Fashion is Art,’ walking their talk on their first Curry collab. Vividly, Museum co-founders Le’Greg Harrison and Muhammad Hill show love to their city through public transit-inspired insoles while painting the upper in every color of the rainbow. Various sets of laces and an iced-out sole cap off this colorway that celebrates Steph’s inaugural signature.

Look for the launch to take place this Saturday at The Museum DC, kicking off what appears to be an active campaign of Curry One retro releases.

Photos by Sam Johnson

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UFC Taps Dwayne Johnson for “Project Rock” Footwear Deal

Shlomo Sprung — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 18:41:44 +0000

The footwear brand from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Under Armour — Project Rock — inked a global deal with the world’s biggest MMA promotion ahead of UFC 270 in Anaheim.

Do you smell what the UFC is cooking?

The world’s premier MMA organization has forged a multi-year deal with Project Rock, the motivational performance brand from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Under Armour, that makes it the UFC’s official global footwear partner, the companies announced Friday.

The official partnership begins this weekend, with Project Rock providing official footwear to the fighters competing at UFC 270 in Anaheim, including heavyweight championship headliners Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane. Starting this summer, UFC athletes will be outfitted with special Project Rock x UFC co-branded BSR 2 training shoes.

https://twitter.com/TheRock/status/1484567487203012610?s=20

“UFC athletes are among the greatest, toughest, focused, most disciplined, and hardest-training athletes on the planet,” Johnson said. “Every walk to the iconic Octagon by a UFC fighter is fueled with passion, mana, and the deep desire to establish their dominance and LEGACY. I am proud, grateful, and humbled that my innovative Project Rock training shoe is now the official global footwear partner of UFC. Being ‘the hardest worker in the room’ isn’t just a catchy slogan. It’s my life. But it’s not just my life. It’s the life and soul of every man and woman that competes in UFC. THEY are the hardest workers in the room. They are the ones who walk the walk.They are champions. Project Rock looks forward to the endless possibilities within this historic global partnership with UFC and all the hardest workers in the room.”

The agreement also includes opportunities for Project Rock exposure through broadcasts, as well as original UFC content on linear, digital, and social media channels. Co-branded Project Rock x UFC footwear will be available at retail outlets around the world later this year.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Dwayne Johnson and his Project Rock brand to incorporate this innovative footwear into UFC’s iconic fight kits,” said Tracey Bleczinski, UFC’s senior vice president of global consumer products. “The core mission of the Project Rock brand, to help individuals in their journey achieve greatness by equipping them with the right tools, aligns with UFC fighters’ determination, dedication, and perseverance, as they pursue greatness in their own right—both inside and outside of the Octagon.”

UFC 270: Ngannou vs. Gane takes place Saturday night at the Honda Center in Anaheim California. The main card begins at 10 p.m. exclusively on ESPN+ pay-per-view.

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Every Signature Shoe in the NBA for the 2021-22 Season

Nick DePaula — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 13:59:00 +0000

From LeBron to LaMelo, 22 players have sported their own signature shoes in 2021-22 — and Boardroom has you covered with the full list.

Since His Airness set the blueprint four decades ago, the NBA and the footwear industry surrounding it have long been driven by signature sneakers.

The most impactful endorsers in the Association can move the needle season-to-season, driving hundreds of millions of dollars for companies in the individual signature business.

There’s also the potential for a hoped-for halo effect over additional categories within a given shoe company’s umbrella, extending beyond a brand’s basketball category and into lifestyle, accessories, and more broadly, a company’s overall global perception.

This season, 22 players will grace the hardwood wearing their own current namesake model, from a total of ten brands. The nightly hardwood visibility of their pairs extends far further. Nearly 70% of the league wears a signature-branded sneaker in games, from that group of less than two dozen players.

Looking ahead, that list will expand even further this year, with players like Jayson Tatum, Jimmy Butler, and D’Angelo Russell all confirmed to be added to the signature fold. Tatum’s much-anticipated debut Jordan model will come further down the road, possibly as soon as next season.

Meanwhile, both Jimmy Buckets and D’Angelo Russell could be wearing their first forays as soon as this Spring. Butler landed a six-year signature deal with Li-Ning during the Fall of 2020, and has been working through design updates and feedback on his eventual signature shoe ever since.

DLo’s deal with Li-Ning, struck in the Fall of 2019, will now see his own “DLoading” line kick off under the company’s Way of Wade sub-brand helmed by future Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade. Along the outsole of the upcoming Ice Blood model, his “Ice In My Veins” tagline and smooth “DLo…” logo add a layer of storytelling. His off-court signature shoe is expected to release later this year.

For now, just over 20 NBA players can claim the signature shoe distinction. Ordered by model number and length of series, here is that elite list:

LeBron James // Nike LeBron 19

(David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)

At the helm of the league’s longest-ever active signature series for the last five seasons, LeBron is inching closer to a two-decade-long line that will be tough for anyone to top.

Designed once again by Jason Petrie, who has penned each ‘Bron silhouette since the 7, the latest edition features more visibly voluminous Air Max and Zoom Air units than ever before, with additional molded Air bladder pockets along the collar and tongue for added padding.

With his ‘LJ’ crown logo spotted throughout, there is, of course, midsole real estate once again for James to inscribe his series of tributes to family members and friends, or to add his favorite phrases before each game.

Kevin Durant // Nike KD 14

(Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Playing into the ‘Scythe’ weapon of the Grim Reaper, the Slim Reaper’s sneaker incorporates a strap along the upper for the first time since the KD 7, albeit in a uniquely curved design to layer in some added storytelling alongside the launch of KD’s new clothing line of the same name.

With the release of his newest signature shoe in 2021, Durant became just the third player in league history to see his signature series reach 14 models as an active player.

“To be at 14 shoes itself is a great accomplishment; to build the brand the way we’ve built it and [to] tell the stories that we’ve told,” he said on Boardroom’s “The Sneaker Game.” “It’s amazing to be a part of a brand like Nike, but to be in that category with MJ and ’Bron, that’s an amazing category. I just want to keep providing good moments, keep telling my stories, and make good shoes.”

Chris Paul // Jordan CP3.13

(Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

After initially signing with Nike as a rookie, Chris Paul shifted over to Jordan Brand the following season, and became just the second Jumpman athlete after Carmelo Anthony to receive his own signature series during his 3^rd year in the league.

The eventual Hall of Famer has since gone on to become one of just eight players in league history to have a signature series extend past 10 models during their career. In recent seasons, Paul has utilized the open canvas panels of his CP3 models to highlight dozens of HBCUs, placing collegiate graphics from the likes of FAMU, North Carolina A&T, Hampton, and more onto his player exclusive pairs.

Though Chris Paul has continued to switch back and forth between his CP3.12 and CP3.13 models this season, one thing that’s stayed consistent is the motivating phrase he hand-writes along the midsole of each pair in the locker room before every game:

“Can’t Give Up Now…”

A lyric from gospel duo Mary Mary, the point guard began writing the phrase during his time in Oklahoma City, before making an immediate impact with the Phoenix Suns and helping lead the franchise to the 2021 NBA Finals.

“People say, ‘You’re 33, 34, 35, 36 – you can’t do this, you can’t do that,’” he said. “That’s just a little reminder for me. That’s why that’s on my shoes.”

Derrick Rose // Adidas DRose Son of Chi

(Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Now one of the longest-tenured signature endorsers in the game, Derrick Rose also landed one of the industry’s largest-ever extensions back in 2012, when he inked a massive 12-year pact with Adidas just after becoming the youngest MVP in league history.

Throughout Asia, where the beloved guard is dubbed “MVP Forever,” the DRose line continues to flourish. This season, he’s been wearing his new “Son Of Chi” sneaker, as the design incorporates nuances and details from his past shoes. Colorways honor some of his most sought-after themes, like the vibrant blue and neon “Simeon” edition that pays tribute to his Chicago high school days.

Looking ahead, there could be a twist in store when the annual edition returns in the form of a DRose 12, as the Knicks fan favorite ventures toward the final chapter of his longstanding run with Adidas.

Stephen Curry // Curry Brand Curry 9 Flow

(Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

After resetting his signature series with Under Armour a year ago with the launch of the Curry 8 Flow and his very own brand, Stephen Curry is back at it this season with his new Splash logo and Flow technology once again powering his latest signature model.

“We didn’t depart too far from [the Curry 8 Flow], but the biggest upgrade is the upper,” he explained to Boardroom. “The UA Warp technology still gives you another level of stability, lockdown, and experience. It gives you cool opportunities to do some creative things with colorways that we have.”

The Curry 8 was spotted in mostly clean executions over the course of the 2020-21 season, while the Curry 9 Flow launched this year in a seven-colorway pack with Sesame Street. The vivid blue and gold “2974” edition he rocked at MSG for his three-point record-breaking milestone will live on to be a defining pair from his career.

“It has a lot more character than the 8, and I think that’s something that we wanted to hit home with the 9,” he added.

Damian Lillard // Adidas Dame 8

(Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

After launching sneakers in recent years alluding to his hometown of Oakland or his love for music, Damian Lillard’s latest namesake Adidas model drew inspiration from his appreciation for boxing.

With themes celebrating his late-game, knockout-level clutch shots and the way in which he incorporates boxing workouts into his offseason training to prepare for each NBA season, look for the Sweet Science to play a prominent role throughout the Dame 8’s run this year.

“This shoe is special to me because it reflects a boxer’s mindset,” Lillard said. “Working hard every single day, putting in the extra hours during training, and bringing the heat right down to the last second of every game.”

Kyrie Irving // Nike Kyrie Infinity

(Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)

Though he’s just now returning to the court, the newest evolution of the oft-loved Kyrie series features familiar performance elements like a Zoom Air forefoot unit, protective collar height, and supportive lockdown design details throughout.

Much like the Kobe series before it, Irving’s sneakers are one of the most-worn by NBA players around the league, annually appreciated for their playability.

“Kyrie wants to take the torch as that go-to performance model for that cutting kind of player,” designer Ben Nethongkome said.

After debuting the final colorway of the Kyrie 7 in the charity-driven “MOM” colorway, we can look for Irving’s always-anticipated footwear storytelling to come to life atop the Kyrie Infinity in more expressive editions in the coming months. (For road games, at least.)

Klay Thompson // ANTA KT 7

Just after agreeing to a new eight-year, $80 million extension with Anta during the summer of 2017, Klay Thompson straightforwardly told me his goals with the company by the end of his career:

“Be the Michael Jordan one day of Anta.”

With nearly 10,000 stores throughout Asia, the brand has made Klay a featured face of its basketball business and campaigns throughout the world, with his signature KT logo appearing on dozens of sneakers, apparel, and accessories each year.

While Thompson unfortunately didn’t get a chance to don the KT 5 or KT 6 after a two-season injury hiatus, the Warriors sharpshooter is back on the floor in his new KT 7, boasting elevated cushioning and a molded support shank to carry him through a comeback season that he says has “championship aspirations.”

James Harden // Adidas Harden Vol. 6

(Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

After landing one of the industry’s largest-ever shoe deals in 2015 — a 13-year pact that features a variety of incentives that could reach up to $200 million in total — the Three Stripes immediately got to work on James Harden’s inevitable signature series.

Now on his sixthVolume, his line has followed a performance-driven approach along the way, with quirky and unexpected paneling and graphics coming to life along the annual uppers.

“The grip, the tightness, and making sure the shoe fits my feet how it’s supposed to — that never changes,” he said. “I still have to be able to perform at an elite level. The only thing that changes are the things [visually] around it. As we continue to grow, there’s new technology that continues to be created and we continue to catch the wave and keep going forward.”

Paul George // Nike PG 6

(Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

Though he’s been rotating amongst all of his recent signature editions so far this season, including the PG 5 as pictured above, Paul George is expected to debut his sixth Nike PG model this month. The launch will make him just the seventh Nike athlete in league history to see their signature series reach a sixth model while playing.

George kicked off his signature series with one of the most well-received debut models, with the PG 1 spotted on more than 40 players around the league and still worn by players like Myles Turner and Solomon Hill.

Ever since, his sleek and low silhouettes designed by Tony Hardman have followed a consistent approach, with court feel, grip, and support for his two-way game a key focus each year.

Russell Westbrook // Jordan Why.Not .5

(Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

After winning league MVP in 2016, Russell Westbrook’s initial five-year deal with Jordan Brand from 2012 was torn up in favor of a new long-term extension. Most importantly, he was also given a signature shoe — just the fourth athlete under Michael’s namesake brand to receive that distinction.

Known for his daring fashion, his Why.Not series has been just as unpredictable as his nightly tunnel fits. With seemingly random size label placements, frantic multi-material paneling, and a hodgepodge of colors and textures splashed all over his unmistakably loud game pairs, Westbrook’s line has been one of the industry’s more consistently creative over the years.

Giannis Antetokounmpo // Nike Zoom Freak 3

(Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

When he landed a long-term extension with Nike in 2017 — after a considerable effort from Adidas to sign him away — the Swoosh’s faith in the Greek Freak’s ability on the court and his life journey and character off the court was unwavering. So they made him the first European player in league history to receive his own Nike signature shoe.

As a Nike employee framed it at the time: “If his game looks unlike anything we’ve ever seen on the court, then his shoe should too.”

A sizable reverse Swoosh defined his debut sneaker, with each of his trio of models immediately recognizable on the floor with bold court blocks and expressions. Up close, nods to his parents Charles and Veronica can be found, along with tributes to his brothers. Themes have drafted off of everything from his favorite movies to card games he and his brothers love to play at home.

“I want every product to be genuine and authentic,” Antetokounmpo said.

After betting big on the Bucks star, the timing for Nike couldn’t have been better, as Giannis hit his stride after inking the long-term 2017 extension. He’s since gone on to win back-to-back MVP awards as each of his first two Zoom Freak signature shoes were launching, and then followed that up with a Finals MVP just as the Zoom Freak 3 was launching.

Donovan Mitchell // Adidas D.O.N. Issue #3

(Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

Now on his third signature model with The Three Stripes, Donovan Mitchell has a clearly defined approach for his annual “Issue” signature series.

“The colorways of my shoes are a reflection of my story and what inspires me,” he said.

Whether that means refurbishing the basketball courts at the community center where his grandmother has worked for decades — with court graphics also seen on his sneakers — or colorways tying back to his days at Louisville and the history of the Utah Jazz, Mitchell’s models often make use of their mesh canvas for a splash of storytelling throughout.

Gordon Hayward // ANTA GH3

(Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

When Gordon Hayward’s shoe deal was up in 2018, he may have been a surprising add to the following season’s signature list, as Anta locked in a four-year partnership with the former All-Star to create his own namesake series.

“Everybody dreams of having their own shoe one day,” Hayward said at the time. “Them proposing me having a signature shoe was a big piece of the deal.”

Several factors were at play, though. Hayward was a Celtic at the time, and Anta has long enjoyed an association with the franchise and its fanbase throughout Asia, as both Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo signed signature deals with the brand after Boston’s 2008 championship. Hayward is also an avid gamer, with his online streams viewed throughout Asia.

Now on his third signature model, the GH3 designed by Duane Laurence taps into race car inspiration from his newest city of Charlotte, along with the heritage of his home state of Indiana. The result is a speedy low-top with supportive harnessing straps and molded sculpting throughout, allowing the Hornets wing to “Go Hard,” as the series often spells out in emphasized lettering across his full name.

Kawhi Leonard // New Balance Kawhi Two

(Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

After parting ways with Jordan Brand during the summer of 2018, Kawhi Leonard’s sneaker free agency was followed just as closely as the franchise moves he’s made throughout his ring-laden NBA career. With both Puma and New Balance re-launching their basketball divisions at the same time, the interest was frenzied for the former Finals MVP despite his notorious lack of a social media presence.

He had already turned down a four-year, $22 million extension offer from Jordan Brand, setting the stage for the market expectations from suitors and leading to a more lucrative pact with New Balance. Out the gate, the partnership went about as well as possible on the court, with Leonard’s lone season in Toronto leading to a 2019 Finals MVP in the brand’s OMNIS re-launch model.

At All-Star Weekend the following season in Chicago, Leonard debuted his New Balance signature shoe, The Kawhi, and went on to win MVP of the annual showcase game.

“He wanted this familiar, retro vibe, wrapped around this high-performance shell,” designer Jon Grondin said. “That was the blend he wanted.”

While sidelined throughout the start of the 2021-22 season, with an anticipated Spring return ahead of the playoffs, the face of New Balance basketball is expected to wear The Kawhi 2 once back on the court.

Aaron Gordon // 361 AG 2

(Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

After landing some of the wildest slams in the history of the Dunk Contest in 2016, brands around the globe were circling the eventual 2019 expiration of Aaron Gordon’s Nike deal.

Chinese brand 361 Degrees eventually landed him with a multi-year, multi-million-dollar offer ahead of his participation in the 2020 Slam Dunk Contest. The deal also included the creation and launch of his own signature shoe.

“It’s super dope to be able to know that I’ll be in my own shoe,” Gordon said. “When I’m out there on the court, I don’t got to worry about if it don’t fit right or if it don’t look right. It’s like, ‘Nah, this is me on my feet.’ I’m going to be comfortable and just happy and grateful to be representing.”

Now wearing the AG 2, Gordon’s signature series kicked off with a defined design language, highlighted by a supportive upper, molded foot frame shank system and an emphasis on toe-off and transition for the high flier’s game.

Joel Embiid // Under Armour Embiid One

(David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

As the only NBA center with his own signature shoe, Joel Embiid is well aware of the saying that’s long marred the sneaker lines of big men since the signature starting points of Patrick Ewing, Dikembe Mutombo, and Shaquille O’Neal.

“It’s not a big man shoe,” he said. “It’s a shoe for any basketball player.”

With a mesh upper and mobile mid-cut, the Under Armour Embiid One’s design features a flowing support piece along the side, inspired by erupting volcanoes. The outsole features an outline of Africa as a nod to his Cameroonian heritage.

After signing on with UA in 2018, the signature process led to The Process debuting his sneaker early in the NBA bubble, with the 76ers All-Star since unveiling colorways and themes highlighting the different stages of his storybook career in the league. He is just the third player in the company’s history to receive his own signature basketball shoe.

Zion Williamson // Jordan Zion 1

(Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

As the athletic industry’s most sought-after incoming NBA rookie since LeBron James, Zion’s rookie shoe deal process could’ve been a movie. As brands like Puma and Li-Ning pulled out all the stops and offers accelerated into the eight figures per year, the explosive marketing sensation eventually chose Jordan Brand. The five-year agreement also made him just the fifth player in the Nike subsidiary’s 23-year history to receive his own signature shoe.

“Words can’t really explain it, if I’m being honest,” Williamson said. “As a kid, you kind of just say it just to put it in the atmosphere, ‘Yeah, I want my own shoe when I get older.’ As you get older, you see that it’s tough to get your own signature shoe and things really have to go your way.”

With a sizable ‘Z’ graphic splicing through the shoe’s upper — inspired by the mononymous star power of his first initial and his trademark haircut — the Zion 1 was loaded with a full-length Nike Air unit and a forefoot Zoom Air bag, packing in tech for the power forward’s much-anticipated debut sneaker. Themes to start have drawn inspiration from his younger brother Noah, his mom Sharonda, his South Carolina upbringing, and his love for the brotherhood at Duke.

Trae Young // Adidas Trae Young 1

(Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)

After Young was named an All-Star starter in just his third NBA season, Adidas tore up his rookie shoe deal, inked a new long-term extension, and made him their next signature athlete.

“When I was thinking about it as a kid growing up, I just wanted to have the coolest colorways and make sure that everybody loved the shoe,” he said.

From the Icee, cotton candy, and Peach Tree Street-inspired looks to his collabs with ATL’s own Jermaine Dupri, it’s been the storytelling atop his debut signature shoe that has him most excited.

“I want it to be a shoe that everybody feels good when they put it on,” Young said. “That they feel like they can go out and get 40 and 10.”

CJ McCollum // Li-Ning CJ 1

(Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)

After signing on with Li-Ning in 2018, Blazers bucket-getter CJ McCollum had been headlining the brand’s team models for the last three seasons. This past fall, on his 30th birthday, the brand launched his own CJ 1 signature shoe, making him the first athlete since Dwyane Wade to receive his own Li-Ning sneaker.

The smooth silhouette has been highlighted by a series of themes and colorways celebrating his current Portland home base, with everything from rose-laden graphic editions and pairs featuring prints from the PDX airport’s beloved carpeting to a full apparel collection drafting off of the Rose City. Hands-on throughout the creation process, he’s even worn one-off PEs honoring his wedding anniversary, making use of storytelling real estate along the heel and collar for added details and touches.

Langston Galloway // Ethics LG One

As the Phoenix Suns kept advancing round by round through the 2021 Playoffs, shooting guard Langston Galloway held onto a surprise in store. Known for wearing rare pairs from a variety of companies, he waited until Game 1 of the NBA Finals for his biggest unveil: a signature shoe created under his very own sneaker brand, Ethics.

“My work ethic has gotten me to this point in my career,” said Galloway. “But the ethics started since I was a kid to becoming a grown up, living out my life and living out my dreams.”

The company is owned by Langston and his wife Sabrina Galloway, with the 30-year-old shooting specialist spending nearly two years on the creation process, building stages and eventual launch strategy of his first shoe, the LG One, under the Ethics brand.

Along the way, he even enrolled in the NBA’s joint program with Harvard Business School dubbed “Crossover into Business,” a 3-month semester long course that connects professional athletes with Harvard MBA students for feedback and mentorship on their potential business plans.

After wearing the stitched suede and patent leather mid-cuts in stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks this season, Galloway realized a dream earlier this week, with nearly every pair of the size 9-16 run selling out of his first Ethics launch.

LaMelo Ball // Puma MB.01

(Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

The newest addition to the signature sneaker space this season is rockstar-slash-must-see-TV point guard LaMelo Ball. After launching his own signature sneaker under Big Baller Brand at just 16 years of age, the now-20-year-old was already familiar with the footwear design process when he landed with Puma ahead of his Rookie of the Year season.

Now in his second year with the Charlotte Hornets, “Melo” has been rocking his radiant red MB.01s since opening night. Signature phrases are seen throughout the mid-tops, playing off his uniqueness and self-assured style.

“The phrase ‘Not From Here’ means kind of like you’re an alien,” he said. “You’re not from here, you’re something nobody’s ever seen before. You’re 1-of-1. Something like that. It’s real different.”

After selling out of the red launch colorway in December, Puma is set to drop three more colorways of his signature shoe in February. A black and teal “Buzz City” look drafts off of his team’s colors, while a grey and red spin lends a clean lifestyle look. Perhaps the most anticipated Puma basketball shoe since the brand’s re-launch in 2018 is the Rick and Morty collab — a mismatched neon and red launch inspired by the intergalactic Adult Swim TV show that’s slated for Feb. 18.

The post Every Signature Shoe in the NBA for the 2021-22 Season appeared first on Boardroom.

Stephen Curry’s “2974” Sneakers: A 1-of-1 Grail for Collectors

Nia Gibson — Sun, 02 Jan 2022 22:30:37 +0000

Assessing the value of a truly unique artifact: Steph Curry’s record-breaking 2974 Curry 9s

It was Dec. 14 and Madison Square Garden was electric. The Knicks were playing the Warriors, but the energy wasn’t around the game itself. It was in anticipation for what ultimately happened with 7:35 remaining in the first quarter.

That’s when Steph Curry etched his name in the NBA record books yet again, this time as the league’s all-time three-point leader, with 2,974 in his career. While wearing his Under Armour Flow Curry 9 with “2974” written on the side, Curry took his rightful place on the three-point throne.

His celebratory shoes are certainly of note and also of value. Like any amazing moment in sports, especially in the NBA, what’s on your feet matters.

Look at Michael Jordan’s aptly nicknamed “Flu Game” Air Jordan 12s. You see those kicks and know exactly why the originals fetch the equivalent of three years worth of rent in Manhattan.

As for Steph’s sneakers, we know they’re a big deal, but can we place an exact price on them?

“Steph Curry’s shoes from the night he broke the career three-point record at Madison Square Garden will be seen as a very significant piece in the collectible market,” PWCC Marketplace Director of Business Development Jesse Craig told Boardroom. “Investors will definitely treat them as such. The lowest price point someone should expect those shoes to go for is $250,000.”

Take that all in. That’s big money for Steph’s sneakers. However, they’re not the only piece of memorabilia that Curry wore that night with a chance to catch fire in the collectible market.

“In addition to the shoes,” Craig said, “Curry’s jersey and the game ball will also hold extreme value and garner intense interest from the market.”

With Ray Allen, Reggie Miller, and of course Spike Lee in attendance, the cache surrounding these kicks and all items associated with Steph that night are incredibly valuable to collectors.

“These are true one-of-one collectible pieces,” Craig said. “If you can obtain a game-worn item — and can prove it was game-worn with images — you have a one-of-a-kind asset.”

Craig is undoubtedly correct. The question becomes how the value of such assets will change over time.

Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

“If this asset happens to be from a critical moment for the sport or in our cultural zeitgeist, then you have a museum-worthy piece,” Craig said.

With Steph’s Curry 9s already boasting museum potential, maybe the shoe might end up in the African American Museum in Washington D.C. like Shaquille O’Neal’s size 22 Shaq Attaq sneakers. Better yet, as time goes on, will it become evident that Curry’s record is unbreakable and will that influence the value and the meaning?

Perhaps someone somewhere may one day whisper to their child, ‘These shoes helped Steph Curry become the best three-point shooter ever. Maybe they will help you in your varsity basketball game tomorrow.’

This inspiration could be truly priceless.

To some, the Curry 9 might just be another Under Armour shoe. In reality, it’s a whole lot more.

The post Stephen Curry’s “2974” Sneakers: A 1-of-1 Grail for Collectors appeared first on Boardroom.

Nick DePaula’s Best Sneakers of 2021

Nick DePaula — Fri, 31 Dec 2021 14:16:00 +0000

From fresh takes on Chucks and Jordans to injection shoes and Crocs collabs, Boardroom’s resident expert presents a curated list of his favorite shoes of the year.

We were treated to some awesome footwear releases this year.

Brands like New Balance made massive strides, with models like the 550 taking off perhaps beyond their own expectations. Puma launched its first signature basketball shoe in 20 years, a welcome addition to the competitive landscape as LaMelo Ball’s star power continues to climb.

Kanye’s Yeezy line continued to push the envelope from a construction and silhouette standpoint, with a full category assortment now featuring slides, injection foam runners, and even hilariously overdone boots of all proportions alongside his cash cow staples like the 350 and 700 series.

We even saw sneakers enter the metaverse as NFTs — a sentence I’ll admit that I didn’t entirely even understand before the calendar year kicked off.

Collaborators like Salehe Bembury brought a new lens and perspective to both beloved and hated models alike to make their mark. The prioritizing and investment in women’s launches got upped in a big way too, both in activations through global campaigns and with the release of several lady-led looks for everyone from WNBA stars, celebrities, Olympic athletes, and designers.

In all, progressive design, clean takes on classics, daring new silhouettes, and layered storytelling was on point throughout the year – one of my favorites in the game.

In order, and admittedly up for debate (@ me on Twitter), below are my Top 25 sneakers of 2021.

And as a wise man once said – it’s my opinion – so that’s the way it’s gonna go.

Nick DePaula’s 25 Best Sneakers of the Year

25 / Parra x Nike Dunk SB Low “Abstract Art”

With the entire Tokyo Olympics getting stalled out a full calendar year, the Parra-penned skate uniforms for the sport’s first foray into the Summer Games and collaborative Dunk SBs that went along with the launch were likely originally slotted to be a top sneaker of 2020, but eventually released in 2021 and immediately caught my attention.

Everyone has their own opinion on Dunk hype these days, and the simple white and black Low top execution that’s worn in every major city would be an easy option to highlight, but it was the familiar burgundy and blue-hued Parra pair that became one of the best Dunks of its comeback year.

24 / Trophy Room x Air Jordan Retro 1 High

With seemingly every last “storytelling” colorway tied to MJ’s career already spoken for, we’ve gotten some major reaches in recent years. A pair just dropped inspired by his love for bubble gum. We’ve even seen entire themes drafting off of one-off jackets Mike donned back in the day, whether while hosting SNL or simply walking into the Bulls practice facility.

When his son Marcus dropped his own collaboration on the AJ 1 High, in a Chicago-inspired colorway, no less, it seemed impossible that the theme would cover new ground. Channeling the infamous “freeze out” that Mike faced at his very first All-Star Game was fresh though, bringing great textures, added touches of nuance, and an epic rollout video to a new spin on the iconic model.

23 / Nike Air Force 1 Craft “Galactic Jade”

Every once in a while, a GR Force drops that just goes crazy. This is that pair for me. Wearable. Clean. Simple and solid materials. I was on board right away.

22 / Alexander McQueen Tread Slick

The platform-esque twist on the Stan Smith is, of course, the McQueen silhouette most ubiquitous in NBA tunnels, but it was the clown shoe update to a Chuck Taylor that I was more impressed by, so I got a pair of the black and white lows. Sure, they’re mostly ridiculous in person (and in my size 13) with their nearly two-inch lift and expansive stance, but still, the preposterous proportions somehow made for a great sneaker.

21 / Kim Jones x Converse Chuck 70

Updating a Chuck can often fall flat, as it’s the original silhouette everyone simply wants, but Kim Jones (of Louis Vuitton and Dior creative direction fame) got it right here. The added sloped molding gives the iconic silhouette a different read from afar, and the alternating eyelets and bonded webbing overlay bring a technical touch to the historically basic high top.

20 / Patta Air Max 1 “Rush Maroon”

Seeing a collaborator go back and spin up another colorway on a model they’ve already had success with is a tricky premise. Patta has long had some of the best Air Max 1 looks to ever release – or not release, in the case of its coveted F&F exclusive.

Rather than remix yet another batch of traditional AM 1 editions, the Dutch boutique brought a new look to the mudguard panel that defined the 1987 classic runner, updating the Tinker Hatfield design with a wavy overlay that worked well in both suedes and leathers. The Rush Maroon pair with its subtle grey mesh was the best of the bunch.

19 / Rick Owens DRKSHDW x Converse TURBODRK Chuck 70 High

After the longtime success of Rick Owens’ distinctly Chuck Taylor-inspired high-top sneaker, it was fitting for Rick to officially collab with the brand he’s drafted off of for years for his most beloved high-end sneaker model. His unmistakable elongated tongue is carried over here, with a body kit-like toe bumper and thicker midsole that perfectly fits the Rick design language and style.

18 / BrandBlack Rare Metal II

Though the company may have peeled back from its on-court NBA presence in recent seasons, BrandBlack has still been putting out great design work that falls in that hard-to-crack hybrid zone of hoops-inspired lifestyle that so many brands miss on.

The Rare Metal II is certainly a directional shift from the much-loved and sleekly quick first edition from 2016, which eventually also served as the foundation for the re-designed Big Baller Brand ZO2 when the Triple Bs got into a jam with its original design after Lonzo Ball’s 2017 Summer League debut.

Like its predecessor, there’s a unique collar slant and thoughtful mix of materials on the II that allows it to stand out. With a fully wrapped Vibram midsole/outsole giving it a unique stance, the ballistic mesh upper and glossy synthetic atop the toe all work great together. Plus, I’m a sucker for anything black, grey, and purple.

17 / Prada x adidas A+P LUNA ROSSA 21

America’s Cups are one of the greatest sneakers of all time. And while the classic designer shoe has been getting shown love again this year in some great patent looks, it was the Prada collab with Adidas that I most liked seeing. The partially translucent and mesh textile upper looked best specifically in grey, with the iconic red Prada heel strip adding the signature sign-off that the duo’s Superstar collab was missing.

16 / Undefeated x Nike Dunk vs Air Force 1 “5 On It”

One of the best two-shoe packs in years, Undefeated once again killed it on their latest Nike collaboration set. Snakeskin along the toe of the Dunk and AF1 Swoosh worked great, along with a mix of suedes and sail accents.

15 / Nike Air Tuned Max “OG”

While most consider the Air Max 1, 90, 95, and 97 to be the unquestioned best Air Max models, I’ve always felt the Tuned Max should be right there in the conversation.

(Perhaps the original ad campaign was a bit much.)

The Celery and Saturn Red launch colorway is one of Nike’s best debut looks for a runner, with the color-shifting iridescent toe overlay and molded collar detailing all making the shoe an instant cult classic at the turn of the 2000s. While some shoes from the “Tuned Air” era haven’t gotten their proper respect as Retros (Ex: Air Garnett III), Nike got the pillar-based Air unit just right on this one.

14 / “South Beach” Nike LeBron 8

Simply one of the greatest themed sneakers of all time.

In a hostile post-“Decision” climate, Nike dropped one of the freshest pairs of LeBron James‘ entire series, and initially, it seemed like all was right in the world again. As has been the case for nearly every LeBron sneaker to receive the Retro treatment to date, the re-release was precisely dead on, nailing the exact Vice vibes of teal and pink that originally contributed to the peak era of James’ sneaker line.

13 / Travis Scott x fragment design x Air Jordan 1 Low

While the brown and black AJ 1 Low is my personal favorite Travis Scott edition of the model, this year’s white, blue, and black Low was simply too clean to overlook. The sail shade along the lateral’s backwards Swoosh balanced out the black medial mark, with the mix of black and royal panels and accents perfectly picked throughout.

12 / Off-White x Air Jordan 2 Low

It goes without saying that the passing of Virgil Abloh is an enormous loss for the collective sneaker, streetwear, and design communities. While the Air Jordan 2 has honestly never been a favorite of mine, Abloh’s archival approach to the crumbled midsole execution was a refreshing twist on a largely untouched model from the brand.

His personal interactions with collectors and fans alike on a myriad of Instagram pages, both massive and obscure, added to the build-up and excitement of the release for many. Sharing his thoughtful reasoning behind why certain textures were chosen and an inside look at how many sample rounds and tweaks the overall process took only added to the passion he often poured into his Jordan collabs.

11 / “Cool Grey” Air Jordan Retro 11

Dreamt up by Gentry Humphrey at 4 a.m. on a random day at the turn of the millennium, the “Cool Grey” 11 is the greatest non-OG Air Jordan colorway of all time. Clean and classic, every time they’re re-released by the brand is a win, with the 2021 edition taking on an even icier outsole than the two prior drops.

10 / Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R “Water Be the Guide”

I’m not remotely into orange, so the teal-based counterpart of Salehe Bembury’s strong ongoing collaboration series with New Balance was the one for me. With a quirky roll-out that’s come to be expected from the endlessly inquisitive designer, Bembury enlisted Jesse Williams to model his newest standout suede and mesh makeup.

9 / Air Jordan 8 x Oregon Ducks PE

Ducks PEs have been a thing for a sec, but this pair, with its $380,000+ auction raising NIL impact for current Oregon Football student-athletes, immediately made it one of the most important launches of the year. An instant favorite of designer and Duck grad Tinker Hatfield’s, the shoes also laid the foundation for how sneaker brands could look to create NIL impact for athletes at their powerhouse programs around the country going forward.

8 / Curry 9 Flow “2974” NFT Release

With zero thanks to factory shutdowns and global launch delays that marred many a Fall season release, Curry Brand shifted plans ahead of Stephen Curry’s much-anticipated December schedule, with the expected release of the blue and gold Curry 9s worn during the greatest shooter of all time’s 3-point record-breaking game at Madison Square Garden pushed until early 2022.

Instead, they launched their first foray into the metaverse, with five variations of a “Genesis” Curry 9 Flow linked to 2,974 NFTs and priced at $333 each. Along with his own SC30 Inc.-led 2974-themed NFT release, the launches raised over $5 million for Curry’s orbit of charitable givebacks that’ll impact communities around the country.

Looking ahead to 2022 and beyond, the success of the blockchain-powered launch could lead to even more digital releases celebrating some of his greatest career highlights.

7 / Candace Parker’s Adidas ACE Collection

Wearing one of the most important launches of the year, Candace Parker carried her hometown Chicago Sky to its first WNBA championship, in her first season back home with the franchise. Legendary stuff.

Candace was rightfully deemed the AP’s Female Athlete of the Year for her on-court exploits, with the full launch of her own Adidas ACE Collection only adding to her accolades. Parker was the last WNBA player to receive her own signature shoe in 2011, with the release of three colorways of her Exhibit A PEs this fall coming at a much-needed time, as a renaissance for W-headlined sneakers appears to be on the horizon.

6 / Nike GO FlyEase

With accessibility in mind, Nike has launched several different FlyEase silhouettes in recent years, most with a series of straps or zipper-based mechanisms allowing for easy entry and fastening. The GO FlyEase took the notion of accessibility to another tier, providing wearers of all abilities with a truly hands-free sneaker that can be slipped on and off thanks to a patent-pending hinge construction.

From a pure product design and solution-based function standpoint, it’s one of the best highlights of the year.

5 / Salehe Bembury x Crocs Pollex

Crocs has been on fire. One of the only footwear brands to report an uptick during the pandemic, the once-clowned clogs have evolved from oddity to accepted in a variety of settings.

Rather than join the growing list of collaborators who simply brought a new colorway to the brand’s Classic Clog design, Salehe Bembury re-envisioned the structure and look of the shoe entirely, bringing a web of grooves to the silhouette with fingerprint pattern inspiration and zonal breathability. Released in a trio of earthy tones dubbed Spackle, Menemsha, & Cucumber, the launch was madness, with the $85 clogs now fetching north of $400 on resale platforms.

4 / Saysh One

After Allyson Felix parted ways with Nike in 2018 over a contract dispute during her pregnancy, the most decorated women’s Olympic track and field female athlete of all time took matters into her own hands and launched her very own sneaker brand ahead of the Tokyo Summer Games.

Most importantly, the company was women-led – “for women, by women” – with veteran footwear designer Natalie Candrian of Adidas TMac series fame helming the look of the debut silhouette, and former Nike Innovation Kitchen developer Tiffany Beers building out the construction and working through factory particulars.

The result was the Saysh One, a versatile running-inspired lifestyle sneaker that Felix also went on to wear as a cleated racing spike in Japan. It’s also worth noting that the brand was launched during an entirely remote work setting, which earned it Footwear News’ Launch of the Year.

3 / A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan Retro 3

To date, A Ma Maniere hasn’t missed. The high-end Atlanta boutique’s elevated take on the Air Jordan 3 is perhaps their very best collab, with light grey suede replacing the model’s beloved elephant print, a luxe quilted liner along the collar, and aged midsole touches all making for one of the best sneakers of the year to simply get a fit off.

2 / Nike Zoom GT Cut

Oftentimes, “best of” lists are mostly made up of Retro executions of shoes that originally released in other years, long ago. So, I’ve gotta give a shout to what I deemed the best basketball shoe of 2021 – the Zoom GT Cut. These are a beast on the court. The fit, support, cushioning, transition and grip are all A+ level. I firmly believe if they were called the “Kobe 12” or “Mamba Legendary” and Devin Booker headlined them during the Suns’ run to the NBA Finals, they’d be an instant classic and iconic hoop shoe.

Instead, the initial launch colorways left a little to be desired, and a huge percentage of NBA players are now wearing GTs in clean yet unattainable team bank colorways, so perhaps the shoe hasn’t gotten its just due. I also wish they were available on Nike By You to style up my own looks. Either way, if you’re able to track down a pair, you should. They’re incredible for hoop.

1 / Fear of God California

Yes, my Number One Sneaker of the entire year is not exactly a sneaker. That’s because the injection-molded California mule from Fear of God is a perfect silhouette.

Insanely comfy, remarkably versatile, and ideal for the delicate dance of 2021 that still found us working from home and often jammed up inside. I found myself wearing the “Concrete” pair more and more over all other options since I snagged ’em. The dramatic top line of the brand’s signature slightly sloping midsole and the medial vent design are distinctively Fear of God.

As injection shoes continued to grow in acceptance, this was my very favorite execution of them all.

The post Nick DePaula’s Best Sneakers of 2021 appeared first on Boardroom.

Nike Exceeds Earnings Estimates by $100M Propelled by Metaverse Prep

Bernadette Doykos — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 14:00:32 +0000

Nike modestly exceeded Q2 estimates according to official figures released Monday. The biggest name in sneakers and apparel reported $11.36 billion in revenue during its Q2 earnings call, beating a consensus estimate of $11.25 billion from Yahoo and Bloomberg. The positive report comes even as Nike struggles through decreased wholesale numbers due to ongoing supply chain issues. However, the Swoosh attributed its strong performance in large part due to digital direct sales and their preparation for a launch into the metaverse, which includes a partnership with Roblox and their recent purchase of digital sneaker company RTFKT.

Click here to read more.

Steph Curry, Under Armour, and Rumble Kongs Mint Limited Genesis Curry Flows

Stephen Curry’s highly anticipated 2,974 Collection mint faced some slight delays on Monday, as FTX announced that it was moving the event to noon EST on Tuesday to optimize the process. However, on Tuesday morning, Rumble Kongs announced a collab with the three-point king and Under Armour to distribute 2,974 Genesis Curry Flows to commemorate Curry breaking the NBA’s all-time 3-point record. There are five unique versions of the 2974 limited mints of Curry’s historic “Record Breaker” shoe, which can be worn in the metaverse, and fans can unlock which good they receive after purchase. All of the net revenue will be donated to organizations that support access to sport.

LeBron James, Ruffles, and Pepsi Encourage Fans to “Own Your Ridges”

LeBron James is partnering with Ruffles, they announced on Monday. Over a three-year period, Ruffles and Pepsi will donate $3 million to the LeBron James Family Foundation to uplift underserved communities through education. As part of the partnership, they will launch the “Own Your Ridges” campaign, which focuses on embracing life’s challenges and will air in full on Christmas Day.

Paul George Among Investors in AvantStay’s $160M Series B

The All-Star forward scored 25 in his return to the hardwood last night in the Clippers‘ 116-92 loss to the Spurs. However, the big man is making moves beyond the court as well. George participated in a successful Series B round for AvantStay, a company that has built a platform that allows people to rent their homes out for short-term stays, while also offering assistance with decor and set up. Additionally, AvantStay has developed a concierge service as well as the technical infrastructure to support its offerings.

Maria Sharapova Nets $18M in Supergoop Sale to Blackstone

Maria Sharapova is proving that her business acumen is just as sweet as her ground shot. The five-time grand slam champion invested in skincare brand Supergoop in 2014. When the brand sold a majority stake to Blackstone this month, she took home $18 million in the deal. The news comes just a week after Sharapova was announced as an ambassador for and equity partner in Public.

Click here to listen to Sharapova’s appearance on Boardroom’s “Out of Office” podcast with Rich Kleiman.

FTX Adds Monumental Sports & Entertainment to Overflowing Partnership Portfolio

The cryptocurrency giant is headed to Washington. FTX announced on Monday that they will partner with Monumental Sports & Entertainment, owner of the Washington Capitals, Mystics, and Wizards, making the trio of DC teams the most recent to join FTX’s deep sports portfolio. As part of the arrangement, FTX will develop expanded fan engagement opportunities, including NFTs. The deal marks the second with an NBA team in as many weeks for FTX, who announced a partnership with the Golden State Warriors last week.

Bud Light and the NFL Agree to Multi-Year Expansion

Bud Light will remain the official beer of the NFL through the 2026-27 season, the two announced on Monday. The league has renewed its partnership with Anheuser-Busch after their previous deal was set to expire following February’s Super Bowl. Details of the new deal were not released.

PJ Tucker Sells 100 Pairs of His Iconic Sneaker Collection for a Good Cause

The NBA’s Sneaker King is selling his soles on eBay for a good cause. Now you can cop a pair of one of PJ Tucker’s prolific sneaker collection with a portion of proceeds to benefit Sole4Souls. Among the 100 pairs of shoes in Sizes 13 & 14 up for grabs: the mythical Diana Taurasi’s PE of the Nike LeBron 8 V2, the Derek Anderson PEs of the Air Jordan 5 Retro, the “Heineken” Nike Dunk SB Lows, the “Eminem” Air Jordan 2 Retros, and the “Texas2Toronto” PE of the Kobe 6.

Click here to read more.

CAA’s Parent Group Files for IPO

CAA is positioning itself to follow in the footsteps of Endeavor, as reports emerged on Monday that the talent agency is preparing to go public. Its parent company, TPG, a private equity firm that owns a majority stake in the agency, filed for an IPO and expressed plans to raise $100 million. CAA is a major player in the sports space and boasts a current client list that includes Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Deebo Samuel, and many more.

Forest Whitaker Announced as Strategic Investor in NBA Africa

Academy Award-winning actor Forest Whitaker has joined NBA Africa as a strategic investor, the NBA announced Tuesday. Whitaker, who is a director, producer, and social activist, is also the CEO of the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative, a non-profit organization aiming to promote the values of peace, reconciliation, and social development in communities impacted by conflict and violence, which runs programming in South Africa, South Sudan, and Uganda. In addition, the league announced that economist and New York Times best-selling author Dr. Dambisa Moyo will also join Whitaker as a new investor.

Click here to read more.

Drone Racing League & Draganfly Go Back to School

The Drone Racing League has announced an expansion of its DRL Academy STEM (science, technology engineering, and mathematics) program in partnership with Draganfly, Steve Wozniak’s Woz Ed, and Robotify, a virtual platform that teaches students robotics and coding. The four partners will debut an interactive “Science of Drone Racing” curriculum for middle school students in 2022. The course will teach children how to fly and build drones through physical kits, as well as how to code drones through esports-style programming competitions. Students will also have the chance to watch professional pilots compete during exclusive DRL season viewing events.

Click here to read more.

The post Nike Exceeds Earnings Estimates by $100M Propelled by Metaverse Prep appeared first on Boardroom.

Stephen Curry & Under Armour Take Their Talents to the Metaverse

Sam Dunn — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 16:19:20 +0000

Under Armour seeks to use the two-time MVP and all-time 3-point leader’s “Splash” logo for virtual goods, services, and entertainment in the virtual world.

Stephen Curry is having himself a fine week. On Tuesday night, the two-time MVP broke the NBA’s all-time record for made 3-pointers at the World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden, less than five minutes into Golden State’s contest with the Knicks. Eventually winning 105-96, Steph and the Dubs own the best record in basketball at 23-5.

And now, Curry and No. 1 brand partner Under Armour are making it clear that merely conquering the physical world is not enough.

According to a trademark application filed by Under Armour on Dec. 10, the Curry Brand is headed to the metaverse, as noted by attorney Josh Gerben of Gerben Intellectual Property.

.@UnderArmour has filed a new trademark application for @StephenCurry30's SC3 logo.

The filing, made on December 10th, indicates that UA intends to use Curry's logo to sell "virtual goods" such as virtual apparel, shoes and sporting goods.

(Per @JoshGerben) pic.twitter.com/hlqXP1glxz
— Boardroom (@boardroom) December 15, 2021

As the application reads, Under Armour seeks to use Steph’s “Splash” logo for:

“Downloadable virtual goods, namely, computer programs featuring programs featuring apparel, footwear, headwear, sporting goods and accessories for use in online virtual worlds”
“On-line retail store services featuring featuring virtual goods, namely, apparel, footwear, headwear, sporting goods and accessories for use in online virtual worlds; Retail store services featuring virtual goods, namely, apparel, footwear, headwear, sporting goods and accessories for use in online virtual worlds”
“Entertainment services, namely, providing on-line, non-downloadable virtual apparel, footwear, headwear, sporting goods and accessories for use in virtual environments created for entertainment purposes”

To the metaverse we go.

Here is a summary of the trademark application: pic.twitter.com/NYS6F5I9LL
— Josh Gerben (@JoshGerben) December 15, 2021

While we can’t say with 100% certainty what Curry and UA are ultimately going for here, it’s clear that they’ve got their eyes on taking some manner of goods, services, and entertainment into the virtual world. It’s in keeping with recent efforts from Under Armour rivals like Nike and Adidas to make gamified incursions into the metaverse to find new ways to engage with consumers.

From the stat sheet to the merch market and beyond, we already know that Curry does numbers — record-setting ones. With that in mind, there’s plenty of reason to expect that No. 30’s big virtual splash will be of the head-turning variety.

The post Stephen Curry & Under Armour Take Their Talents to the Metaverse appeared first on Boardroom.

Stephen Curry on His New Sesame Street Collection

Nick DePaula — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 22:00:03 +0000

New Curry 9 Flow sneaker colorways and themed apparel are arriving Nov. 19 as part of the Warriors superstar’s “Street Pack” collaboration.

As he continues his MVP-level play throughout the Golden State Warriors’ league-leading start, Stephen Curry has been rotating through a series of new colorways for his Curry 9 Flow sneaker created in tandem with Sesame Street.

Each edition highlights a different character from the iconic children’s educational show, with everyone from Big Bird to Elmo to the Count and beyond receiving their own detailed release as part of the seven-shoe “Street Pack” releasing this month. Furry tongue tabs and subtle character graphic labels along the heel add to the detailing, while a full assortment of linked apparel highlighting each character is on the way as well.

“Growing up watching the show, you get a connection with certain Muppets and how unique they are,” Curry told Boardroom. “They bring joy, fun, and laughter to everything, and there’s a lot of similarities to the way I play and what I try to do on and off the court.”

(Noah Graham / NBAE via Getty Images)

After appearing on the Sesame Street show earlier this spring with his wife Ayesha to promote healthy eating habits, Curry did have one character that he’d call his favorite.

“Elmo is always the first that comes to mind, just cause he’s always laughing, having a good time, and is annoyingly positive, which is awesome,” he smiled.

Now a year into the launch of his own Curry Brand within the Under Armour umbrella, the Warriors sharpshooter also discussed the advice he’s gotten during the early stages of building his own brand, how he’s looking to expand beyond just basketball and into both golf and running, and what’s in store for Curry Brand ahead.

Curry’s “Street Pack” collaboration with Sesame Street drops this Friday, Nov. 19 at Under Armour and Curry Brand retailers globally.

The post Stephen Curry on His New Sesame Street Collection appeared first on Boardroom.

Rare, Game-worn Stephen Curry Nikes to be Made Available for IPO

Nick DePaula — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 21:34:09 +0000

Curry played eight games in these Nike Hyperfuses, making them one of the most-worn of his pro career.

As increasingly rare sneakers and trading cards have found their way to auction over the past year, the Collectable App plans to launch a sneaker tied to one of the biggest “what-ifs” in footwear industry history.

Available to Collectable VIPs first this weekend, with a public offering slated for Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. EST, the app will list fractional shares of one of Stephen Curry’s last game-worn Nike shoes.

Originally made for his second year in the NBA during the 2010-11 season, Curry pulled out a bright yellow and royal blue pair of the original Nike Hyperfuse for an eight-game stretch during the second half of December in 2012.

That exact pair will now be made available for fans and collectors alike.

Curry primarily wore the Hyperfuse 2012 model in seven different player exclusive colorways during the final season under his original four-year contract with Nike — but returned back to the 2010 edition in two variations, a black pair and this yellow pair, at different points of the year after experiencing ankle issues.

By the end of the year, Curry had wrapped up his breakout season by breaking Ray Allen’s regular season three-point field goal record, with 272 makes from distance. He cashed in 31 of those 272 threes in this yellow Hyperfuse over those eight games while also scoring 166 total points in this exact pair.

Featuring his biblical-driven “I Can Do All Things…” inscription along the left toe, there is also a handwritten abbreviation of his Wardell Stephen Curry initials with “WSC” along the right toe. The collar includes his cartoonish “SC30” Nike-era font, while the Swooshes show considerable wear and flaking.

The sneakers have been photo-matched by leading authenticator MeiGray to the following regular season Warriors games from the 2012-13 calendar:

Curry during the first of eight games in his yellow and royal Hyerfuse PE.

Dec. 15 at Atlanta Hawks (18 points / 3 made threes)

Dec. 18 vs. New Orleans Hornets (13 points / 1 3fg)

Dec. 19 at Sacramento Kings (32 points / 7 3fg)

Dec. 21 vs. Charlotte Bobcats (27 points / 8 3fg

Dec. 22 vs. Los Angeles Lakers (20 points / 3 3fg)

Dec. 26 vs. Utah Jazz (23 points / 4 3fg)

Dec. 28 vs. Philadelphia 76ers (11 points / 1 3fg)

Dec. 29 vs. Boston Celtics (22 points / 4 3fg)

After receiving his own signature series in later years and ramping up the variety of colorways and themes worn on court, Curry has often worn a brand-new pair of sneakers for every game. To have worn the same pair in eight games makes this pair of Hyperfuses one of the more frequently worn game-used Curry sneakers.

Having famously left Nike following the Summer of 2013 to sign with Under Armour, the Warriors star enjoyed a meteoric rise, becoming league MVP and an NBA champion by 2015. He now has his own Curry Brand subsidiary, extending into multiple categories, even beyond basketball.

The eventual two-time MVP and three-time champ’s abrupt departure from the Swoosh give these an element of finality to the rarity of his player-exclusive Hyperfuse.

“That was a wild summer,” Curry reflected on The Sneaker Game. “I kind of blast on the scene with the 54-point game [at Madison Square Garden] in the Hyperfuses, and had some other cool moments with them. Going into the free agency window, it was kind of all over the place. It was kind of chaotic.”

After a well-reported “Steph-on” mispronunciation of his first name in Nike’s official pitch meeting to try and keep him, along with the lack of a concrete signature shoe offer and a runway for potential, Curry took a leap of faith on Under Armour’s then-five-year-old basketball category.

“Thankfully, I’m a firm believer the decision I made was the right one, and it’s worked out, no matter how crazy the circumstances were,” he said.

With that era of Curry’s Nike run now in the seemingly distant past, Collectable is looking to revisit one of his rarest pairs through yet another exclusive offering on its growing platform of rare and coveted items.

The post Rare, Game-worn Stephen Curry Nikes to be Made Available for IPO appeared first on Boardroom.

Breaking Down College Football’s Apparel Brand Partners

Nick DePaula — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 18:01:44 +0000

From Nike to Adidas to the Jumpman and beyond, taking stock of which sportswear companies have the strongest grip on FBS college football

Spoiler alert: Nike Inc. has a foothold in college football.

The Swoosh has been the foremost symbol in athletic apparel for more than a generation, and when it comes to striking expensive deals with the country’s biggest college sports programs, Phil Knight & Co. have gotten busy. In fact, a full 52.3% of the 130 Division I FBS football programs are Nike-affiliated — 68 colleges and universities in all.

That’s a nice majority, but it leaves 62 contracts up for grabs.

So we crunched the numbers to get a lay of the longstanding brand battled land.

Division I FBS Apparel Brand Partners

Out of 130 FBS football programs…

52.3% are Nike
28.5% are Adidas
13.1% are Under Armour
5.3% are Jordan Brand
0.8% are New Balance

Nike has a majority share of FBS apparel deals, covering more than half of the gridiron landscape. Adidas has more school-for-school market share in major college football than Under Armour, Jordan, and New Balance combined, adding programs like Miami and Washington in recent years to massive long-term deals.

Curiously, there’s just one Jordan Brand school in a Group of Five conference: the Houston Cougars. And yes, just one New Balance school, period. More on that in a moment.

Power Five Apparel Brand Partners Overall

Out of 64 Power Five schools…

39 are Nike
11 are Adidas
7 are Under Armour
6 are Jordan Brand
1 is New Balance

At 60%, Nike’s grip on the Power Five conferences (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, and SEC) is notably stronger than it is across all of FBS football overall. The same can be said for Jordan Brand, which speaks to Nike’s company strategy for the Jumpman — the emphasis has been on transitioning just a select handful of elite programs spread across multiple conferences over from Nike proper, including Florida, Oklahoma, and Michigan.

(Plus MJ’s alma mater down in Chapel Hill, of course.)

As for the one-and-only New Balance school in all of FBS football? That’s right, the Boston College Eagles, whose previous deal with Under Armour was voided back in April due to some brand-friendly, pandemic-driven “out clause” language deep into the contract.

Stepping up to the table with a 10-year offer once Boston College was in need of a new footwear and apparel deal was New Balance, whose headquarters are un-coincidentally also anchored in Boston.

Power Five Apparel Brand Partners by Conference

In the SEC…

9 schools are Nike
2 are Adidas
2 are Under Armour
1 is Jordan Brand

In the ACC…

9 schools are Nike (64.3%)
3 are Adidas (21.4%)
1 is Jordan Brand (7.1%)
1 is New Balance (7.1%)

In the Big Ten…

7 schools are Nike (50%)
3 are Adidas (21.4%)
3 are Under Armour (21.4%)
1 is Jordan Brand (7.1%)

In the Big 12…

7 schools are Nike (70%)
1 is Adidas (10%)
1 is Jordan Brand (10%)
1 is Under Armour (10%)

In the Pac-12…

7 schools are Nike (58.3%)
2 are Adidas (16.7%)
2 are Jordan Brand (16.7%)
1 is Under Armour (8.3%)

Across the Power Five, Nike’s strongest reign is currently in the 10-team Big 12, where the Swoosh is the official apparel sponsor of seven programs. The conference’s biggest Nike team, thanks to a 15-year contract worth $145 million, happens to be the Texas Longhorns, who are due to bail for the SEC in the coming years.

The similarly departing Oklahoma Sooners are the Big 12’s sole Jordan Brand school.

Nike’s weakest grip, by comparison, can be found in the Big Ten, with seven of 14 schools, making this the only Power Five conference in which the company doesn’t have at least a simple majority. In the wake of Under Armour exiting a few Pac-12 contracts, the Big Ten now has the Power Five’s strongest UA representation, with three schools: Maryland, Northwestern, and Wisconsin.

Nike Division I FBS Schools (68)

Air Force, Akron, Alabama, Appalachian State, Arkansas, Arizona, Army, Ball State, Baylor, Boise State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, BYU, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Clemson, Colorado, Connecticut, Duke, Florida State, Fresno State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State, Kentucky, Liberty, LSU, Marshall, Memphis, Michigan State, Middle Tennessee, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, North Texas, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Oregon State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Purdue, San Diego State, SMU, Stanford, Syracuse, Texas, TCU, Temple, Tennessee, Toledo, Tulane, UCF, UNLV, USC, Utah State, UTEP, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Washington State, West Virginia, Western Kentucky

Adidas Division I FBS Schools (37)

Arizona State, Arkansas State, Central Michigan, East Carolina, Eastern Michigan, FAU, FIU, Georgia Southern, Kansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisiana Tech, Louisville, Massachusets, Miami (FL), Miami (OH), Mississippi State, NC State, Nebraska, Nevada, Northern Illinois, Ohio, Rice, Rutgers, San Jose State, South Alabama, South Florida, Southern Miss, Texas A&M, Texas State, Troy, Tulsa, UTSA, Washington, Western Michigan, Wyoming

Under Armour Division I FBS Schools (17)

Auburn, Coastal Carolina, Colorado State, Georgia State, Hawaii, Kent State, Maryland, Navy, New Mexico State, Northweastern, Notre Dame, Old Dominion, South Carolina, Texas Tech, UAB, Utah, Wisconsin,

Jordan Brand Division I FBS Schools (7)

California, Florida, Houston, Michigan, North Carolina, Oklahoma, UCLA

New Balance Division I FBS Schools (1)

Boston College

The post Breaking Down College Football’s Apparel Brand Partners appeared first on Boardroom.

Why Tom Brady’s Cleats Are Blank

Nick DePaula — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 13:00:00 +0000

With Under Armour’s deal with the NFL expiring, TB12’s on-field UA cleats are no longer permitted to feature any of the company’s branding.

For the first time since signing with Under Armour in 2010, Tom Brady played an NFL game in unbranded cleats.

No famous UA logo. No special marks. The GOAT-status quarterback’s footwear was blank.

In an explosive head-to-head matchup with Jordan Brand’s newest signing Dak Prescott, TB12 led his Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a surgical final drive and a 31-29 win over the Dallas Cowboys to kick the season off on Thursday Night Football.

It was yet another impressive finish for the 44-year-old who’s helmed his squads to a record seven Super Bowl championships. However, his footwear foreshadowed the likelihood all season that his biggest brand partner won’t be able to officially utilize him in-uniform in marketing materials, refer to his team’s name, or place its logo on his game cleats or accessories on the field of play.

For the first time since signing with Under Armour in 2010, Tom Brady played a NFL game in blank cleats tonight.

UA opted not to renew its official NFL partnership in order to have brand logos on the field.

No UA logos will be visible in NFL games all season. pic.twitter.com/Vzddpdo61Y
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) September 10, 2021

When Under Armour opted not to renew its official NFL partnership earlier this year — revealed during the week leading up to Brady’s 10^th Super Bowl appearance in February, no less — it cued up a strange, new dynamic for the 2021 season.

In what could be Brady’s final season of a historic career, the brand will forego all on-field branding. It’s legitimately a strange sight; the company began in football through the performance insights of Maryland college football player-turned-founder Kevin Plank.

Typically, the NFL charges brands an annual partnership fee in order for their logos to appear on products worn by its endorsers on the field. According to industry sources, that figure hovered around the $2-3 Million range in the late 2000s, before ballooning to the $8-$10 Million range by the mid-2010s.

The annual fee is now believed to have risen even higher, into the $12-15 million tier for brands.

That cost is in addition to the annual base fee and incentive bonuses that a company already pays out to each endorser, as part of the multi-year footwear and apparel endorsement deals that players have with their respective brand partners.

“As a manner of business, we regularly review partnerships to ensure appropriate alignment with our strategic, operational, and financial goals to best empower what we’re trying to achieve as a brand,” Sean Eggert, Under Armour’s senior VP of global sports marketing, somewhat vaguely told The Baltimore Sun at the time of the decision in February.

While surprising to industry experts given Under Armour’s history and roots in the sport, which also includes innovative football partnerships in movies like Any Given Sunday and The Dark Knight Rises, it’s not an entirely unprecedented development. Several companies over the years have blankly graced NFL fields sans branding or partnership.

In some cases over the years, brands with either a small roster of NFL athletes or a new entry to football have opted against paying the costly annual fee. In the late 2000s, Pony landed Randy Moss as an endorser, which required that he lace up blank white cleats while playing for the New England Patriots. The NFL’s fee was exponentially more than what Pony was paying Moss to be its lone football endorser.

When Starter signed Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo to a five-year, $10 Million endorsement deal around the same time, he was likewise forced to take the field in unbranded cleats. The deal instead prioritized pushing the brand’s apparel lines and casual footwear in marketing campaigns away from the field of play.

After outfitting NFL players since the early 2000s in iconic silhouettes like the Air Jordan 3, 11 and 12, repurposed as recognizable cleats for the gridiron, Jordan Brand finally became an official NFL partner in 2018, allowing for its Jumpman logo to appear on the feet and gloves of its 20-plus players signed to the brand.

Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers taking on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1 (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Over the past year, Under Armour has looked to trim costs across several silos, including smaller pivots like narrowing their roster of athlete contracts in multiple sports and even adjusting their shipping process — they’ve gone from double-boxing individual sneaker purchases on its web store to saving costs by simply shipping shoe boxes in a sealed plastic bag.

Larger (and far more visible) UA moves include the company’s shrewd exit from massive college partnership contracts.

Deep in several collegiate contracts was “force majeure” opt-out language allowing for the brand to exit a deal, given a stoppage in services had taken place of 100 days or more. After the COVID-19 pandemic halted the NCAA practice and game calendar last year across college sports, Under Armour triggered those clauses exactly as the 100-day mark struck to try and shake free of their long-term deals, much to the surprise of the schools themselves.

That included ridding of the remaining six years of Cal’s original 10-year deal, first struck in 2016, that was once worth $86 million. Under Armour also wiggled out of the balance of its record-setting 15-year, $280 million agreement signed in 2016 with UCLA, a full 12 seasons early.

The strength of your game comes from the strength of your mind. Train to push yourself past your limits, and don’t stop there. Every game is a mind game. #TheOnlyWayIsThrough pic.twitter.com/VlHfocXiyR
— Under Armour (@UnderArmour) August 12, 2021

Just as Brady’s Bucs were beginning their season, Under Armour aired the newest TV iteration of its “The Only Way Is Through” ad campaign that first launched in 2020. The spot includes:

Pass-rushing phenom Chase Young appears in Under Armour clothing and not in his Washington Football Team uniform
NBA superstar Stephen Curry is shown draining a three during a Warriors game
Dallas Wings hooper Ty Harris is referred to as “WNBA guard”
Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper makes his appearance through official game footage

Given their league marketing restraints, Chase Young is captioned simply as “Pro Defensive End.”

With three rings to his name as a Nike athlete in the 2000s, Tom Brady landed a long-term deal with Under Armour in 2010 that also included an equity stake. He has since added four more championships to his hardware collection.

He’s also been a mainstay in annual brand campaigns, a driving force behind its “Recovery” collections of apparel and footwear products, and developed a close bond with Plank over the years.

And that means he’ll continue to wear his blank white cleats for the remainder of the 2021 NFL season, the clearest manifestation of how Under Armour’s shift in spending strategy impacts what could be the final season of one of sports’ greatest icons.

The post Why Tom Brady’s Cleats Are Blank appeared first on Boardroom.

Stephen Curry – Under Armour, Curry Brand, & Changing the Game for Good | The Sneaker Game

Nick DePaula — Tue, 18 May 2021 18:46:15 +0000

Stephen Curry’s decision to leave Nike for Under Armour in 2013 caught a whole lot of sneakerheads off-guard. Two MVPs and three championship rings later, the Golden State Warriors superstar’s massive bet on himself has paid off more than even he could have known.

On the latest episode of Boardroom’s “The Sneaker Game,” Stephen takes Nick DePaula through the origin story of the Curry Brand, expanding into golf, running, and lifestyle products, and what the brand’s “Change the Game for Good” tagline means to him:

“Any time you get to a position where you get to stand up your own brand, create your own vision, and get to a point where you’re creating a dope product — footwear, apparel, all of that — it’s kind of surreal. But it’s standing on the shoulders of seven-plus years in the signature game with Under Armour and going through all the ups and downs, the wins, the losses, learning the game. It’s not an easy business to be in, but I think that being in the position where I can do something unique and special Under Curry brand and make this something hopefully that will live beyond my playing days will be a huge success.

“You want to have the dopest signature shoe, you want to have the dopest takedown models, you want to have the dopest running/training product. I want to use Curry Brand Golf as a way to continue to drive opportunity and representation within the game and thinking about golf in a different kind of approach than your country club-type tradition. There’s a fine balance there, and I want to push the limits there. There’s a huge opportunity with product and apparel, but for us, being in a position where our storytelling and our impact can drive true change for the next generation in terms of people who participate in a brand.

“You’re giving back to kids who love sports, want to be out find themselves in whatever game it is, be impacted by coaches in programs that are having their best interests and looking out for them. Hopefully, we continue to grow and continue to drive amazing revenue every year and hit our goals and our targets, but even at this point, we’re still in our starting blocks, and it’s been dope to see the energy. I’ve got to continue to do my work on the court, keep hooping at the highest level. I’ve got a lot of years left, but I want Curry Brand to outlive what that is in its own way.”

The post Stephen Curry – Under Armour, Curry Brand, & Changing the Game for Good | The Sneaker Game appeared first on Boardroom.

Welcome to “The Sneaker Game”

Nick DePaula — Wed, 05 May 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Boardroom’s newest show is here to discuss from every angle what makes the sneaker industry move.

In connection with the release of “The Sneaker Game,” Boardroom is giving away a signed pair of game-worn KD 14s, a 2007 Topps Kevin Durant rookie card, and a signed copy of NBA2K15 with Kevin on the cover. Sign up below for a chance to win!*

On a late Friday evening at the Thirty Five Ventures office in New York, Kevin Durant begins to discuss the whirlwind process of deciding between signing with Nike or Adidas for his very first sneaker deal way back in 2007 – and it hits him.

He was just 18 years old at the time, weeks removed from wrapping up his lone season at the University of Texas, when his path into the business side of basketball all began.

“I’m like, ‘Oh, shit.’ I’m coming from the dorm room, getting on this private jet to go to Portland to do these meetings,” he recalls. “Then, I’m coming back. I’m sitting down thinking, ‘Is it really about just the money? Or should it be about where can I build a nice brand?’”

Even though he took a reported $10 million less on that first shoe deal compared to the biggest offer on the table, Durant says he felt at home with Nike, that he could be most creative with the Swoosh and able to build out a signature sneaker business that would last him throughout his NBA career.

Boardroom’s newest show, “The Sneaker Game,” will be diving into the deals that move the industry, the thinking behind some of the biggest brand signings, and how the convergence of sports business, technology, product design, and hoops has all led up to the current frenzy around the footwear industry as a whole. Episode 1 featuring KD himself is available now.

Episode 1 of The Sneaker Game is live! @NickDePaula chats with @KDTrey5:

KD discusses potential future sneaker collab w/ @KyrieIrving
shooting music video at Nike HQ w/ @Drake
being 1 of 3 players with 14+ signature sneakers, + more

Full episode: https://t.co/qaECxdQCKR pic.twitter.com/Uezp5HsloB
— Boardroom (@boardroom) May 5, 2021

From the athletes at the top of their sports, to the musicians and artists shaping style, to the fashion designers now emerging at the forefront of brands, each episode will feature a special guest diving into their imprint in the game.

And yes – we’ll be uncovering the untold stories of the industry’s biggest sneaker deals highlighted in the premiere episode by KD’s 2014 negotiations with both Nike and Under Armour, and the skyrocketing numbers that his 10-year deal ultimately landed.

“They reported it like it was a real free agency,” he now jokes.

Before then, the term “sneaker free agency” barely existed. Ever since, we’ve seen huge shifts across the industry and growing interest in offseason sneaker deals year by year.

James Harden dominated headlines in 2015 with an Adidas deal worth up to $200 Million. Ben Simmons’ rookie shoe deal in 2016 was featured in his own One & Done documentary. In 2017, Lonzo Ball ditched traditional talks altogether to launch his own brand, while Giannis Antetokounmpo re-upped with Nike after heavy courting from both Adidas and Li-Ning.

The following year, Kawhi Leonard fled to New Balance to re-launch their basketball line and his first signature shoe.

Then came Zion Williamson, making for the most anticipated rookie shoe deal since KD and LeBron.

On the second episode of “The Sneaker Game,” slated to premiere on May 18th, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry discusses his new approach with Under Armour at length, as the two recently launched his very own Curry Brand at the start of the season.

“This is not an easy business to be in, we all know that,” Curry said. “But I think being in a position where I can do something unique and special under Curry Brand and make this something that’ll live hopefully beyond my playing days and be a huge success.”

From his plans to expand into specific additional categories outside of basketball to the Curry Brand’s “Change the Game for Good” tagline and push to make an impact on the next generation, the two-time MVP shares a roadmap of what’s to come ahead as his namesake brand gets out of “the starting blocks.”

In the big picture, the NBA marketing sphere now features 18 signature shoes spread across seven brands. At the start of next season, that number is expected to balloon to 22, with the additions of signature editions looming for Jimmy Butler, LaMelo Ball, CJ McCollum, and Trae Young.

Looking ahead, we’ll also explore in the show how over the last decade, sneakers have become more colorful, more graphic-driven, and more nuanced. The billion-dollar footwear industry has become a portal into the personalities of the world’s biggest stars, offering up a snapshot of the causes they care about, the communities they’re from and the inspirations and stories that drive them today.

“To know that shoes can help change people in different ways, it all goes back to playing the game of basketball,” says Durant. “It’s just a beautiful sport that branches off in so many different areas. It’s special.”

The post Welcome to “The Sneaker Game” appeared first on Boardroom.

Under Armour Archives - Boardroom

Kelley Walton: Amazon Music’s Marketing Maven

As part of Boardroom’s Black History Month coverage, take a look at Walton’s career and her work in DEI to find out why she’s become a playmaker to watch and learn from in the marketing industry.

Setting the Goal

Paving the Way

Making Her Mark

Rebranding Hennessy

The NBA’s 75th Anniversary

Climbing and Thriving

Walton’s Future

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Nick DePaula’s Top Sneakers of 2023

2023 marked one of the most exciting years in the sneaker game in a minute. Check out the 25 top sneakers of 2023 courtesy of Boardroom’s Nick DePaula.

25 / Nike Air More Uptempo ’96

24 / New Balance x Stone Island FuelCell C_1

23 / Ugg Tasman Weather Hybrid

22 / Nike Alphafly 3

21 / Adidas x Fear of God

20 / Adidas Stan Smith “Homer Simpson”

19 / Air Jordan 1 High OG Satin

18 / Jordan Tatum 1

17 / Puma x Pleasures Velophasis

16 / Nike Air Max 95 x Corteiz

15 / Way of Wade 808 Ultra 3

14 / Nike Kobe 6 “Reverse Grinch”

13 / Oakley x Brain Dead Factory Team Edge Boot

12 / Nike x NOCTA Glide

11 / Tuff Crowd x Curry Brand

10 / Adidas Crazy Infinity

9 / New Balance x Concepts 998 “C-Note”

8 / MSCHF Big Red Boot

7 / Nike x Cactus Plant Flea 2

6 / Air Jordan 11 “Ring Night” Jeff Green PE

5 / Adidas Harden Vol. 7

4 / Air Jordan 1 Low x Travis Scott

3 / Nike Zoom Vomero 5

2 / Adidas AE 1

1 / Nike Sabrina 1

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Dawn Staley: The Dream Merchant of Women’s Basketball

Louis Vuitton Dawn has dominated hoops in professional and amateur ranks. What registers as wins as those worlds merge?

Philly’s Most Wanted

Second Home

A Dollar & a Dream

Money, Power, Respect

Next Up

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The 2023 NBA Rookie Class Shoe Deal Rundown

Wemby is a Nike athlete & Scoot signed with Puma, but what about the rest of the bunch? Let’s break down this year’s NBA rookie class by shoe deals.

Nike

Jordan Brand

New Balance

Adidas

Under Armour

Puma

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2023 WNBA Finals: Aces & Liberty Shoe Deal Breakdown

As the two superteams prepare to tip off, the sneakers hitting the hardwood will feature a wider range of brands than any other WNBA Finals before it.

LAS VEGAS ACES

A’ja Wilson – Nike

Chelsea Gray – Adidas

Candace Parker – Adidas

Jackie Young – Puma

Kelsey Plum – Under Armour

NEW YORK LIBERTY //

Betnijah Laney – Adidas

Breanna Stewart – Puma

Jonquel Jones – Nike

Kayla Thornton – New Balance

Sabrina Ionescu – Nike

Stefanie Dolson – Jordan

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Boardroom NIL Report Card: Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders

From Jackson State to Colorado, Shedeur Sanders is a magnet when it comes to the NIL space. Boardroom breaks down his valuation, deals, and more.

Shedeur Sanders NIL Market Value

Notable Shedeur Sanders NIL Deals

Oikos

Gatorade

Mercedes-Benz

BRADY Brand