Nike may soon be ending its partnership with Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving. According to ESPN, uncertainties surrounding the point guard’s professional playing career have left Nike to think about severing ties with him. Irving — whose alleged mood swings and unvaccinated status have already caused controversy — currently holds a signature deal with the brand for the 2022-23 season. Any partnership beyond that is unlikely, sources told ESPN.
Irving has had a lucrative signature sneaker series with Nike since 2014, and recently received his own version of the brand’s popular Dunk sneaker. The basketball player also has a new edition of his namesake shoe set to release in the fall, but the pair is expected to be one of, if not the final sneaker he debuts with Nike, ESPN’s source said. Nike neither denied nor confirmed its future relationship with Irving: “We don't comment on contracts or rumors or speculation. Kyrie remains a Nike athlete,” a Nike spokesperson told ESPN.
