These Pro Athletes Scored Big — 4 NBA Players Who Secured Partnerships With Luxury Clothing Brands
Professional athletes have been changing the game with their fashion brand partnerships. Here are some of the best brand-athlete collaborations.
By D.M.Feb. 27 2024, Published 8:53 p.m. ET
With the rise of clothing brand partnerships, athletes are redefining what it means to be a professional baller. From football players to basketball stars, athletes across the sports spectrum are stepping into the world of fashion through partnerships with renowned clothing brands.
Athlete-brand partnerships extend beyond individual players to entire sports leagues. The NBA, for instance, has become synonymous with fashion thanks to collaborations with companies like Louis Vuitton and Supreme.
Meanwhile, athletes are leveraging their public images to combine athleticism and style. Here are the freshest brand collaborations featuring some of the biggest athletes in the world.
Russell Westbrook x the Jordan Brand
Sneakers worn by Russell Westbrook
In 2013, Russell Westbrook signed a five-year exclusive deal with Jordan, a subsidiary of Nike. The brand produced two sneakers for the NBA player: the Westbrook 0.1 and 0.2. The deal was so successful that the company extended the partnership with Russell until 2027.
Russell has created on-court and off-court sneakers for the brand and was very involved in designing his signature footwear.
“I can’t sketch, but I do know exactly how I want it to look, most of the important features,” Russell told Complex. “The brand has great people to work with to put that vision into place.”
LeBron James x Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton tapped LeBron James to become an ambassador for the brand in 2023, and the partnership did not disappoint. The Lakers star was featured in a campaign for the luxury fashion brand sporting a Louis Vuitton bag designed by Pharrell Williams. LeBron was later spotted rocking a $28,000 LV outfit for the 2023-24 NBA season.
Dwayne Wade x Li-Ning
Dwyane Wade at Li-Ning''s flagship store.
The collaboration between NBA icon Dwyane Wade and Li-Ning stands as a testament to the athlete’s innovation and style. The three-time NBA champion made waves in the sports and fashion industry when he inked a partnership deal with Li-Ning in 2012.
This partnership marked Dwayne’s departure from conventional sportswear brands and signaled a new era in athletic footwear.
Dwayne has since signed a lifetime deal with Li-Ning with a commitment to design sneakers for the company for the rest of his career.
“For me, [Li-Ning] committed to me from the beginning,” Dwayne told the Bleacher Report. “When we did our first sit-down, they committed to doing something that hasn't been done often. There's only one Michael Jordan out here.”
Steph Curry x Under Armour
Under Armour sneakers worn by Stephen Curry.
Steph Curry first joined forces with Under Armour in 2013, marking the beginning of their lucrative collaboration. They later launched the Steph Curry signature sneakers, which immediately sold out.
Steph has since released over 10 styles of sneakers with Under Armour and in 2023, Steph signed a deal that would allow him to continue creating for the company for the rest of his life.
“We understand that it's a mutually beneficial venture to do some great things, build a great roster, build more scale to the business, and create great storytelling,” Steph said (per ESPN).
The lifetime deal could see the NBA star earn more than $473 million by the end of the 2025-26 season.
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