In his first three seasons in the NBA, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has won the Rookie of the Year award, made two All-Star games, picked up a Defensive Player of the Year award and led his team to the NBA Finals. On Friday, he added to that already impressive list of accomplishments.
What’s next for Wembanyama? A signature shoe! As part of a new contract extension with Nike, Wembanyama will receive his own shoe line from the company, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Nike confirmed Wembanyama as its next signature athlete Friday, releasing a statement calling the Spurs star “one of the most unique and influential athletes in the world.”
That deal comes weeks after Wembanyama signed a five-year, $252 million extension to stay with the Spurs.
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The history of Nike handing out signature shoes to athletes carries quite a bit more weight in the NBA, where the company grew famous after signing Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan to a shoe deal early in Jordan’s pro career. Jordan’s shoes remain an incredibly popular brand and a big seller for Nike.
Over the years, a number of high-profile basketball stars have received their own shoes through Nike. LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kobe Bryant are among the NBA superstars to release shoes made by the company.
Wembanyama’s inclusion on that list speaks to his excellence during his first three seasons in the league. Nike expects major things from him moving forward. Based on how well he’s performed early in his career, it seems like a good bet from the company.
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