Kyrie Irving has reportedly signed his father Drederick Irving to an endorsement deal with Chinese sportswear brand ANTA. The Dallas Mavericks star, who signed his own partnership with ANTA in July following his split from Nike, is now sharing the spotlight with the man who helped shape his basketball journey from the beginning.
Basketball has always been a family affair for Kyrie. Drederick played college ball at Boston University before embarking on a professional career in the Australian NBL. He’s been a constant presence at Kyrie’s side through the ups and downs of his NBA tenure. Now, their bond is being celebrated in an unprecedented way.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Drederick will be the first signature athlete for Kyrie’s ANTA shoe line. His own sneaker is set to hit Foot Locker shelves in September, marking the first time a professional athlete has signed his father to a signature shoe deal.
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The move comes as Kyrie looks to bounce back from a tumultuous 2022, which saw him part ways with Nike after promoting a movie with anti-Semitic views. Landing with ANTA appears to have been a smart choice, as the brand reported record sales of more than $8 billion for fiscal 2023, bolstered by the sale of more than 25 million pairs of basketball sneakers.
Kyrie has already released his first signature ANTA shoe, the Kai 1, and images have surfaced of an upcoming lifestyle model called the Kai Tribe. Adding his father to the mix further cements his fresh start with a brand on the rise.
By elevating Drederick to Signature Athlete status, Kyrie is sending a powerful message about the importance of family, gratitude and shared success. He’s honoring the man who instilled in him a love for the game and a tireless work ethic. And he’s showing the next generation that lifting up those closest to you is the ultimate flex.
