Kyrie Irving (Al Bello-Getty Images)
*The Chinese shoe company ANTA has signed a 5-year deal with Kyrie Irving.
In an Instagram post on Tuesday (July 11), the company said the Dallas Mavericks star will serve in a “unique” role as an ambassador for the corporation. Irving is also the brand’s Chief Creative Officer, Vibe reports.
“ANTA and Kyrie Irving are embarking on an exciting new business collaboration model,” ANTA said in the announcement. “As a new member of the ANTA family, Kyrie Irving will not only actively serve as the Chief Creative Officer in the design of a brand-new Kyrie Irving logo and signature product line, but he will also seek to engage basketball players of all ages, basketball communities, influential figures in pop culture, artists, musicians, pioneers in environmentalism, and designers.”
Irving hit up IG to call on fans to join him on the journey and help “change the world.”
“I AM Proud to announce that I am Partnering with Anta as Chief Creative Officer,” he wrote. “It’s an honor to welcome them into my A11Even TRIBE as they have welcomed me into the Anta FAMILY. As Chief Creative Officer, I will push our teams domestically and internationally to unite like minded Trailblazers who have the vision to create and build their craft to transcend the footwear/Apparel industry for generations to come.”
Irving added: “This is truly a full circle moment that I will not take for granted nor under appreciate given the many obstacles it took to get here. This Partnership is for all of those who want to change the world. Join me on the journey. This is #Biggerthanashoedeal???♾”
The new deal comes months after Nike dropped Irving for posting a documentary about Black Israelites on social media.
“At Nike, we believe there is no place for hate speech and we condemn any form of antisemitism,” the shoe giant said in a statement at the time, Vibe reports. “We are deeply saddened and disappointed by the situation and its impact on everyone.”
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