In a move that has caught many in the sports and fashion worlds by surprise, Joel Embiid, the NBA's reigning MVP and, up until now, an Under Armour athlete, is apparently on the verge signing a new sneaker deal with Skechers. Shams Charania of The Athletic broke the news, revealing that Embiid is in advanced talks with Skechers. The sneaker giant, more known for its casual and lifestyle offerings, is in the process of launching a performance basketball line, and it appears they're roping in big names to lead their campaign.
While nothing official has been declared, the rumor mills have been working overtime since Embiid was spotted sporting the unnamed performance basketball sneaker during a 76ers practice session. This shoe was the same design that Julius Randle and Terance Mann flaunted during NBA Media Day. If true, this deal could be monumental for both Embiid and Skechers.
It's worth noting that Skechers, though not historically linked with basketball, isn't a novice when collaborating with high-profile names and industries. They have, in recent times, been pushing the envelope and expanding their horizons. Their recent lifetime deal with football star Harry Kane, now playing for Bayern Munich, has been making headlines. But it doesn't stop with sports.
Skechers has been upping its game in the marketing arena, too. Their campaigns have seen them teaming up with household names. Rap icon Snoop Dogg, the legendary Martha Stewart, and more recently, the chart-topping singer Doja Cat have all lent their star power to promote the brand. These partnerships show Skechers' ambition to reach diverse audiences and tap into various market segments.
For Joel Embiid, this could be a significant transition from his association with Under Armour, a brand with a firm footing in the basketball scene. As an athlete with UA, his signature silhouette flew under the radar and only saw a handful of releases. At the same time, label-mate Steph Curry continued to be the face of the basketball lineup.
If these reports are accurate, this partnership could set the stage for a fascinating new chapter in basketball footwear and further solidify Skechers' position as a significant player in the global sneaker game. Keep it locked to our Twitter and the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
