Nets star Kyrie Irving to possibly end his successful partnership with Nike in 2023

Brooklyn Nets superstar Kyrie Irving is likely to lose his massive sponsorship deal with sportswear company Nike following the finals of the 2022/2023 NBA season.

Irving was already having a tumultuous season as he missed most games of the regular season before he was permitted to enter the court again.

The basketball player remains to be unvaccinated against COVID-19 so he was unable to play the Nets in home games. He played only 29 games this season due to the city’s COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

The Nets were then defeated by the Boston Celtics in the four games of the NBA Playoffs opening round.

To top off Irving’s up and down season, he will not extend his sponsor contract with Nike beyond the expiration of their current deal with him, which will end in 2023.

Here is everything you need to know.

Kyrie Irving’s Nike Contract

On Friday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Nike is doubtful to renew their deal with professional basketball star Kyrie Irving. The contract will terminate next year in 2023.

ESPN reached Nike to get their take on the ongoing speculations. The organization however tactfully answered the question by neither denying nor agreeing with the rumors. 

A Nike spokesperson told the media outlet, ‘We don’t comment on contracts or rumors or speculation.’ 

They further added, ‘Kyrie remains a Nike athlete.’

Kyrie Irving joined the sportswear giant way back in 2014. His basketball shoes proved to be one of the most popular brands.

Last year in July 2021, the talented but mercurial player criticized the design of the Kyrie 8 sneakers. He claimed that he did not participate in either designing or marketing the product.

Consequently, only a few days later he tried to retract his words possibly after Nike addressed their version of the riot act. However, the damage was done and his words had limited effect.

A new shoe from Irving’s line is scheduled to debut this fall. This will likely be his last shoe in partnership with Nike. It is reported that his deal was worth $11 million.

What is the Worth of Kyrie Irving’s Nets Contract?

According to the reports by Sportrac., Kyrie Irving made $34.9 million in the 2021/22 season. The salary gradually rose to $36.5 million in the 2022/23 campaign.

The four-year contract Irving signed in 2019 with the Nets is reported to be worth $136.4 million. It will end with the 2023 season.

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