Nike CEO Confirms Westbrook & Antetokounmpo Signature Shoes

On the Q2 earnings call, Nike CEO Mark Parker spoke about the next wave of signature basketball shoes.

Giannis Antetokounmpo & Russell Westbrook
USA Today Sports

Image via Mark D. Smith for USA Today Sports

Giannis Antetokounmpo & Russell Westbrook

Among the many topics covered in Nike's Q2 earnings call on Thursday was the next wave of signature basketball product.

Lauding the brand's storytelling in the category this year, Nike CEO Mark Parker offered some insight into what to expect moving forward. Most notably, the brand (and its Jordan subsidiary) will add two new signature basketball athletes in 2018.

"In the next several weeks alone, we'll deliver the next version of the industry's biggest signature shoe with the Kyrie 4," said Parker. "We'll build on the incredible first year of Paul George's signature shoe with the PG2. We'll introduce an all-new Flyknit construction with Kobe's next performance design. And Jordan Brand will launch its first signature shoe with reigning MVP Russell Westbrook. We're also thrilled to expand our relationship with Giannis Antetokounmpo as we bring his unique personality to life through new signature product and storytelling next year."

After intense negotiations with various brands, including Adidas, Antetokounmpo signed a long-term extension with Nike in November. Westbrook will presumably be moving on from his role as the lead of the iconic Air Jordan flagship line.

According to reports, the basketball footwear market has dried up a bit, but Nike found success with Irving's affordable signature model, which is said to be the industry's best-seller. Expect more information on the upcoming Antetokounmpo and Westbrook lines in the months ahead.