After securing a deal with one of the NBA’s best, Kyrie Irving, ANTA has confirmed with Sole Retriever that the brand has signed the entire USA Men's 3x3 Olympic Team, including the renowned NCAA sharpshooter Jimmer Fredette. This deal marks a significant shift in sports endorsements, as Nike typically dominates Team USA's roster sponsorship.
While Nike remains an official sponsor of Team USA and sponsors many on the 5x5 roster, ANTA has cleverly positioned itself by securing individual deals with each member of the 3x3 team, which includes Canyon Barry, Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and of course Jimmer Fredette. This strategy allows ANTA to showcase its brand on the Olympic stage without directly conflicting with Nike's overarching partnership with Team USA. The contracts, which began last week, are set to expire at the end of the year, aligning perfectly with the conclusion of the Olympic season.
This partnership will see each player donning exclusive ANTA footwear specifically designed for the fast-paced nature of 3x3 basketball. The collection includes USA-themed colorways of popular models such as the Kai 1, SW6 Pro, Kai 1 Speed, and KT 10.
Among the standout signees, Jimmer Fredette's involvement with ANTA is particularly noteworthy. Fredette's career has journeyed through various leagues, including a notable stint in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) with the Shanghai Sharks. His previous endorsement deal with 361° ended when he departed the CBA, leaving him open to new opportunities.
Unfortunately, the footwear worn by the team will not be available to the public. However, we can expect more releases from ANTA with the Kai 1 and Kai 1 Speed, which ANTA design director Jared Subawon recently spoke to Sole Retriever about. To stay updated on the latest happenings in the sneaker and streetwear world, download the Sole Retriever mobile app.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
