[Update 12 Jul 2023] It’s not as if we didn’t see this coming, right? But it’s now official: Kyrie Irving is part of ANTA’s roster of athletes that includes the likes of Klay Thomson and Gordon Hayward.

It’s a five-year endorsement deal worth US$11 million wherein he also assumes the role of Chief Creative Officer. Beyond the financial incentives, the role allows him to recruit and collaborate with other players and individuals. Essentially, it also opens the door for the Chinese sportswear brand to begin its manufacturing process in the US and facilitate distribution in the country.

The deal’s still one of the highest in the NBA, proving the enduring appeal of the Kyrie Irving brand. Perhaps we’ll see it flourish in the course of the new season in October. Stay tuned! The first model is expected to arrive sometime in the spring of 2024.

It’s more or less confirmed. Over the weekend, Kyrie Irving was spotted wearing the Anta Shock Wave 5 Pro during his annual basketball summer camp. It’s been a tumultuous few years for the eight-time All-Star. Beginning with his anti-vaccine stance, to his endorsement of an anti-semitic film. By 2023, the controversies have proven too much for Nike and decidedly severed ties.

With the world wondering where’s he heading to next, he teased on Instagram: “I will be signing my new shoe deal very, very soon. I won’t even call it a shoe deal. I’m about to blow this out the water. I’m so excited about it.” And as the dust settles from the Kyrie Irving hurricane, he emerges with the above-mentioned Anta sneakers.

An official word should be out soon but at the time of writing, it’s all still an enigma. Whatever your stance is on Kyrie and Anta, we’ll all be looking forward to what him and the $30-billion Chinese sportswear brand will conjure.

With Anta beating out adidas—who were just as eager to sign Irving—this brings to light a few things: Sportswear behemoths like Nike and adidas must remain as innovative as their less popular contemporaries; and with the anticipation of his debut signature sneaker, Kyrie Irving (despite his eccentricities) is still one of the most influential players in the NBA—even if that influence can be misguided.

In other news, two Travis Scott x Nike SB Dunk Lows are believed to be in production for 2023.