Kyrie Irving Kicks Off Yearly 11 Days Of Giving Initiative with KICKS CREW
Kyrie Irving, the 8-time NBA All-Star and basketball superstar, has joined the online sneaker marketplace KICKS CREW as an investor and will assume the role of Chief Community Officer, the companies announced today.
The partnership reflects Irving and KICKS CREW’s shared goal of democratizing the multibillion-dollar sneaker resale industry and empowering sneaker enthusiasts.
“I’m excited to partner with KICKS CREW to empower the next generation of independent consumers and thinkers,” Irving said in a statement. “This is about celebrating entrepreneurs, artists and athletes with their own visions and approaches.”
Irving, 30, is known for his flashy, creative style both on and off the court. He recently signed a sponsorship deal with the Chinese sports brand ANTA and unveiled a new personal logo.
As Chief Community Officer, Irving will curate products and collaborations that fuse art, fashion and basketball. He also plans to launch global initiatives, especially focused on the Middle East and Africa, to positively impact those regions.
“Kyrie’s influence and commitment to community will bring immense value as we build a platform to empower players as cultural leaders,” said KICKS CREW co-founder Ross Adrian Yip.
The online marketplace, founded in 2019, serves as a hub for emerging sneaker brands to reach an international audience. It has also enabled NBA players to grow their personal brands.
To celebrate the partnership, Irving and KICKS CREW are giving away 111 pairs of his new ANTA sneaker model from Dec. 11-15. Fans can enter for a chance to win on the company’s website.
Irving said the giveaway kicks off his yearly “11 Days of Giving” charity initiative, which exemplifies his and the company’s spirit of “unity and philanthropy.”
The unconventional NBA star has made headlines for sitting out this season over New York’s vaccine mandate. But his new role at KICKS CREW signals Irving’s intention to continue building his business empire off the court.
