Kyrie Irving Signs Father to ANTA KAI Line: A First in Sports History

TLDR: Kyrie Irving has signed his father Drederick Irving to his ANTA KAI footwear line. This groundbreaking move marks the first time an athlete has signed a family member to his own sneaker line. Drederick's debut shoe will be available in Foot Locker stores in September 2024.

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Kyrie Irving, known for his stellar performance on the court and innovative approach to sneaker deals, has made headlines by signing his father Drederick Irving to his ANTA KAI shoe line. This historic move is the first of its kind in professional sports and shows Kyrie's appreciation for his father's influence on his basketball career.

Drederick Irving, who played college basketball at Boston University from 1984 to 1988 and played professionally in the Australian NBL, has always been a significant figure in Kyrie's life. His basketball heritage and skills have undoubtedly inspired Kyrie's journey in the sport.

After parting ways with Nike in 2022, Kyrie Irving joined Chinese sportswear brand ANTA in 2023. This partnership granted Kyrie unprecedented creative control over his signature range, allowing him to innovate and even sign athletes under his label. The ANTA KAI 1, Kyrie's first signature shoe with ANTA, has been successful with various releases themed around his Native American roots.

The addition of Drederick Irving to the ANTA KAI line is a strategic move that not only celebrates their familial bond, but also generates significant attention for the brand. While details about Drederick's sneaker design and colourways are still under wraps, anticipation is high. According to reports, Drederick's shoe will be available in Foot Locker stores from September 2024.

Kyrie's move to ANTA has already proven successful for the brand. In 2023, ANTA saw record sales with a 16.2% increase in revenue, showing the successful impact of the partnership with Kyrie. The addition of Drederick to the ANTA KAI line is expected to further raise the brand's profile and sales.

Drederick Irving's signature shoe under the ANTA KAI line will be released in September 2024.

Drederick Irving's ANTA KAI shoe will be available at Foot Locker stores. Stay tuned to Grailify for the latest updates on this unique release.