Kiki Iriafen Signs Skechers Sneaker Deal Before WNBA Draft

Skechers has bolstered its basketball roster by adding All-American forward Kiki Iriafen.
Kiki Iriafen has signed a sneaker deal with Skechers.
Kiki Iriafen has signed a sneaker deal with Skechers. | Skechers

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With the WNBA Draft just two weeks away, Skechers is adding one of the expected top selections - and their first college player - to their growing roster of basketball stars.

USC Trojans forward and All-American Kiki Iriafen has signed a sneaker deal with Skechers. Iriafen has joined the likes of WNBA rookie sensation Rickea Jackson of the LA Sparks along with several top players in the NBA.

Iriafen just finished her college career in the NCAA Tournament Elite 8 after averaging 18 points and 8.4 rebounds for the No. 1 seed Women of Troy.

In her first season at USC, she earned an unanimous selection to the All-Big Ten first team and All-American honors from the AP and USBWA.

Kiki Iriafen holds a Skechers-branded basketball.
Kiki Iriafen is the latest star to partner with Skechers. | Skechers

“This partnership is about more than just basketball," said Iriafen. "Skechers understands who I am on and off the court and what I need to be at my best."

As she takes the next step in her career, Iriafen will play in the SKX NEXUSTM a low-top basketball shoe designed for speed, stability and support.

It offers exceptional comfort with Skechers Move Foam, a breathable mesh upper, lockdown ankle support in the heel and Goodyear rubber with a torsion-plate to support traction for quick cuts on the court.

Kiki Iriafen holds a pink and black Skechers basketball shoe.
Kiki Iriafen will wear the Skechers SKX Nexus. | Skechers

“I love that the brand is based in my hometown of L.A., and has the global reach to help me inspire and impact more female athletes worldwide to pursue their dreams," she continued.

"Skechers does comfort better than any other brand I’ve experienced, which gives me confidence to have them as my teammate as I enter into this next chapter of my life.”

The WNBA Draft tips off on April 14 and the SKX NEXUS basketball shoe - that Iriafen will debut in the WNBA - drops in a hot pink colorway the next day via skechersbasketball.com.

Stay locked into Sports Illustrated's Kicks On SI for all your footwear news from the WNBA and beyond.

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Michael Ehrlich
MICHAEL EHRLICH

Michael Ehrlich is a seasoned sports marketing executive with experience across the global sports brand, athlete representation, media and education sides of the business. The Founder and CEO of Playbook Marketing, Ehrlich consults with brands on all things NIL and athlete partnerships, advises student-athletes on their personal brand building endeavors and is an adjunct professor at his alma mater, the University of Southern California where he teaches a course on athlete communications and marketing. As a writer, his previous bylines include Boardroom, Business of College Sports, DIME Magazine and UPROXX, among others. You can follow him across social media at @MichaelEhrlich and reach out via michael@playbook-marketing.com