Kyrie Irving Signs His Father to Signature Sneaker Line

It has been less than a year since Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving signed a multi-year signature sneaker deal with ANTA. As part of the partnership, Irving became the Chief Creative Officer of ANTA Basketball.
Since signing with ANTA, Irving has infused ANTA with much-needed star power that has helped give the company a foothold in the United States. Throughout this season, Irving has kept the sneaker community on its toes by debuting multiple colorways of first signature basketball shoe - the ANTA KAI 1.
Irving continued to take an uncongenial route with a bold move on Tuesday afternoon. The 8x NBA All-Star has signed the first signature athlete for his ANTA shoe line, his father, Drederick Irving.
Sources: Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving is signing the first signature athlete for his ANTA shoe line: His father, Drederick Irving.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 4, 2024
This marks the first time in pro sports a player has signed his dad to a signature shoe deal. pic.twitter.com/PB7ZXquVwY
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, this marks the first time in professional sports that a player has signed his father to a signature shoe deal.
Currently, there is no release information for the launch of Drederick's signature line. However, it will give basketball fans and the sneaker community a lot to look forward to in an already busy summer.
Irving's first signature lifestyle sneaker has already launched overseas and is coming to the United States soon. Fans can count on Sports Illustrated for all their footwear news from the NBA and the rest of the sports world.
Further Reading: Kyrie Irving debuts moccasin-inspired sneakers in NBA Playoffs.

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Kicks On Sports Illustrated. As a leading voice in footwear journalism, he breaks news, spotlights important stories, and interviews the biggest names in sports. Previously, Pat has reported on the NBA and authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)." You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.
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