Kicks

Breaking Down Team USA's Basketball Roster by Sneaker Brands

Team USA announced its men's basketball roster. Here are the sneaker companies represented on the court.

Pat Benson

Nike has the most athletes on the Team USA men's basketball roster.
Nike has the most athletes on the Team USA men's basketball roster. / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

There is nothing like the Summer Olympics. For 16 days, the entire world tries to put aside its messy differences and unite around sports. The quadrennial event always makes my heart swell as a sports fan.

But make no mistake, it is also big business. Sports apparel brands battle for positioning, and we already have some early winners and losers. Team USA announced its men's basketball roster on Tuesday, and some players and their respective sneaker brands did not make the cut.

Below is a complete breakdown of the sneaker companies that will be worn by Team USA men's basketball players in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.

Nike: 6

Kobe Bryant's white and navy sneakers worn during the 2012 Olympics.
The Nike Kobe 7 'USA' colorway. / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It should come as no shock that Nike has the most players on the Team USA roster. The quintessential American brand has been the official apparel sponsor for Team USA for years. What is surprising is there are only six Nike-sponsored players: LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday, and Tyrese Haliburton.

Jordan Brand: 2

Jayson Tatum's blue and white Air Jordan sneakers.
The Air Jordan 36 'USA' colorway. / Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Network

Michael Jordan and the Dream Team helped make basketball a global sport during the 1992 Summer Games in Barcelona, Spain. So, it is only fitting that Jordan Brand gets some representation in 2024. The two players on Team USA representing Jumpman are Jayson Tatum and Bam Adebayo.

adidas: 1

Zach LaVine's white and navy adidas basketball sneakers.
The adidas Dame 7 EXTPLY in the 'USA' colorway. / Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

No brand was dealt a bigger loss in Team USA basketball roster selections than adidas. James Harden, Damian Lillard, and Trae Young all missed the cut (three signature athletes). The only player on Team USA wearing adidas will be Anthony Edwards.

Under Armour (Curry Brand): 1

Stephen Curry's white and gold Under Armour shoes.
The Under Armour Curry 4. / Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

What is left to accomplish for Stephen Curry? He has won two NBA MVP awards and four NBA Championships and cemented himself as the greatest outside shooter of all time. In what is likely his last opportunity, Curry will play for Team USA and put Under Armour at center court by wearing his signature Curry Brand sneakers.

Skechers: 1

Joel Embiid's black and red Skechers sneakers.
The Skechers SKX Float. / Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

All of our regular readers have been warned not to sleep on Skechers. The Los Angeles-based brand is rapidly expanding in professional sports and picked up another major win this week. Joel Embiid will represent Skechers on the world's biggest stage this summer.

New Balance: 1

Kawhi Leonard's black and gold New Balance sneakers.
The New Balance Kawhi 4. / Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

In a dramatic announcement, the 12th and final roster spot went to Kawhi Leonard. His selection was a major victory for New Balance, which will certainly use the opportunity to highlight his fourth signature sneaker.

Further Reading: The Nike Kobe 4 'Gold Medal' colorway is returning in August.

Published
Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Previously, he has reported on the NBA, authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)," and interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world. You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.

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