Kyrie Irving Invests in the Sneaker Platform KICKS CREW

KICKS CREW and Kyrie Irving announce a new partnership that focuses on sneakers and community involvement.

Much has changed in the sneaker world over the past year, and no athlete has experienced it like Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving. This summer, Irving signed a new sneaker deal with the Chinese brand ANTA. Now, the 8x NBA All-Star guard has made a major investment in an up-and-coming sneaker platform.

On Monday morning, KICKS CREW announced an investor partnership with Irving. Irving will join KICKS CREW as an equity shareholder and assume the role of Chief Community Officer. According to the brand, the partnership is driven by a mutual desire to democratize the sneaker marketplace and unite communities through sneaker culture.

Irving's role as Chief Community Officer is said to showcase a cause-driven, community-centric approach, empowering new brands and collaborations that blend art and basketball in new ways. His efforts will extend globally, including initiatives and projects to positively impact the Middle East and Africa, embodying a broader social and cultural engagement vision.

Irving said in a statement, "I’m excited to partner and invest in KICKS CREW’s vision to empower a new generation of independent consumers and thinkers. This is an empowerment play for my fellow entrepreneurs, artists, and athletes who have and want their independent visions and approaches celebrated. My role as Chief Community Officer at KICKS CREW is centered around the mission of bringing all communities together through their love of sneaker culture to push forward unity and philanthropy."

A detailed look at Kyrie Irving's ANTA sneakers / © Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Since its inception, KICKS CREW has been a champion for emerging brands, serving as a nexus for sneaker companies growing their international reach. It has also been a platform for NBA players to establish and grow their personal brands. KICKS CREW’S vision for a player-centric platform serves as a springboard for making Irving’s products more accessible to fans.

"We are thrilled to welcome Kyrie Irving into the KICKS CREW family and for us to be accepted into the A11Even Tribe," said KICKS CREW co-founder Ross Adrian Yip. "Kyrie's influence on the community and deep passion for philanthropy brings immeasurable value to bringing our vision to life, and we are eager to use our platform to empower Kyrie and many more players willing to leverage their independent influence."

Irving has chosen to kick off his yearly 11 Days Of Giving Initiative with KICKS CREW to celebrate this new partnership and investment. Irving and KICKS CREW are giving away 111 pairs of the ANTA Shock Wave 5 from December 11-15, 2023. Fans can sign up to enter the giveaway on the 11 Days Of Giving Event Page.

Kyrie Irving started the NBA season sporting the ANTA Shock Wave 5 Pro, showcasing ANTA's latest flagship product. The entire ANTA Shock Wave 5 collection is now available on KICKS CREW. Irving’s first signature shoe with ANTA is expected to launch in the first half of 2024. Stay locked into FanNationKicks.com for all your sneaker news from the sports world.

Kyrie Irving Spills the Tea on His Nike Sneaker Line