Skechers Nearing Sneaker Deal With NBA MVP Joel Embiid

Skechers signing Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid would be a huge win for the brand.
Skechers Nearing Sneaker Deal With NBA MVP Joel Embiid
Skechers Nearing Sneaker Deal With NBA MVP Joel Embiid /
In this story:

With every new NBA season comes a flurry of exciting announcements. However, it does not get much bigger than Philadelphia 76ers center and reigning league MVP Joel Embiid.

On Wednesday, Embiid stepped onto the 76ers practice court in a pair of Skechers sneakers with the brand's performance staff on site, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. Embiid has not yet signed a contract with Skechers but may begin wearing the brand's unreleased basketball shoe in games if a deal is fully complete.

Skecher's vision for its foray into the NBA is impressive in scale. Last week, we discussed how the brand was ready to take over the league by securing talent like New York Knicks forward Julius Randle and Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann.

However, partnering with the reigning MVP is an accomplishment most brands can only dream of. Skechers may see the 76ers center as a unique player to build around. Moreso, a star with a unique type of connection to younger athletes and fans.

The 29-year-old is coming off a career year and has already played on six NBA All-Star teams and amassed several All-NBA selections. Also, as Charania pointed out in his article, Embiid has said he will play for the United States Men's National Basketball Team in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. 

It appears that Embiid is no longer in business with Under Armour. The Maryland-based brand launched Embiid's signature sneaker line in 2020 but never released a second model. Stay locked into FanNationKicks.com for all your sneaker news from the sports world.

Recommended For You

Look: LaMelo Ball's PUMA sneakers release in a trippy 'Toxic' colorway.

News: LeBron James names his favorite sneaker of all time.

Interview: Donovan Mitchell discusses the direction of signature sneaker line.


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.