Barcelona and Nike Plan Tribute to Kobe Bryant with ‘Mamba Collection’

Barcelona and Nike are reportedly working together on a collaboration that will honor NBA legend Kobe Bryant through the club’s ‘Mamba Collection’. This initiative is a heartfelt tribute to Bryant’s lasting influence on basketball and his connections with the sports community around the world.

The Catalan club has recently concluded a unique dispute and has secured a remarkable 10-year partnership with the sportswear giant Nike, a deal estimated to be worth €1.7 billion (£1.4 billion/$1.8 billion). As part of this extensive collaboration, fans can expect an exclusive line of merchandise inspired by Kobe, which will include fashionable sweatpants, jackets, and caps, all designed to celebrate the legacy of the late basketball superstar.

Moreover, Barcelona is preparing to launch a special away kit for the 2025-26 season, featuring the renowned ‘Black Mamba’ logo. Reports from Mundo Deportivo indicate that this kit will be adorned in ochre, with purple accents reminiscent of the iconic LA Lakers jersey that Bryant wore, reflecting the high regard Barcelona has for him.

As tributes continue to be made for Bryant, who tragically passed away in January 2020, this collaboration stands out. Kobe was known for his admiration of Barcelona, often attending their training and games during their visits to the United States. In doing so, he had the opportunity to meet and connect with football legends like Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi, further intertwining the worlds of basketball and soccer.

Barcelona’s ‘Mamba Collection’ takes cues from similar projects, such as the partnership between Paris Saint-Germain and Nike, which has prominently featured the ‘Air Jordan’ logo on several of PSG’s kits since 2017. This collaboration not only pays homage to Kobe Bryant’s incredible legacy but also highlights the increasingly interconnected nature of sports, where icons like Bryant continue to inspire athletes across different disciplines. Fans are eagerly anticipating the launch, ready to embrace the fusion of basketball heritage and football culture in celebration of excellence and inspiration.