At 3:35 p.m., this post was updated.
Today, Kyrie Irving paid a visit to the Anta Museum in Xiamen, China. The appearance comes after he announced this summer that he had signed a deal with the Chinese sporting brand.
Anta confirmed in July that Irving had signed with the sneaker company after leaving Nike in December 2022 following a 10-year collaboration. At the time, his Nike contract was terminated due to his failure to condemn anti-Semitism after tweeting a link to the documentary “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake up Black America,” which contains anti-Semitic remarks.
Photos of the Dallas Mavericks guard wearing Anta sneakers in June generated initial speculation of a possible cooperation.
The 21 Most Noteworthy Sneakers Worn by NBA Players for Media Day
Kyrie Irving’s Anta Logo Has Been Unveiled in China
The NBA star hit the museum on Monday sporting a pair of understated white sneakers featuring a thick platform sole.
Kyrie Irving visits the Anta Museum in Xiamen, China, on September 18, 2023, as part of his China tour.GETTY PICTURESHis ensemble was completed by a ribbed off-white cardigan sweater with dark purple and gold accents and quilted ivory slacks with an eye-catching black design all over and front flap pockets on the thighs.Irving’s sweater featured a ‘A’ imprinted on the chest and fringe on the sleeves. He was wearing a cream-colored T-shirt underneath with the words “Know Thyself.” Meanwhile, his slacks were baggy, with the hem hung over half of his shoes, hiding the laces from view.
Kyrie Irving signs a basketball during his visit to the Anta Museum in Xiamen, China on Sept. 18, 2023.GETTY IMAGES
The former Brooklyn Nets player — who posed for photos and signed autographs for fans — accessorized his look with round, futuristic frames and a shell necklace.
A closer look at Kyrie Irving’s chunky white sneakers.GETTY IMAGES
As a part of his new deal with Anta, Irving will not only have his own signature product line but also serve as the brand’s chief creative officer of basketball. Irving’s inaugural on-court shoes and lifestyle footwear will reportedly drop in the first quarter of 2024. Together, they will also launch “Anta x Kyrie Youth Basketball Training Camps” in China and the U.S.
“Being appointed as Anta Basketball’s chief creative officer is more than just a realization of my dreams; in fact, it may be the perfect opportunity for me, an individual who always dreams big and values independent thinking, to leverage my artistic talents to build, create, and unify the culture both on and off court,” Irving said in a statement.
Previously, Irving’s deal with Nike ended last year following his refusal to denounce antisemitism in the face of public backlash after sharing a link to the film “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake up Black America” on his social media. He later apologized after the Brooklyn Nets suspended him.
“While doing research on YHWH, I posted a Documentary that contained some false anti-Semitic statements, narratives, and language that were untrue and offensive to the Jewish Race/Religion, and I take full accountability and responsibly for my actions,” Irving wrote via Instagram. “I am grateful to have a big platform to share knowledge and I want to move forward by having an open dialogue to learn more and grow from this.”
Irving went on to say, “to all Jewish families and Communities that are hurt and affected from my post, I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize.”
Nike has suspended the release of his Kyrie 8 signature sneaker, according to FN. “At Nike, we believe that hate speech has no place and condemn all forms of antisemitism.” To that reason, we’ve decided to discontinue our association with Kyrie Irving immediately and will no longer release the Kyrie 8. “We are deeply saddened and disappointed by the situation and its consequences for everyone,” Nike said in a statement to FN.