The partnership between Kyrie Irving, who plays for the Dallas Mavericks, and ANTA continues revolutionizing the sneaker and basketball industries.

Just over a year into their collaboration, ANTA Basketball, guided by Chief Creative Officer Kyrie Irving, elevated in the brand’s global presence through a bold initiative. In a landmark announcement, ANTA welcomed three dynamic NBA players: Caris LeVert of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Derrick Jones Jr.

 

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The Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks are ambassadors. Irving and these athletes represent ANTA’s dedication to teamwork, resilience, and inspiring the next generation of players.

“These guys are my brothers, players I’ve shared the journey with. Together, we aim to inspire the future of basketball and create a legacy that resonates globally,” said Irving.

Building a New Basketball Legacy

LeVert, Jones Jr., and Gafford will show off exclusive colorways from Irving’s famous KAI collection during the next NBA games. The brand is only one aspect of their role; they are also a part of a larger mission to celebrate community, culture, and the power of unity through basketball. The KAI 1 TEAM Shoe, designed by Irving and renowned footwear designer Dallas Stokes, is the core of this mission. The shoe combines cutting-edge technology, performance, and storytelling to fulfill the requirements of the modern basketball player. Irving shared the way he approaches the design process with a hands-on approach:

“This shoe is built for the next generation. We spent countless hours studying AAU and streetball players to create a shoe that meets their needs while reflecting my storytelling and style. The KAI 1 Team Shoe is not just for me—it’s for the everyday player striving to create their own story.”

The Vision Behind the KAI 1 TEAM

Irving’s vision of giving athletes from all levels a chance to succeed is reflected by the KAI 1 TEAM Shoe. The shoe, created using the Gravity Sketch platform, combines style and functionality. Designed for agile and younger players, it expresses individuality both on and off the court. Dallas Stokes, who has been in the footwear industry for more than three decades, provided his expertise to the project. Having worked with major brands and designed for NBA champions and Olympians, Stokes stressed the shoe’s dual focus on legacy and innovation.

“Designing the KAI 1 Team shoe was about addressing the fundamental needs of players while pushing boundaries. This shoe is about legacy and innovation,” said Stokes.

Expanding ANTA Basketball’s Global Presence

With the addition of LeVert, Jones Jr., and Gafford, the brand’s journey towards a more inclusive and forward-thinking basketball ecosystem is complete. Irving’s leadership and their collective talents are the driving force behind ANTA’s goal of inspiring the next generation of athletes and fans.

Fans can now own a sneaker that was inspired by Kyrie Irving’s vision by purchasing the ANTA KAI 1 TEAM Shoe at ANTA.com and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

ANTA and Kyrie Irving are redefining basketball for players and fans worldwide. They are combining athleticism, artistry, and culture one step at a time.