The influence of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s family was pivotal in his decision to sign with Nike rather than Adidas.

Given the existence of five distinct models of sneakers specifically designed for Giannis Antetokounmpo, it is difficult to envision him choosing to wear any brand other than Nike. However, this was not consistently true. The Milwaukee Bucks forward and NBA Champion recently shared an intriguing narrative of his footwear chronicles.

 

Giannis and his brother, Thanasis, recently produced a live installment of the podcast Thanalysis Show. Before a crowd of enthusiastic spectators, they engaged in a comprehensive dialogue, covering various topics, including their endorsement contracts for athletic footwear.

Prior to achieving superstar status and widespread recognition in the United States, Giannis played in the second division of Greece’s basketball league. Additionally, he had a strong admiration for the German sportswear business adidas.

Giannis stated that he consistently wore adidas until he reached approximately 17.5 years of age. That all concluded following a participation in a European basketball camp in 2011.

Adidas extended a sneaker endorsement contract to Giannis, however Thanasis did not receive the same offer. Adidas informed Giannis that they will not be entering into a contract with his brother at this time. You will sign yours first, and then we will bring your brother in a week to sign his. Giannis made a hand gesture to move the contract away from him on the table and firmly stated, “No.” “No, I decline.”

 

As to the accounts of the two siblings, the footwear executive is no longer employed by adidas. However, they promptly expressed their fondness for him. They claimed that adidas was cognizant of their desperate financial situation and exploited it by presenting a disappointing deal.

Giannis Antetokounmpo wears the Nike Zoom Freak 1 in 2019.

Subsequently, Thanasis inquired of Giannis to elucidate the circumstances that led to their association with Nike. Giannis began the story by expressing his concern about signing with the brand, stating, “I have always worn adidas.” I had a sense of moral misalignment.

Nevertheless, a teleconference with Susan Mulders from Nike Basketball alleviated Giannis’ concerns at that moment. During their talk, Giannis expressed that his commitment to family extended to his brother and mother, making it a significant aspect of his life. Nike had no difficulty in signing Antetokounmpo to his initial footwear contract in 2013.

In 2017, Nike and Antetokounmpo reached an agreement to extend their relationship, which encompassed the creation of a line of sneakers bearing his signature. The Nike Zoom Freak line was introduced in June 2019 and continues to maintain its momentum without any indication of deceleration.

Currently, Mulders holds the position of Senior Director of Sports Marketing in North America at Nike Basketball. Undoubtedly, the 11-year collaboration between Antetokounmpo and Nike has proven to be lucrative for both entities.

During the NBA Playoffs this spring, fans can expect both Antetokounmpo brothers to don Giannis’ fifth signature Nike sneaker. Keep following Sports Illustrated’s FanNation Kicks for all the latest updates on footwear news from the world of sports.