Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said of his partnership with Converse during the NBA All-Star break, “It reflects the underdog spirit of the brand and something I've felt throughout my career.” “Our stories align with that. We have the same vision for Converse's basketball future.”
While in Indianapolis for NBA All-Star Weekend, Gilgeous-Alexander not only attended Sunday night's game, but also kept busy by appearing at several Converse events. The Oklahoma City Thunder superstar served as the face of the historic Converse He Weapon relaunch, a truly iconic moment in basketball history. He has a unique opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Hall of Famers Larry Bird and Magic Johnson and make Converse the premier brand in basketball.
Still, Gilgeous-Alexander was scheduled to become a sneaker free agent this summer. Given his status as a bona fide top-five player in the NBA, there was no question he had the opportunity to go in the direction he wanted. He will also be given his own signature shoe, an opportunity the league's premier players receive from their respective shoe partners.
On Thursday morning, Gilgeous-Alexander signed a contract extension with Converse, officially taking him off the sneaker free agent market.
Following this multi-year extension, Gilgeous-Alexander will launch his first signature shoe in 2025. He will also be given the title of creative director of Converse Basketball, which is likely to be a very attractive part of the extension considering Gilgeous. -Alexander's affinity for fashion.
Shortly after the extension was announced, Converse released a statement regarding the news.
“Converse is proud to strengthen our relationship with NBA All-Star and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. As part of the expanded partnership, Shai will become Converse Basketball's Creative Director starting in September 2024. , with a signature shoe and accompanying footwear and apparel line expected in 2025. Shai and Converse will work together to bring a hands-on approach to the creation, execution, and execution of his collection. Focusing on the overall aesthetic, we draw inspiration from different aspects of his life to offer a new style-driven perspective.”
Gilgeous-Alexander first joined Converse's roster in the summer of 2020 as a 21-year-old. A rising star and established fashion icon off the court, Gilgeous-Alexander was the perfect choice to sign with Converse at the time, and is now the face of the brand. A brand moving forward.
Gilgeous-Alexander said in 2020, “I'm really attracted to the exclusivity of the brand, the fact that there aren't that many players, and the ability to express yourself in different ways on and off the court.” “The biggest thing early on was that I was able to realize my ideas and creativity, which not many players in the NBA are able to do.”
As Converse Basketball's new creative director, he will continue to bring his ideas to life, most notably with its signature shoe, which will be released next year. As Gilgeous-Alexander continues to develop on the court, he becomes even more of a global icon. He will continue to make an even bigger impact as the next generation of basketball players and fans will have the opportunity to wear his signature shoes.