Drake Leaving Nike Jordan Brand For Adidas, Reports Suggest
Drake has been rumored to leave his shoe brand endorsement. Reports indicated that the Canadian rapper is no longer happy with his partnership with Nike specifically with the Jordan Brand. Apparently, Drake would like to have more creative and design freedom. Is she following the steps of fellow Kanye West?
The "Hotline Bling" singer has been tied up with Nike's Jordan Brand since December 2013. The deal was even celebrated in "Jumpman," a 2015 song from Drake and Future that features lyrics like "they gave me my own collection." He has since launched several exclusive and limited sneaker iterations under it and apparels that also featured his signature OVO branding. Just recently, Drake released two pairs of Air Jordan 8 x OVO sneakers at $225 a pair during the 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend.
Now, there have been rumors that Drake is severing his ties with the brand, Sole Collector reported citing multiple sources from the footwear industry. The chart-topping singer allegedly in talks with rival Adidas for a new sneaker deal.
What Would Drake Gain From Adidas?
It's the creative control like any other endorsers would dream of. If the rumor is true, Drake could be joining other celebrity endorsers of the brand such as West and Pharrell Williams. Both artists have been enjoying the designer freedom and are able to express their style with Adidas. Under the brand, West and Williams have been given their own sneaker which the Jordan Brand has yet to give Drake.
In 2013, West exited Nike and closed a reportedly $10 million deal with Adidas. West revealed at the time that his departure from Nike was because the company failed to provide him with decent royalties for his Air Yeezy shoe.
What Would Adidas Gain From Signing Up Drake?
With Drake's massive number of fans around the world, it would be a win for The Three Stripes to sign up the rapper. The Views hitmaker is one of the most powerful influencers not only in the world of music but also in sports, particularly in basketball. He has been a fan of the NBA and the Toronto Raptors for years. Many would also like to see a future collaboration of Drake and Kanye in designing sneakers and other apparel.
For now, it would be hard to determine how much Drake's exit will affect the Jordan Brand if he ever jumps the fence. Drake's sneakers' releases are among the most popular in Jordan brand collection. Regardless if he will stay with Jordan or switch to Adidas, athletes and ordinary people alike would still wear any sneaker he would endorse.
Meanwhile, neither Nike nor Jordan rep has yet to comment on the status of their relationship with Drake. Adidas has yet to confirm whether or not there is a deal in the works with Drake.
