Stephen Curry‘s long-term partnership with Under Armour is set to conclude in 2026, marking a meaningful change for both the athlete and the brand. Following the declaration of the split, Curry unexpectedly appeared at practice sporting Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita Sweet 16” shoes, a tribute to the late Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi.The unusual footwear choice has sparked considerable discussion as Curry previously endorsed Nike before his move to Under Armour in 2013 and signals a potentially evolving relationship with athletic brands for the superstar point guard.
A long-standing partnership between NBA superstar Stephen Curry and Under Armour is coming to an end. The athletic apparel giant announced today, June 18, that it has reached an agreement with Curry to conclude their collaboration when their contract expires in October 2026. The move signals a shift for the Curry Brand, which will operate independently moving forward, sending ripples through the basketball world.
Under Armour plans to release the Curry 13 in February 2026, marking the final signature shoe developed through the Under Armour-Curry Brand partnership. Additional colorways and apparel collections will follow before the contract officially concludes in October 2026.
In a surprising turn of events, just one day after the announcement, Curry was spotted wearing Nike footwear during practice. He laced up the Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita Sweet 16,” a signature shoe honoring the late Kobe Bryant. Curry previously played for Nike before signing with Under Armour in 2013, and his return to the Swoosh has fueled speculation about a potential reunion.
Following practice, Curry addressed a barrage of questions from reporters, acknowledging the unusual sight of him wearing Nike. He explained that his choice was a tribute to Kobe Bryant, a player he deeply admired. “That shoe itself kind of speaks for what it represents,” Curry said. “I think it really gave him a superpower.”
The Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita Sweet 16” was a special edition released in memory of Kobe and his daughter, Gigi, with the number 2 adorning the heel to honor Gigi’s dedication to girls’ basketball. Curry indicated he’s enjoying the process of experimenting with different brands and styles of shoes, leaving the door open to further variety in his footwear choices.
