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Kyrie Irving shoe deal, explained: Inside the ANTA brand behind moccasin sneakers, other designs by Mavericks star

Bryan Murphy

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Kyrie Irving shoe deal, explained: Inside the ANTA brand behind moccasin sneakers, other designs by Mavericks star image

Basketball fanatics are well aware of the biggest sports companies tied to their favorite hoopers. Nike and Adidas are considered the top dogs in the business, but others such as Puma and Under Armour have made an impact on the NBA shoe game. 

However, there's another company that is leaving its mark in the basketball sneaker sphere — ANTA. 

The company may not be a household name for hoops followers, but it is increasing in popularity. A number of notable NBA players are inked to the brand, including Mavericks star Kyrie Irving. The Dallas guard is known for his unique style and creative sneakers on the court and, with ANTA, he has broadened that portfolio. 

So what is ANTA and what is the company's relationship with Irving? The Sporting News has the details.  

MORE: How Anthony Edwards' comments fueled Kyrie Irving in Game 1 of Mavericks vs. Timberwolves

What is ANTA?

ANTA is a sports equipment company that is headquartered in Jinjiang, China. Founded in 1994, it specializes in creating athletic sneakers, clothing and other accessories. 

While it may not be a well-known brand in the United States, it is one of the biggest companies on the global scale. ANTA is the world's largest sports equipment company in terms of revenue, and the third-largest manufacturer of sporting goods behind only Nike and Adidas.

After leaving Nike, Irving signed a five-year deal with ANTA in 2023. He also serves as the brand's Chief Creative Officer.

Who wears ANTA in the NBA?

In addition to Irving, a number of NBA players are signed to ANTA. 

Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson has been the face of the brand after leaving Nike in 2015. He reportedly signed a 10-year extension with the company in 2017. He has released eight signature sneakers under the KT line.

ANTA has also signed his Golden State teammate Kevon Looney and former Warrior James Wiseman to deals.

Other notable players signed by ANTA include Oklahoma City Thunder forward Gordon Hayward, Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann and Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso. 

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Former Celtics and Timberwolves legend Kevin Garnett used to be signed to the brand. 

One of the company's biggest partnerships comes from the boxing world, as Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao has a deal with ANTA.

Kyrie Irving moccasin sneakers

Irving started the 2024 Western Conference Finals in style. For Game 1 of the Mavericks vs. Timberwolves series, the guard showed off a unique sneaker, called the ANTA KAI 1 "Chief Hélà."

The Native American-inspired style of shoe is a different version of the KAI 1s, which were released in March. It takes the appearance of a moccasin, as Irving gives a nod to his heritage.  

Here is a look at the original KAI 1s. 

The moccasin isn't the only special edition of the shoe. He also included a Mother's Day design for the line of foot apparel, which also has Native American themes, and the "Enlightened Warrior."

Bryan Murphy

Bryan Murphy Photo

Bryan Murphy joined The Sporting News in 2022 as the NHL/Canada content producer. Previously he worked for NBC Sports on their national news desk reporting on breaking news for the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL, in addition to covering the 2020 and 2022 Olympic Games. A graduate of Quinnipiac University, he spent time in college as a beat reporter covering the men’s ice hockey team.