Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving signing his father to shoe deal, first to do so: Sources

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving is using his platform at ANTA Sports to make a unique move in the sneaker industry. The company will sign Irving’s father, Drederick, to an endorsement deal and give him his own signature shoe, industry sources confirmed to The Athletic on Tuesday.

This marks the first time in pro sports a player has signed his father to a signature shoe deal.

Kyrie is not only an endorser for ANTA, he is also the company’s chief creative officer. His contract with the company gives him the power to sign endorsers and collaborators.

Drederick was also a professional basketball player. He played in Australia after a collegiate career at Boston University.

Drederick played at Boston University and professionally in Australia. Kyrie signed his dad to an endorsement deal — and the Drederick Irving’s will release in Foot Locker stores in September, an industry source said. https://t.co/5fwNWfXOAP

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 4, 2024

Drederick’s sneaker is scheduled to be released in stores in September, per an industry source.

Kyrie signed with ANTA Sports in 2023 after he was dropped by Nike in December 2022. Irving had been suspended earlier that season by the Brooklyn Nets after he tweeted a link to an antisemitic film. He refused to condemn the film and to apologize before his suspension for endorsing it publicly.

Nike subsequently suspended Irving, too, before breaking ties. He signed with ANTA eight months later.

Irving is playing in the upcoming NBA Finals against his former team, the Boston Celtics. He averaged 25.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game during the 2023-24 regular season.