Kobe Bryant’s life and legacy are celebrated in many ways. Among the most notable is the collaboration between Nike and the NBA.
Bryant was one of Nike’s most celebrated athletes, with 11 versions of his signature sneaker released during his playing career. The brand has posthumously released retro versions of Bryant’s signature shoe and, ahead of Bryant’s birthday, will be celebrating the legend on the NBA app.
On August 22, the NBA app will host a special stream of its “Air Time” program, which offers fans the chance to watch basketball “the Nike way.”
Airtime, but make it Mamba ?
We’re looking at basketball the Nike way by celebrating Kobe’s legacy and revisiting four of his greatest performances. Be sure to tune in on August 22 at 5:00 p.m. PST by connecting your Nike and NBA accounts.
— Nike Basketball (@nikebasketball) August 14, 2024
Here’s everything you need to know about “Air Time” and how the program will honor Bryant.
What is Nike Air Time Flow?
Launching during the 2023-24 NBA season, Nike Air Time served as an alternate broadcast for two games during the regular season.
Led by Alexis Morgan and Jamiesen Green, the streams feature guests who discuss and celebrate basketball culture. Other athletes and coaches discuss Nike products while telling stories about the history of the game and the sport itself.
The stream also offers those who tune in special opportunities to purchase Nike products.
During the season, Nike Air Time began with a celebration of the NBA’s City Edition jerseys during a season tournament game between the Bulls and Celtics. The second stream took place during the March meeting between the Raptors and Suns and celebrated the release of Devin Booker’s first Nike signature shoe.
How the Nike Air Time Stream Will Honor Kobe Bryant’s Legacy
The August 22 edition of Air Time will focus on four of Bryant’s greatest NBA performances while wearing the Swoosh. Among them are his 81-point game, Game 5 of the 2009 NBA Finals and Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals.
Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson is a confirmed guest on the stream. Fittingly, Brunson dazzles the Madison Square Garden crowd while wearing Kobe’s signature shoes.
In addition to the release of the Kobe 9 Elite Protro in a “Halo” colorway In honor of Bryant’s birthday, the basketball world will celebrate Mamba Day on August 24, as the date (24/8) features the numbers Bryant wore during his Laker days.
With Air Time taking place on August 22, it will be a week of celebrating the legend.
How to Watch the Nike Air Time Stream in Tribute to Kobe Bryant
- Date:Thursday August 22
- Time: 8pm ET | 5pm PT
- Live Streaming: NBA App
The Kobe-centric Air Time stream will be available on the NBA app on Thursday, August 22 at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT).
