LeBron James Becomes First Male Athlete to Join Ken Doll Lineup

LOS ANGELES, April 9, 2025 — LeBron James, the legendary NBA player, is making waves once again, this time in the toy industry. Mattel has announced the launch of a Ken doll modeled after James, making him the first professional male athlete to receive this honor. The doll will be available for sale starting April 14 for $75.

Krista Berger, the senior vice president of Barbie at Mattel, expressed excitement about the release. “We are excited to bring fans a new presentation of Ken that celebrates LeBron as a role model,” she said. Berger highlighted James’ ability to transcend cultures and set a positive example for future generations.

The LeBron Ken doll features the basketball star in a stylish varsity jacket, complete with his initials ‘LJ’ and patches representing Ohio and a crown. Additionally, the doll sports the number 23—his jersey number—and includes accessories such as a basketball, headphones, and sneakers.

Standing an inch taller than the standard Ken doll, the LeBron toy reflects James’ actual height of 6 feet 9 inches. In a promotional video, James excitedly remarked upon seeing the doll for the first time, saying, “Oh, he dope! That’s so cool!” However, he playfully noted, “he might have to do a little lifting, legs are looking skinny.”

This release is a significant moment for the 65-year-old brands, as Mattel continues its initiative to diversify its dolls to represent various careers, body types, and backgrounds. While Barbie has previously featured female athletes like Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, James is the first male athlete to be inducted into this lineup.

“As a young kid, I was fortunate to have role models who not only inspired me but also showed me what’s possible through hard work and dedication,” James stated. “Now, as an adult, I understand how vital it is for young people to have positive figures to look up to.”

The launch comes amid ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, where nearly 40% of Mattel’s production takes place. In light of escalating tariffs announced by President Donald Trump on Chinese imports, Mattel indicated that it might need to adjust pricing or its supply chain.

Despite these challenges, the LeBron Ken doll exemplifies a critical shift in Mattel’s approach to marketing. Berger emphasized the need for modern toys that reflect cultural icons who inspire young dreams and aspirations.

The LeBron doll will hit store shelves, including Target, Amazon, and Walmart, at midnight on April 14.