Nike Unveils Exclusive Kobe 9 PE for Duke Women’s Basketball Team

Durham, North Carolina – As preparations ramp up for March Madness, Nike is unveiling a special Player Edition of the Kobe 9 EM designed exclusively for the Duke University Women’s Basketball Team. This release is part of Nike’s broader strategy for 2025, further showcasing the brand’s commitment to collegiate athletic partnerships.

The Duke Kobe 9 PE features a striking design, with a white mesh upper complemented by a black outsole and blue accents adorning the Swoosh, midsole, tongue, and Flywire cables. Icons of the late Kobe Bryant are also present, with the Black Mamba logo on the right tongue and the school’s iconic “D” on the left. Although these shoes are not slated for a public release, they will be prominently worn during the women’s team’s pursuit of its first NCAA Championship.

These shoes were revealed through images shared on social media, highlighting their aesthetic appeal and connection to the North Carolina school. Coach Kara Lawson is expected to wear the Kobe 9 EM during tournament play, underscoring Nike’s focus on high-performance basketball footwear tailored for elite athletes.

“We are honored to provide our athletes with such a significant tribute to Kobe,” said Lawson. “The design not only showcases the spirit of Duke but also the legacy of one of the greatest to ever play the game.”

The Duke Blue Devils have cultivated a strong basketball tradition, consistently producing elite talent and amplifying the brand’s prestige. With Nike planning to enhance its basketball footwear lineup this year, the Kobe 9 EM is expected to be joined by various new colorways, including the much-anticipated “Moonwalker” and “Team Bank” editions.

The sneaker community eagerly awaits more from Nike this March as they dive deeper into the world of Player Exclusives, further bridging the gap between professional sports footwear and collegiate excellence.