As Stephen Curry finalises a $400 million, 10-year deal with Li-Ning, the sneaker industry’s next major free agent is already emerging: Victor Wembanyama.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the San Antonio Spurs center will become a sneaker free agent in October, just as he competes in the NBA Finals.
“Victor Wembanyama is on the highest stage now at the NBA Finals,” Charania said on the Cousins podcast. “His shoe deal is actually up in October as well, so he’s going to be a sneaker free agent soon.”
Wembanyama, 22, recently won Conference Finals MVP and became the first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year. He originally signed a footwear and apparel deal with Nike while playing in France, which was extended after he was selected No. 1 overall in the 2023 draft.
Though he lacks a signature sneaker, the French star fronts Nike’s GT performance line. In 2024, Nike unveiled his personal “Alien” logo.
Charania noted that other young stars—Anthony Edwards (Adidas), Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum (Jordan Brand), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Converse)—are already locked into long-term deals, leaving Wembanyama as the premier uncommitted talent.
The 7-foot-4 phenom is also the cover athlete for NBA 2K27, amplifying offseason interest in his next sneaker move.
