Stephen Curry’s recent split from Under Armor comes after a tough negotiation last year concerning WNBA star Kaitlyn Clark. This issue had lingered for Curry until he moved on from the sportswear company recently, as reported by Bloomberg.
It appears that Under Armor’s offer for Clark, who was the top pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, fell short compared to Nike’s proposal, although exact financial details remain undisclosed.
Clark, who has been associated with Nike since 2022, signed a long-term deal with them in 2024, reportedly valued at $28 million.
Curry, who began his journey with Under Armor in 2013 and established his Curry brand as a separate entity in 2020, hasn’t engaged in talks regarding a new partnership with any sneaker brand yet, according to sources.
In a joint announcement, both Under Armor and Curry’s public relations team mentioned their decision to part ways was made with careful consideration, recognizing that this decision was for the good of both parties.
Reportedly, Curry and his team felt underwhelmed by what they considered a lack of investment in his brand, which they believed hadn’t met sales expectations.
A source also indicated that Curry had anticipated this shift, with Under Armor’s CEO Kevin Plank suggesting he would boost investments into Curry’s line. During a conference in September, Plank acknowledged that Under Armor hadn’t effectively showcased Curry’s narrative through its branding.
Despite their separation, both Curry and Under Armor intend to unveil the final Curry shoe in February, as outlined in their agreement.
Interestingly, the day after the news of his split, Curry was seen warming up for a game in Nike shoes. It was a stark reminder of the transition he is undergoing in his sneaker journey, especially following the Warriors’ game against the Thunder, where they faced a significant defeat.
