Why are Nike Professional Athletes Switching to Rival Shoe Companies?

After Nike supporting Colin Kaepernick, with the Nike Ad, believe in something even if it means risking it all, you would think that more professional athletes would without a doubt either extend their shoe deal with Nike or leave their rival shoe company and sign a deal with Nike.

Gordon Hayward, who plays for the Boston Celtics is coming back from a dislocated ankle and fracturing his tibia, an injury he suffered last season. Gordon Hayward has been with Nike for much of his career. But, Anta recently was able to sway him away from Nike to sign with them to a four-year deal worth $9 million. Anta is a Chinese based shoe company that has been around since 1994. Some notable names that represent Anta are Golden State sharpshooter, Klay Thompson, professional boxer, Manny Pacquiao, and LA Lakers Point Guard, Rajon Rondo. How did Nike let a player of Gordon Hayward caliber slip away from them?


Another star athlete that Nike lost, was DeMarcus Cousins. DeMarcus,  who is still recovering from a torn Achilles injury he suffered last season. DeMarcus is another star athlete to leave Nike. DeMarcus recently signed a massive deal with Puma. Some notable names that represent Puma are rapper Meek Mill, WNBA player Skylar Diggins, and NBA 2018 #1 draft pick DeAndre Ayton from the Phoenix Suns.

For years, rival shoe companies have been closing the gap with Nike. It’s only a matter of time before someone officially jumps to the #1 spot for the best sneaker company.

Who will dethrone Nike? Only time will tell, for more updated sports news follow us on Twitter and Instagram @blogaccess1on1.