Nike Announces Big Kobe Bryant, WNBA Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By JC Ansis | Last updated Apr 15, 2025 7:59 PM ET

The late Kobe Bryant has inspired millions of people all over the world, which is proof that his impact goes well beyond the NBA and basketball communities. Professional athletes, celebrities and ordinary people hold Bryant in high regard because of what he accomplished on the court, as well as off the court.

It was no secret that Bryant always championed women’s basketball and was a huge supporter of the WNBA. A month before their untimely passing, Bryant watched the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Dallas Mavericks alongside his daughter, Gigi Bryant, while wearing an orange WNBA hoodie. This memorable image became the inspiration for designing a special colorway of Bryant’s signature shoe, which has been one of the most sought-after sneakers since his passing.

The WNBA-inspired Kobe 6 Protro “Total Orange” colorway pays tribute to the iconic photo of Bryant and his daughter and is set to be released on July 18, according to sneaker news source Sole Retriever, after previous reports suggested that it would drop in September. The timing of the release will likely coincide with the WNBA All-Star Weekend—a fitting nod to Bryant’s admiration for the league.

Bryant's sixth signature sneaker will be dominantly covered in orange, the primary color of the WNBA. The bright orange upper is contrasted by a silver metallic Swoosh on the sides and Bryant’s Nike logo on the tongue. It is expected to drop in men’s and GS sizing, with retail prices of $180 and $120, respectively.

RELEASE UPDATE: The Nike Kobe 6 Protro “WNBA” has been pushed up from September to July 18th ️

IH1871-800
$180 (Men’s); $120 (GS)
nopokicks (IG) pic.twitter.com/aFZc7iepra
— Sole Retriever (@SoleRetriever) April 15, 2025

Nike continues to release different colorways and updated versions of Bryant’s signature shoe because its high performance and aesthetics have made them a staple in most NBA and WNBA players’ sneaker rotations.

When the Kobe 6 Protro “Total Orange” drops, expect professional players and fans alike to try to get their hands on a pair of this much-anticipated colorway.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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