Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leaves Converse, signs with Nike: “We’re thrilled”
Fresh off his second consecutive MVP award, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has signed with Nike, ending a six-year partnership with Converse that culminated with the release of the Shai 001
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, fresh off winning his second straight NBA MVP award, has made the biggest move of the offseason – not on the court, but in the sneaker world.
The Oklahoma City Thunder superstar has officially parted ways with Converse to join Nike’s elite roster of signature athletes. The announcement came through a viral video in which the Canadian star’s personal logo morphs into the iconic Swoosh, signaling Shai’s arrival as a true global basketball icon.
The deal underscores Nike’s commitment to locking up one of the most influential figures in the game today, as company executives explained to Complex News:
We’re thrilled to welcome Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to the Nike Basketball signature family. Following back-to-back MVP seasons, we’re excited to build on the incredible cultural impact Shai has already demonstrated and continue elevating one of the most creative leaders in all of sports
Nike
For Converse, the departure represents a significant blow. The split ends a six-year partnership that began in 2020. Shai renewed his commitment to the brand with a massive extension in 2024 and was even named Creative Director of Converse Basketball.
At the time, CEO Jared Carver described the partnership as a cornerstone of the company’s future:
Shai perfectly embodies the concept of a creator, someone capable of pushing the boundaries of style both on and off the court
Jared Carver
That vision came to life in 2025 with the release of his first signature sneaker, the Shai 001, which launched alongside the Thunder’s championship season and was featured on the cover of the Gold Edition of NBA 2K26.
The move to parent company Nike – which has owned Converse since 2003 – represents the natural next step for a superstar whose influence now extends far beyond his franchise.
Despite the painful elimination of his Thunder at the hands of the Spurs in a seven-game Western Conference Finals battle, Shai’s numbers this season – 31.1 points and 6.6 assists per game while shooting 55.3% from the field – cemented his case for another MVP trophy.
Leaving behind the role of Converse’s “creative experiment,” Gilgeous-Alexander now enters basketball’s most exclusive club through the front door, joining the company of LeBron James and Kevin Durant. His dynasty is no longer limited to the hardwood. Now, it has fully expanded into the sneaker world as well.