CounterKicks Exclusive: Back in May we broke the story on Kevin Garnett’s brand switch from adidas to ANTA at the tail end of last year’s NBA season and now we can officially confirm another endorsement change up to launch the new 2010-11 NBA season tonight: Ron Artest has left PEAK and has signed an endorsement deal with BALL’N. Full story and brand statements from both PEAK and BALL’N to CounterKicks follow below. Continue reading for the exclusive details behind Ron Artest’s new endorsement signing with BALL’N.
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When Ron Artest appears at the Los Angeles Lakers ring ceremony tonight, he won’t be in the PEAK shoes that he wore all last season, culminating in the Lakers 16th NBA championship. Instead, Artest will be wearing the BALL’N basketball brand, which we have exclusively learned he has officially inked a deal with this week.
Artest will wear the BALL’N Lay Up model for at least the first half of the new NBA season. The Lay Up, featuring the company’s new d3o shock absorption performance technology, will initially be an LA exclusive release around All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles next year, with a further retail roll out planned for NYC, Chicago and Atlanta among other cities afterward. Price point has not yet been set.
BALL’N company founder Rodney Jeter tells CounterKicks:
“Ron Artest has been very happy with the comfort and performance of his new BALL’N shoes with our d3o technology.”
Founded in 1991, BALL’N describes itself as an athletic brand striving to “create quality footwear, apparel, and protective compression gear for athletes,” according to its website.
CounterKicks reached PEAK Public Relations Coordinator Allison Douglas for official comment:
“PEAK has thoroughly enjoyed working with Ron the past few years. While he will most certainly be a missed member of the PEAK USA Family, we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
The BALL’N signing of Ron Artest is not due to be officially announced with full press statements until next week, Jeter tells CK. More exclusive details behind the new Artest and BALL’N relationship coming soon to CounterKicks.
