EXCLUSIVE: Anthony Edwards Signs a Multi-Year Extension With Adidas

Coming off of the success of his AE 1 signature sneaker, Anthony Edwards and Adidas have agreed to a multi-year extension of their partnership.

While terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, a representative for Adidas told Footwear News the new deal is a “significant multi-year contract extension.” Aside from Edwards’ signature line, Adidas will reinforce its commitment to the Team USA and Minnesota Timberwolves star’s “Don’t Follow the Wave” initiative, which provides resources and opportunities to underserved youth in local communities.

“Adidas and I are creating history together,” Edwards said in a press release. “They’ve believed in me from the start and we have a shared vision for the future – which is why this relationship is so special to me. The launch of AE 1 was just the beginning. The world won’t want to miss what’s next. Believe That.”

Eric Wise, global general manager of Adidas Basketball, added: “Anthony embodies the spirit and determination that defines adidas Basketball. From the very beginning, we saw his immense potential and made a substantial commitment to his talent and vision. This extended partnership signifies our unwavering belief in his ability to lead and inspire. Together, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in basketball, both on the court and in our communities.”

The AE 1 has been a massive hit since launching in December, regularly selling out with the addition of new colorways on its way to being the most buzzed-about basketball sneaker in years. The first low-top iteration will make its debut later in July, departing from the usual mid-cut.

Executives from Adidas Basketball have been frank about the AE 1 being at the forefront of a reset for the division, with Wise previously telling Footwear News it had “felt stale.” Launched in February, James Harden’s Harden Vol. 8 has also been prone to sellouts while breathing new life into his signature line. Performance-driven design with bold shapes and color-blocking unite the new wave of signature sneakers, which added Donovan Mitchell’s D.O.N. Issue 6 at the top of July.