Kyrie Irving And ANTA Form Multi-Year Partnership With Paul Quinn College, The Only HBCU In Dallas – AfroTech
Dallas Mavericks Point Guard Kyrie Irving has announced a multi-year partnership with Paul Quinn College, bringing new resources to the only HBCU in Dallas, according to HBCU Gameday.
The college is one of 14 basketball programs selected to receive a full uniform sponsorship from Irving and sports equipment company, ANTA. The three-year agreement will supply the men’s and women’s teams with ANTA sneakers, warmups, and apparel designed through Irving’s work with the brand, the outlet reports.
The sponsorship is part of a wider grassroots effort involving youth, schools, and community teams in regions tied to Irving’s career and personal history. According to HBCU Gameday, the participating programs have been outfitted with pieces from the KAI collection, including popular colorways such as Crown Jewel, Mentality, Retro ’90s, and Klay.
Paul Quinn College publicly thanked Irving for the long-term commitment in a post on X on Nov. 24:
“This isn’t your ordinary sneaker drop. @NBA legend @KyrieIrving from the @DallasMavs will outfit our basketball teams with brand new @ANTAsportswear shoes and apparel for the next three years!”
The college’s location in Dallas also connects the partnership to Irving’s current NBA home, with the college situated only minutes from the Mavericks’ arena, according to HBCU Gameday.
Irving signed with ANTA in 2023 and now serves as chief creative officer of ANTA Basketball, a role that gives him influence over the design direction of the KAI line, USA Today reported.
At the time, he said on X, “I will push our teams domestically and internationally to unite like minded Trailblazers who have the vision to create and build their craft to transcend the footwear/Apparel industry for generations to come. This is truly a full circle moment that I will not take for granted nor under appreciate given the many obstacles it took to get here. This Partnership is for all of those who want to change the world. Join me on the journey. This is #Biggerthanashoedeal”
Irving’s work with ANTA follows his departure from Nike in 2022 and includes contributions to the KAI 1 line, which — as AFROTECH™ previously reported — reached 1,901% year-over-year trade growth, making it the platform’s fastest-growing sneaker brand.
