Kyrie Irving had quite the year on the online marketplace StockX.
The company, founded by Greg Schwartz, allows users to bid on or purchase shoes, streetwear, electronics, and collectibles, its website notes. To ensure a positive experience for all parties involved, several safeguards have been built into its platforms, such as a multi-step verification process, true market pricing, and security and fraud systems.
According to information shared with AFROTECH, over 100 brands broke sales records in their marketplace. These include Saucony, Timberland, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Stanley.
“The resale market proved its resilience in 2024,” said Greg Schwartz, StockX co-founder and CEO, in a statement shared with AFROTECH™. “Whatever 2025 has in store – whether it’s new names in streetwear, viral collectibles brands, or a fresh set of players in the sneaker space – our platform will continue to diversify to serve our customers as new trends take hold.”
Moreover, Irving’s partnership with ANTA, formed in 2023, represented a significant milestone within the marketplace. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, he became the first athlete to achieve a signature shoe line with the Chinese-based sports brand. This accomplishment came after his 11-year tenure with Nike concluded, following his release from the company.
“I’m incredibly excited about this collaboration. The first step in becoming partners is to share the same dreams, goals, and missions. ANTA’s rapid development over the years, openness to creativity, willingness to embrace family and teamwork, and expertise in areas like product innovation and manufacturing processes have left a remarkable impression on not just me, but also my A11Even team who will work side by side with me in creating something truly generationally special,” Irving, who also took on the role of ANTA Basketball’s Chief Creative Officer, said at the time in a news release.
Irving’s signature Kai 1 sneaker is currently an overwhelming success on StockX. It reached a 1,901% year-over-year trade growth and is now its fastest-growing sneaker brand.
