OG Anunoby became the first NBA player to win a Finals title while wearing Skechers, and on June 15, 2026 he unveiled a signature sneaker during a charity meet‑and‑greet in New York.
What happened?
The New York Knicks clinched the 2026 NBA championship on June 15, 2026, with a 101‑99 win in Game 4. Forward OG Anunoby tipped in the winning basket with 1.2 seconds left, wearing a custom‑designed Skechers SKX Reign sneaker in Knicks colors and his own "OG" logo. The shoe was later placed in his locker for display, not for future play.
How did the partnership start?
Anunoby first noticed Skechers while with the Toronto Raptors, spotting teammates Terrance Mann and Julius Randle in the brand’s shoes. After joining the Knicks, he asked Randle about the footwear and was drawn to the sleek, lightweight look. "On the court, I just liked the way they look," he told reporters, adding that the brand feels like a supportive family.
Why the sneaker matters for Anunoby and Skechers?
Skechers rolled out two exclusive colorways for the Finals, one inspired by the Timberland "Wheat" boot that the Knicks use as a defensive player‑of‑the‑game award. The first pair, the SKX Reign, arrived as a surprise and was used for warm‑ups. Anunoby said he needed extra time to break them in for game play, but plans to train in them over the summer.
The second pair, the game‑winning edition, featured the Knicks’ blue and orange palette and the "OG" logo. Pre‑orders opened shortly after the victory, and Skechers reported tens of thousands of sign‑ups awaiting the launch. The shoe’s exposure links Anunoby’s defensive reputation with a mainstream sneaker brand, expanding his market beyond basketball fans.
What’s next for the signature shoe?
Skechers announced that the game‑worn pair will stay in Anunoby’s locker as a trophy, while a production version will hit stores later this year. The brand also partnered with the Garden of Dreams Foundation, Children’s Aid and SCAN‑Harbor for a meet‑and‑greet that night, letting NYC kids try the shoes and meet the forward.
Anunoby hinted he will wear the sneaker in summer workouts, hoping the extra wear will shape the final design. If demand holds, the release could become one of the season’s biggest sneaker drops, tying his defensive legacy to a consumer product.
How does this affect Anunoby’s brand?
By securing a signature shoe after a championship, Anunoby joins a short list of NBA players with personal footwear lines. The timing—right after a historic win—gives the partnership instant credibility. Fans now associate his on‑court clutch play with the Skechers brand, potentially boosting both his endorsement value and the company’s market share in performance sneakers.
The event also highlighted Anunoby’s roots in the United Kingdom, reminding British fans of his journey from London to NBA stardom. As the Knicks celebrate their title, Anunoby’s sneaker story adds a fresh chapter to his growing legacy.