Exclusive: Jalen Brunson x Nike Air Force 1 Protro Releasing Fall 2026

Sneaker News can confirm that a Jalen Brunson x Nike Air Force 1 Protro is scheduled to release later this year, marking the latest milestone in what has quickly become one of the most important and intriguing athlete-brand partnerships in basketball. While images have yet to surface, the project signals Nike’s continued investment in the New York Knicks superstar following a championship season that elevated his profile to an entirely new level.

Brunson has reached this point without a traditional signature shoe. Instead, he’s emerged as the leading face of Kobe Brand, regularly serving as the public ambassador for Nike’s most coveted basketball franchise through various Player Exclusive releases. The arrangement has proven beneficial for both sides; Brunson gains access to one of the most respected performance lines in the sport, while Nike leverages one of basketball’s most relatable and marketable stars to carry Kobe Bryant’s legacy forward.

The strategy has also produced results at retail; demand for Brunson-associated footwear has surged over the last year, with several of his player-inspired releases becoming some of the hottest products in Nike Basketball. His Kobe 6 Protro “Statue Of Liberty” release generated immediate demand as prices have spiked on secondary markets, while the recently unveiled Kobe 5 Protro “NY vs. NY” has already commanded significant attention with many anticipating the wider release later this Fall.

Additional details regarding the Jalen Brunson x Nike Air Force 1 Protro will arrive later this year, but for now, consider this just the beginning of the Brunson x Kobe relationship.