First Look At The Nike Kobe 9 EM Protro “WNBA”

Nike is going all-out for the WNBA’s 30th anniversary, already lining up special-edition colorways across multiple lifestyle and basketball sneakers. We’ve already broken down inspired takes on the Sabrina 3 and A’Two, checking off two of the strongest women-led signature lines in the game today. Now the spotlight shifts to Kobe Bryant, whose post-retirement advocacy for women’s basketball came largely through his support of his young daughters. That influence takes a physical form here with the Nike Kobe 9 EM Protro “WNBA,” set to debut on the league’s 2026 season opener next month.

Much like last year’s Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Total Orange,” the sneaker honors the W with a vibrant orange palette inspired by the league’s logo. The official color specs read “Orange Frost/Brilliant Orange/Summit White/Ice Peach,” executed via a gradient upper paired with soft neutrals on the midsole. No overt anniversary branding is visible in the early look below, but that could change once official images surface.

The Nike Kobe 9 EM Protro “WNBA” releases May 8th, 2026 in adult and grade school sizing, priced at $190 and $122, respectively. Expect Nike-sponsored WNBA athletes – perhaps Caitlin Clark – to lace these up for opening night.

In related news, the Nike Kobe 9 EM Protro “Draft Day” aka “Hornets” drops June 1st.

@crosbykicks