Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown has recently made headlines for his off-court activity, particularly his fallout with Nike. Without a sneaker deal due to the rift, Brown was reportedly snubbed from Team USA’s roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics, with rumors suggesting Nike had influence in the player selection process.
Brown did not seem to stop after this much-discussed setback. In response to Nike and other sneaker brands, Brown has formally launched his debut performance brand, 741. This marks a bold new step in his career.
According to the company’s news release, Brown declined more than $50 million in endorsement opportunities from big shoe companies to go after full ownership and creative management of his brand.
Jaylen Brown’s company, 741, aims to achieve four groundbreaking goals in the shoe and apparel industry. First, 741 focuses on creating technologically advanced, performance-driven products without sacrificing design or functionality. Second, it introduces a new economic model for endorsed athletes, giving them more ownership and control over their personal brands.
Jaylen Brown drew inspiration from the late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s aspiration to launch his own sneaker brand before his tragic passing. This season, fans will see Brown sporting his new 741 sneakers as he aims to guide the Celtics to back-to-back championships.
Jaylen Brown kept it real with Nike after Team USA snub for Paris Olympics
Jaylen Brown was infamously ignored by Team USA ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, raising many questions in the NBA world, with Brown indirectly hinting Nike played a factor in the decision. Notably, Brown stated that he was “not surprised” by the decision and blamed Nike for the rejection. He provided a straightforward answer regarding Nike and his snub in an interview.
I wasn’t surprised, but my reaction was that I was happy for D White. It’s dope to have so much of our guys on there, so I was happy for those guys. But I wasn’t surprised.
Jaylen Brown told The Athletic
Team USA swapped the injured Kawhi Leonard with Brown’s teammate Derrick White, rather than the 2024 NBA Finals MVP.
Jaylen Brown on not making Team USA: “I wasn’t surprised, but my reaction was that I was happy for D White. It’s dope to have so much of our guys on there, so I was happy for those guys. But I wasn’t surprised.” pic.twitter.com/UcL9XAhhOr
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) July 16, 2024
It’s worth noting that while Brown doesn’t have a deal with Nike, his teammate Derrick White does, which may have played a role in White being favored in the selection process.
Meanwhile, Brown has launched his own sneaker brand, “741,” aiming to compete with Nike and attract other NBA stars to join his venture.
