“New Beginnings”: Steph Curry Makes Feelings Clear on Rocking Nike After Entering Sneaker Free Agency

Stephen Curry ended his decade-long run with Under Armour on Thursday as he entered sneaker free agency. A day later, he warmed up in black-and-white Nikes against the San Antonio Spurs and made his feelings clear about wearing the swoosh after the game.

When asked about his choice to wear Nikes during a media appearance, Curry kept his response simple. He called himself a “free agent,” excited for “new beginnings,” while also acknowledging his “unbelievable experience” with Under Armour.

"I am a free agent, new beginnings," Curry said. "I was blessed to have an unbelievable experience, to take a chance on something that meant a lot to me over the last 13 years and I'm extremely proud ... but I'm excited about the future"

The four-time NBA champion was further asked about his decision to move on from Under Armour and why the partnership ended "now."

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"Just in the best interest of both parties, the sneaker industry is difficult and like I said, things change over time," Curry explained. "A little disappointing on how it turned out based on where the Curry brand has been for the last five years, the announcement we had two years ago, but I think it's the right thing for everybody."

Curry wore the Kobe 6 Protro Mambacita edition during his pre-game warm-up against the Spurs on Friday. This marked the first time the guard has worn the swoosh since 2013, and it will be interesting to see how the Curry brand moves forward.

With the Warriors star looking to continue building his brand, apparel companies will be eager to capitalize on a major name entering the sneaker free agency market.

Under Armour shares update on the future of the Curry Brand following its split with Steph Curry

Steph Curry’s entry into sneaker free agency marks a significant moment for the industry. The guard revolutionized the sneaker landscape after joining forces with Under Armour in 2013, but seems to be ready for a new challenge.

However, the split does not take effect until the end of 2026, as Under Armour provided an update on the future of the Curry brand in a press release.

"Under Armour, Inc. and Stephen Curry today announced plans to separate Curry Brand from Under Armour," the press release read. "Under the separation, Curry will become independent of Under Armour. UA will release the Curry 13 – the final Curry Brand x Under Armour shoe in February 2026 as planned, with additional colorways and apparel collections available through October 2026."

While Curry is free to wear other brands over the next year and pursue new partnership deals, the Curry brand will continue to operate under Under Armour until the end of 2026.

Edited by Arian Kashyap