BREAKING: Kentucky Wildcats Star Koby Brea Signs Multi-Year Shoe Deal with New Balance
In a major development ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, Kentucky Wildcats standout Koby Brea has inked a multi-year shoe deal with New Balance. The highly anticipated draft prospect, who is projected to be a top pick, is set to become a key figure in New Balance’s basketball division, marking a significant step in his professional career
A New Era for New Balance Basketball
Brea’s signing represents a bold move for New Balance as the brand continues to expand its influence in the basketball world. Over the past few years, New Balance has been strategically acquiring rising stars to compete with industry giants like Nike and Adidas. Brea’s addition to their roster aligns with the company’s vision of elevating young, dynamic players who embody the brand’s commitment to excellence and innovation
The NIL + NBA Deal: Brea’s Strategic Move
Before finalizing his deal with New Balance, Brea reportedly met with several major footwear brands in Los Angeles this spring. The discussions revolved around a groundbreaking agreement that would integrate both NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rights from his collegiate career and his future in the NBA. This unique deal structure ensures that Brea remains a brand ambassador as he transitions from college basketball to the professional ranks, solidifying his marketability and influence in the sports industry
Brea’s Rise to Stardom
Koby Brea has been a standout performer for the Kentucky Wildcats, dazzling fans with his scoring ability, sharp shooting, and leadership on the court. His impressive collegiate career has made him a highly sought-after prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft. Scouts and analysts project him as a lottery pick, with his versatility and elite shooting making him a valuable asset for any NBA franchise.
A Future Face of New Balance
With this deal, Brea is poised to become one of the faces of New Balance Basketball, joining the ranks of NBA stars who have helped propel the brand’s presence in the league. His collaboration with New Balance is expected to feature signature footwear releases, exclusive apparel, and marketing campaigns tailored to his unique style and on-court prowess.
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Koby Brea—not just for his basketball skills, but for his influence as a rising star in the sneaker industry. This partnership with New Balance marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both Brea and the brand.
Lamont Butler, Mark Pope share moment after Sweet 16 loss
Lamont Butler and Mark Pope saw Kentucky’s NCAA Tournament run end in the Sweet 16 as Kentucky fell to Tennessee 78-65 in a battle of SEC teams in Indianapolis.
It also ended Pope’s first season at the helm of the Wildcats. The former Kentucky standout was hired from BYU to replace John Calipari after the latter stepped down from the program after 15 years before taking the vacant head coaching position at Arkansas.
And while the Wildcats hadn’t been to a Sweet 16 since 2019 — below the standard set by the program’s fans — it took Pope just one season to get them there.
There were obvious emotions being poured out after the game, including between Butler, whose college career has come to an end, and Pope. The two shared an embrace while heading back to the locker room, as you can see from video shot by WLWT sports anchor Charlie Clifford:
Butler transferred to Kentucky after 4 seasons at San Diego State, who he helped lead to the 2023 national championship game. He averaged 11.4 points in 27 games in 2024-25 while dealing with a shoulder injury. He was held scoreless against Troy in the first round but scored 14 points against Illinois before an 18-point outing against Tennessee on Friday.
Kentucky went 24-12 in 2024-25
Never mind the sting of the NCAA Sweet 16 loss, Kentucky basketball has the right coach
Hey BBN, you’ve got the right guy. Never mind the 78-65 loss to Tennessee in the NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional semifinals on Friday night at Lucas Oil Stadium. Never mind that the No. 2 seed Volunteers controlled the game from start to finish. Never mind that after beating the Vols twice in the regular season, Kentucky could not pull off the three-peat feat. Or that Tennessee was probably the better team all along.
Never mind that Kentucky basketball’s season ended at 24-12, in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, without a regular-season SEC championship or an SEC Tournament championship and four victories shy of the ultimate goal of hanging a ninth national championship banner at Rupp Arena. “We didn’t finish the job, which is a real thing,” Pope said Friday night. He will. Give him time and he will. This season was just the first step.
Truth be told, a better-than-expected first step. We’ve said it over and over, but it bears repeating. Pope put together a totally new roster on the fly of college athletes who didn’t know each other until they stepped on campus. He built his roster in about a month. And that roster built a strong bond in a short amount of time. A bond that carried them through injuries and losses and big wins.
If you don’t believe me, ask the players. “It was fun,” said Otega Oweh, the Oklahoma transfer who was the team’s leading scorer. “The coach pumped unlimited confidence into his guys. I’m really appreciative for him and all that he’s done for each and every one of us. We all came here with no team. We trusted him and believed in everything he had for everybody.”
As Kentucky’s turn at the postgame podium was about to come to a close, point guard Lamont Butler said he had something to say. “The bar is going to be set high for the next group that comes in under Pope. It’s going to be fun to watch, for sure.” “If you’re in the transfer portal and you’re looking for a spot to go, go to Kentucky,” said teammate Andrew Carr, using his thumbs to push out the “Kentucky” on the front of his jersey. “I’ll tell you that much. Go to Kentucky.”
Did the Cats play well Friday night? No, they did not. They were held to a season-low 15 attempts from 3-point territory, making six. They were outrebounded by 11 and outscored on second chance points by 14. They were never able to find any offensive flow or rhythm. Credit Tennessee for that. The Vols played to their strength.
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