LOS ANGELES, CA (October 21, 2025) — Iconic streetwear brand Karl Kani has announced the signing of North Carolina State Champion King Kendrick as its first-ever NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) athlete, in collaboration with Overtime Sports Management Group (OSMG). At just 17 years old, the rising basketball star becomes the youngest athlete to join forces with one of fashion’s most influential labels, signaling a new era at the intersection of sports, culture, and style.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, King Kendrick began making his mark early, winning two City League Championships and earning two All-City honors before transferring to Caldwell Academy in North Carolina. In February 2025, he led Caldwell to a state championship title, earning All-State recognition and establishing himself among the nation’s top young prospects.
That same month, during NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, NBA superstar Kyrie Irving, who mentors Kendrick and follows him on Instagram, called the young guard “the next prototype in basketball, a player who can score with either hand from anywhere on the floor.”
In April 2025, Karl Kani, widely known as the “Godfather of Urban Fashion,” invited Kendrick to Los Angeles to star in the brand’s official “90s Kid” campaign, photographed by best-selling author and creative visionary Carell Augustus (Black Hollywood: Reimagining Iconic Movie Moments). The collaboration blended the legacy of 1990s streetwear with the forward-looking energy of the next generation, positioning Kendrick as both a rising athlete and a cultural symbol of modern identity.
Over the summer, Kendrick suited up for Team CP3, one of Nike EYBL’s elite grassroots programs, earning an invitation to the prestigious Nike Elite 100 Camp, a development hub for the nation’s most promising basketball talent. His success continued in August 2025 when Kyrie Irving and Anta Sports invited him to the exclusive NBPA x Five-Star Camp in New York, a showcase for top national prospects.
Kendrick’s growing profile extends beyond the court. Steph Curry is among the prominent athletes following him on social media, recognizing his potential as both a player and a future cultural leader.
“This partnership with King Kendrick represents a full-circle moment for Karl Kani,” said a Karl Kani Brand Representative. “From the beginning, Karl Kani has stood for self-expression, empowerment, and authenticity. King Kendrick embodies that same vision — a fearless next-generation voice with the talent, confidence, and originality to inspire millions.”
The partnership marks a pivotal step in the evolution of NIL agreements, illustrating how young athletes can now forge global influence before reaching the collegiate or professional level. With a growing personal brand shaped by athletic excellence, digital engagement, and cultural awareness, King Kendrick represents the future of athlete entrepreneurship.
Now entering his junior season at Caldwell Academy, Kendrick remains focused on leading his team to another championship run while simultaneously expanding his influence off the court. The collaboration with Karl Kani cements his place not only in the world of basketball but also within the broader cultural landscape of fashion, media, and youth innovation.
“This is bigger than basketball,” said King Kendrick. “Karl Kani is a legend who broke barriers for culture and creativity. To represent a brand that stands for self-belief and expression means everything to me. I’m honored to be part of this movement.”
As NIL regulations continue to reshape the sports industry, King Kendrick’s partnership with Karl Kani serves as a defining case study in the new model of athlete-brand collaboration — one driven by authenticity, influence, and the power to inspire the next generation.
About Karl Kani
Founded in the early 1990s by designer Karl Kani, the brand helped pioneer the streetwear movement by merging hip-hop culture, fashion, and self-expression. Worn by icons such as Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., and Aaliyah, Karl Kani continues to influence the global style landscape through collaborations that blend legacy with innovation.
About Overtime Sports Management Group (OSMG)
OSMG is a boutique athlete management and NIL representation firm focused on bridging sports, media, and brand partnerships. The agency works with elite youth and collegiate athletes to develop long-term strategies for career growth, marketing, and brand alignment in the digital era.
