Trae Young’s recent departure from Adidas marks a significant shift in his sneaker career. While his signature line under the brand was popular during its initial releases, Adidas’ decision to discontinue the series following declining sales of his later models has left Young in a position to rethink his future in the sneaker market. With his star power and brand appeal still intact, this could be the perfect moment for Young to take a different approach, and he doesn’t need to look far for inspiration. Jaylen Brown’s groundbreaking decision to launch his own athlete-owned sneaker company provides a viable template for Trae Young to follow.
NBA Business: Jaylen Brown’s Playbook is a Blueprint for Trae Young
Brown, one of the NBA’s rising stars, chose a bold and innovative route in the sneaker industry by launching his own brand rather than simply signing another lucrative endorsement deal. Brown’s company (741) reflects the growing trend of athlete ownership, which allows players not just to be the face of a product, but to control and shape the narrative and design of their own gear. Financially, this strategy could be far more rewarding for athletes, as it removes the middleman and opens the door to equity ownership, a much more lucrative proposition than the traditional model of endorsement deals.
Brown’s move into the sneaker market signals the start of a broader movement among athletes to prioritize ownership over sponsorship. Jaylen Brown’s decision provides Trae Young with an intriguing option: rather than jumping straight into another endorsement deal with a major brand, Young could leverage his existing fan base and appeal to launch his own brand, inspired by the model that Brown is championing. The economics behind athlete-owned brands give players greater control over their earnings, and owning their brand equity could lead to larger long-term financial rewards compared to endorsement deals, which are often limited to fixed-term contracts with little control over product lines.
More Suitors For Trae
Even if Young doesn’t decide to start his own company, Brown’s venture may open up a new suitor for Young. As Brown continues to build his brand, he may seek high-profile collaborators to grow his company’s influence and market reach. Trae Young, with his All-Star caliber reputation and vibrant personality, could be an ideal fit for Jaylen Brown’s growing enterprise. This would give Young an opportunity to work within a player-owned framework that prioritizes creative control and personal expression—attributes that have defined his playing career and could transfer well to the sneaker world.
However, it’s important to note that Young still has options if he wants to remain with established brands. There’s potential for budget-friendly models, like Adidas’ Trae Unlimited line, to continue under his name. Other major sneaker companies, such as Nike, Puma, and New Balance, could also be potential suitors, offering him a chance to revive his signature line in collaboration with a different global powerhouse.
Jaylen Brown Has Given Trae Young Options
Whether he follows Brown’s path or joins another established brand, Young’s next steps in the sneaker market could define the future of his off-court brand. If he chooses ownership, he could set a precedent for other athletes, showing them that there are alternative routes to building both wealth and influence outside the confines of traditional endorsement deals. In this sense, Jaylen Brown’s bold business move serves as both a template and a potential partnership for Young as he looks to reshape his sneaker journey.
