After bringing an NBA championship to the Milwaukee Bucks for the first time in 50 years, Giannis Antetokounmpo is looking to spotlight yet another 50-year-old milestone this fall.
The reigning NBA Finals MVP is teaming with Mattel to celebrate the 50th anniversary of longtime card game UNO with a Nike sneaker and apparel collection inspired by the details found on the graphics in an UNO card deck.
"I want every product to be genuine and authentic," Antetokounmpo said. "Playing UNO with my brothers is a big part of our lives."
Styled atop his latest signature model shoe, there are four variations of the UNO-hued shoes in each of the card quadrant's shades of red, blue, yellow and green. A more limited edition, black, Wild Card-themed pair will be released in November, complete with a special 50th anniversary UNO logo.
Both the 3 and 4 cards can be found paired together along the inner collar of the shoes to represent his jersey number, while the Nike Swoosh logo also features a subtle drop shadow drafting off of the card number style. An exclusive Giannis-branded UNO deck also will be released in limited fashion through the NTWRK app in the coming weeks. That deck includes a new twist -- allowing players to steal an extra card from the discard pile, dubbed "forcing a turnover."
Game recognizes game. 😤 The UNO x @NIKE x @giannis_an34 is coming soon. 👀 pic.twitter.com/g17fXQxd5L
— UNO (@realUNOgame) October 27, 2021
It's your time to become the most valuable UNO player. 🏆 The UNO x @Nike x @Giannis_An34 deck is coming soon. pic.twitter.com/UHMMKf9o8m
— UNO (@realUNOgame) October 27, 2021
UNO x @Nike x @Giannis_An34. Coming soon. 👀 pic.twitter.com/60ExGwBvQt
— UNO (@realUNOgame) October 27, 2021
Antetokounmpo, the first international basketball player to receive his own signature Nike shoe with the company, has looked to layer in storytelling often around his family history, his four brothers and his Greek and Nigerian heritage.
Past themes have celebrated everything from his fondness for smoothies, to his favorite movie "Coming To America" and now, his family's shared love for UNO.