The confetti had barely settled on the Madison Square Garden floor when the sneaker market went into overdrive. Jalen Brunson, fresh off leading the New York Knicks to their first NBA championship in 53 years, stepped off the court in a pair of Nike Kobe 6 “Statue of Liberty” player exclusives — and within hours, those same shoes were selling for more than seven times their retail price.
According to aftermarket tracking data from Sole Retriever, one pair sold for $1,400 shortly after the Game 5 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. The sneakers originally retailed for $200 when they dropped in December 2025. Before the Finals, they were averaging around $350 to $400 on the resale market, a modest bump that followed the Knicks’ playoff run. Now the average price sits at roughly $750, with no signs of cooling off.
Why Brunson’s Sneakers Mean More Than Just Shoes
Brunson, who is sponsored by Nike, has essentially become the face of the Kobe line. While many stars chase their own signature models, Brunson has instead asked Nike for unlimited access to Kobe PEs — and the company has obliged. Throughout the season, he rotated through several exclusive colorways, some of which later saw public releases, including the “Arancia” Kobe 3 and his “Warning Label” Kobe 3.
But when the biggest game of his career arrived, he went back to a fan favorite: the Statue of Liberty-themed Kobe 6, a nod to New York. The sneakers sold out almost immediately upon release on Nike’s platforms and in NYC retail stores, but the championship moment has turned them into instant collectibles.
“Someone just bought a pair for $1,400,” tweeted Sole Retriever, capturing the frenzy. Sneaker Bar Detroit also posted video of Brunson walking off the court in the sneakers with the caption: “Jalen Brunson wears Nike Kobe 6 ‘Statue of Liberty’ as Knicks end 53-year championship drought 🗽”
What This Means for Future Releases
The championship win is expected to fuel a new wave of demand for Brunson’s Kobe PEs. Fans online have noted that the Knicks’ title could create a lasting surge in interest, especially if Nike continues to release Brunson’s colorways to the public. The team has not confirmed any additional drops, but given the trajectory, it seems likely that more limited-edition pairs are on the way.
For now, the sneaker market is watching closely. If you missed the initial release, you might have to pay a premium — or wait to see if Nike capitalizes on the moment with a championship-themed re-release. Either way, Brunson’s footwear has become as iconic as the shot that sealed the title.
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