In a major move over the weekend, Tyrese Haliburton announced a groundbreaking sneaker deal with Puma, a brand valued at $6.06 billion in market cap. Tyrese Haliburton joins Puma as the new face of their basketball division, marking a significant partnership. The partnership was revealed with an emotionally charged promotional video posted by Haliburton himself on his social media account, X (formerly known as Twitter), on Tuesday morning.
The video shows Haliburton practicing in an empty gym, shooting jump shots while his father, John Haliburton, provides a heartfelt narration. As Tyrese sinks each shot with ease, his father’s monologue strikes a deeply personal note. John Haliburton reflects on his son’s talent and tenacity, addressing critics who once doubted Tyrese’s unorthodox shooting mechanics.
“He ain’t no joke,” John Haliburton states with conviction, adding, “And that’s a promise.”
Made you look. #PUMAfam@PUMA @PUMAHoops pic.twitter.com/njC9vGmVcW— Tyrese Haliburton (@TyHaliburton22) October 8, 2024
The video concludes with a teaser for a signature shoe but leaves fans on the edge of their seats as no official product is shown. It was a bold move by Puma to leave viewers in anticipation, but the excitement it generated was palpable across social media. As Tyrese Haliburton joins Puma, the basketball and sneaker world can’t help but wonder what’s next.
This partnership with Puma comes at a pivotal time in Haliburton’s career. The 24-year-old guard is fresh off a gold-medal win with Team USA at the Olympics and has quickly risen through the ranks of the NBA since being traded to the Indiana Pacers in 2022. Over the past two seasons, Tyrese Haliburton has evolved into one of the league’s top point guards, earning All-Star selections in both 2023 and 2024.
Last season, Haliburton led the NBA in assists, averaging just under 11 per game (10.9), further solidifying his role as a facilitator and leader on the court. His relentless work ethic and continued improvement make him the perfect candidate to represent Puma’s basketball division.
For Puma, this partnership is a strategic move to strengthen their presence in the highly competitive basketball market. By signing Haliburton, the brand aims to capture the attention of basketball fans and fashion-forward consumers alike. As Tyrese Haliburton joins Puma, the brand’s basketball roster gains fresh energy and excitement. Puma’s redefined focus on basketball, with Haliburton as a leading name, will draw in younger and more diverse fans, eager for innovative designs and relatable stories.
Following the video release, NBA fans took to social media to share their thoughts, and the reaction was overwhelmingly positive. Many fans were quick to praise both Tyrese Haliburton and his father for their roles in the video. John Haliburton’s narration resonated with viewers, bringing a personal touch to an otherwise straightforward brand announcement.
“John deserves his own spot in every commercial from now on,” one fan tweeted. Another chimed in, “This video gave me chills—Tyrese and his dad are a dynamic duo.”
While John’s commentary captivated audiences, fans were equally eager to know more about Haliburton’s signature shoe. The teaser left fans buzzing with anticipation, and the demands for a first look at the upcoming sneaker came pouring in.
What a great commercial with Papa Haliburton – he’s a natural! These will be my first ever Pumas.— Matt Wooten (@MrMattWooten) October 8, 2024
Love this! Love that your dad is in this commercial. Need to order some new Pumas….stat!— South Dakota Cyclone (@shelliereitzel) October 8, 2024
“Ahh, when are we getting a first look at the Tyrese 1s?” one fan commented. Another user stated, “Need the Rese 1’s exponentially.” The excitement surrounding the upcoming release is already creating a buzz, even without any official product details being revealed yet.
Puma’s strategic decision to leave the shoe out of the promo video seems to have worked, as fans are now more eager than ever for a reveal. The collaboration between Tyrese Haliburton and Puma appears to be a match made in marketing heaven, with huge potential for success. The fact that Tyrese Haliburton joins Puma and instantly creates waves among basketball and sneaker enthusiasts showcases the power of the brand-athlete relationship.
Haliburton’s signing adds a new layer of excitement to Puma’s NBA roster, which currently features another young star, Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball. Ball joined Puma in 2020 after being drafted No. 3 overall and has since launched his signature shoe line, which has gained popularity due to its vibrant colorways and unique designs.
While LaMelo Ball continues to represent Puma with his signature collection, Haliburton’s addition gives the brand another high-profile athlete to diversify their offerings in the basketball space. With both young stars making waves in the NBA, Puma is positioning itself to challenge other major sportswear brands that have long dominated the basketball market.
For now, Haliburton will focus on leading the Indiana Pacers to another successful season. After a deep playoff run that saw the Pacers reach the Eastern Conference Finals, the team is determined to make another strong push in the upcoming season. With Haliburton at the helm, Indiana will be looking to contend for an NBA title, and fans will be watching closely as the Pacers aim to capitalize on the momentum they’ve built in recent years.
Tyrese Haliburton’s deal with Puma couldn’t have come at a better time. He is a young star on the rise, with both on-court accolades and off-court charisma. By featuring his father in the announcement video, Puma smartly tapped into the family-driven narrative that resonates deeply with fans. John Haliburton’s monologue was a masterstroke in humanizing the campaign, giving it emotional weight that extends beyond basketball. Puma’s choice to sign Haliburton speaks to their understanding of the modern athlete—one who is not only skilled but also brings a compelling personal story to the table.
While fans eagerly await the debut of Haliburton’s signature shoe, this partnership has already positioned both him and Puma for massive success. As the sneaker wars continue in the NBA, expect Tyrese Haliburton to become one of the most talked-about names in basketball and sportswear.
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