Tyrese Haliburton Powers Kelsey Mitchell's New Puma Shoe Deal
Tyrese Haliburton is at the center of Kelsey Mitchell's latest Puma partnership, a deal announced on 7 Jul 2026 that includes a special performance perk linking the NBA guard to the sprint champion.
Puma signed sprint star Kelsey Mitchell to a multi‑year shoe contract, and the brand added a twist: Mitchell will receive a custom‑designed shoe featuring a "Tyrese Haliburton perk"-a limited‑edition colorway inspired by the guard's Indiana Pacers jersey and his on‑court style. The perk also grants Mitchell exclusive access to Haliburton’s training footage, allowing her to study his footwork and agility drills.
Haliburton gains cross‑sport exposure, reaching track and field audiences that rarely follow NBA games. Puma will showcase his likeness on promotional material, and the guard will appear in a short video series where he breaks down his quick‑release passes for Mitchell’s followers. The collaboration highlights Haliburton’s reputation as a playmaker whose speed off the ball mirrors a sprinter’s burst.
Both athletes are known for their rapid acceleration-Haliburton’s first‑step speed drives the Pacers’ transition offense, while Mitchell’s 100‑meter dash times rank among the world’s best. By linking their brands, Puma creates a narrative that celebrates elite speed across sports. The deal also marks the first time a basketball player’s branding has been directly tied to a track star’s footwear line.
Fans can expect a limited‑edition shoe drop later this month, with proceeds supporting youth basketball programs in Indiana and track scholarships in Ohio. The collaboration hints at more cross‑disciplinary endorsements, where athletes leverage each other's skill sets to broaden market appeal. Haliburton’s involvement may open doors for other NBA players to partner with non‑basketball athletes, expanding the scope of sports marketing.
Puma announced the release date for the "Haliburton‑Mitchell" edition as 21 Aug 2026. Early pre‑orders open on Puma’s website next week, and a launch event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will feature a joint drill session between Haliburton and Mitchell, showcasing how basketball footwork translates to sprint starts.
The perk adds a fresh dimension to Haliburton’s personal brand, positioning him as a versatile athlete whose influence reaches beyond the hardwood. Media outlets are already picking up the story, and social media buzz shows a 35% spike in mentions of his name since the announcement. This visibility could translate into higher endorsement fees and more collaborative opportunities.
Puma plans a follow‑up campaign in early 2027, potentially pairing Haliburton with another elite sprinter. The brand aims to create a series of "Speed Synergy" products that blend basketball agility with track explosiveness. For now, the spotlight remains on the upcoming shoe launch and the unique blend of two sports’ fastest men.