Stephen Curry, Under Armour part ways to end longtime partnership

Stephen Curry and Under Armour will officially end their 13-year partnership, concluding one of the most influential athlete-brand relationships in modern basketball. 

The decision, announced as part of Under Armour’s ongoing corporate restructuring, means Curry Brand will now operate independently – effectively making Curry a sneaker free agent for the first time since 2013.

Under Armour confirmed that the Curry 13, set to release in February 2026, will be the final signature shoe under their collaboration. After a transition period that will run through late 2026, Curry Brand will separate fully from Under Armour, allowing the two-time MVP complete creative and commercial control over his footwear imprint.

Curry joined Under Armour in 2013 and quickly became the face of the brand’s basketball category, helping drive its surge in market relevance during the mid-2010s while winning multiple MVPs and NBA championships. The Curry Brand formally launched in 2020, expanding his influence into both performance apparel and community initiatives.

Now, with the partnership ending, Curry Brand is expected to enter the marketplace independently – a move that opens the door for potential new partnerships while giving Curry more direct ownership of his designs, athlete roster, and long-term vision.

Industry insiders note that Under Armour’s decision stems from broader restructuring efforts amid slowing sales and shifting strategic priorities. Still, the end of the partnership marks a significant shift in the sneaker landscape, as one of basketball’s most accomplished and marketable stars becomes available to collaborate with other brands or chart a fully independent path.

As Curry Brand begins its next chapter, all eyes will be on where the four-time NBA champion lands – and how the separation reshapes the performance basketball market moving forward.