“Comfortable as Hell”: Seattle Storm’s Brittney Sykes on ANTA’s On-Court Performance and Kyrie Irving’s Influence

Rashad MillerSeptember 6, 2025September 6, 2025no comment

Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

For Seattle Storm guard Brittney Sykes, lacing up her ANTA sneakers is more than a performance choice — it’s a reflection of culture, community, and a significant shift in basketball footwear. Her connection to the brand, and specifically to its Chief Creative Officer Kyrie Irving, goes beyond the court.

Both are products of the tri-state area — Sykes from Newark, New Jersey, and Irving from West Orange — and share a deep respect for authenticity and representation.

“When you wear brands, you want them to represent a part of who you are,” Sykes told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “Everything that Kai stands for, the way he represents himself as a man and as a human being for women in sports, it’s about creating a space where we can be our true unapologetic selves. That’s what I see when I wear this brand.”

Brittney Sykes Talks ANTA’s Performance

While culture matters, Sykes doesn’t overlook the most important factor: how the shoes perform on the court. She emphasized that the ANTA line isn’t just built for looks but for stability, cushioning, and balance — traits that matter in a league where speed and physicality are constant.

“And on top of that,” Sykes told DallasHoopsJournal.com, “the shoe is comfortable as hell.”

That combination has been on display since she arrived in Seattle. Acquired in an August 5 trade from the Washington Mystics, Sykes has averaged 11.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in her 13 games with the Storm, scoring at least 10 points in nine of those contests. Whether attacking off the dribble or guarding the perimeter, she has been a steady presence in a rotation that includes veterans like Nneka Ogwumike.

On one of the year’s biggest stages — the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game — she showcased the Kai 1 Chief Hélà in the “Crown Jewel” colorway, a bold purple-and-gold design that reflected Irving’s vision and ANTA’s growing footprint in women’s basketball.

Kyrie Irving’s Impact on ANTA

Since stepping into his role in 2023, Irving has guided the Kai line from the first model — which drew comparisons to his most popular previous releases — to the Kai 2, praised for its cushioning and lightweight feel. For Sykes, Irving’s direct involvement gives the partnership a sense of authenticity.

“It’s been very welcoming,” Sykes said to DallasHoopsJournal.com. “It’s not just about the shoes. It’s about the way he makes you feel like you’re part of the family, part of his journey as a creative director.”

Irving’s responsibilities go far beyond design tweaks. As Chief Creative Officer of ANTA Basketball, he oversees storytelling, creative direction, and the integration of cultural and spiritual elements into the brand’s products. He collaborates directly with design teams in the U.S. and China, merges basketball performance needs with lifestyle aesthetics, and has creative control over signature lines such as the ANTA KAI 1 and the Hélà Collection.

His influence extends into recruiting athletes, artists, and collaborators to expand ANTA’s roster. Irving has also spearheaded youth basketball training camps in China and the U.S. while promoting community initiatives tied to culture and sport. Collections like the Hélà, inspired by his Sioux heritage, have positioned ANTA as a serious contender in both performance and cultural fashion sectors.

Investing in the Women’s Game

ANTA’s push goes beyond Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson. During this year’s All-Star Weekend, the company hosted a gifting suite for players and tastemakers, creating a space to connect with the brand off the floor. Sykes views that as evidence of a changing landscape in women’s basketball footwear.

“It’s really cool and really dope to see brands like ANTA stepping into this space,” she told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “Obviously, Puma and Skechers have been on the scene, but now you’re starting to see non-traditional shoe companies get involved… I think it’s a light that should be shone, and it creates space for everybody.”

For Brittney Sykes, aligning with ANTA means being part of a movement that values independence and inclusivity. With Irving leading the creative vision, she sees ANTA’s expansion into women’s basketball as more than just another endorsement deal — it’s a commitment that carries weight every time she laces up.