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Video: Victor Wembanyama's Nike Logo Revealed in Epic 'Aliens Are Real' Commercial

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVMay 5, 2024

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - APRIL 09: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on April 09, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Justin Ford/Getty Images

Aliens are real.

That's the message Nike sent in its first marketing campaign for San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama. The video, which was released Sunday, included Wembanyama's signature "Alien" logo, which was teased in April.

Nike Basketball @nikebasketball

Do you believe? 👽 👀 <a href="https://t.co/cFZJP8ULIF">pic.twitter.com/cFZJP8ULIF</a>

Wembanyama is the heavy favorite for Rookie of the Year after averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds and an NBA-best 3.6 blocks.

The most heavily hyped draft prospect since LeBron James in 2003, the 20-year-old has been every bit as good as advertised so far. If anything, he might be ahead of schedule because it's rare when a first-year standout is a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year.

Nike signed Wembanyama when he was playing professionally in France and getting in early figures to pay off in a huge way. He's already being discussed as somebody who can inherit the mantle as the face of the NBA from Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.

The Frenchman has yet to receive his own signature shoe, which is all but a formality. Nike has provided some peeks into how that may take shape.

During All-Star Weekend, he donned a player-exclusive pair of the Air Zoom G.T. Hustle 2.

Nice Kicks @nicekicks

Victor Wembanyama debuts his new "Alien" Nike GT Hustle 2 PE with a logo he drew by himself 👽🔥 <a href="https://t.co/c2yv9eLMkq">pic.twitter.com/c2yv9eLMkq</a>

Nike also showcased a concept shoe for Wembanyama in April that was designed by artificial intelligence, though that was far from representative for how his signature kicks will look as a finished product.

Nick DePaula @NickDePaula

Nike just unveiled an "A.I.R" concept shoe in Paris for Victor Wembanyama — designed by A.I. and fueled by its Sport Research Lab insights.<br><br>What would you want to see in a future <a href="https://twitter.com/wemby?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Wemby</a> signature shoe? 👀 <a href="https://t.co/rGhpXE6wR1">pic.twitter.com/rGhpXE6wR1</a>

"Otherworldly" is an apt descriptor for Wembanyama thanks to his 7'4" frame and a skill set that simply shouldn't work for a player of his size.

It's no surprise Nike is leaning into his singular status as it positions him as the next big thing in its basketball division.