Vanessa Bryant's $181 gift to Napheesa Collier shows WNBA star's connection with Kobe Bryant's family

What began during Napheesa Collier’s time at UConn has blossomed into a deep, lasting friendship with Vanessa Bryant, rooted in shared values and a mutual respect that transcends basketball. Even after the tragic loss of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, their bond has only grown stronger. Recently, Vanessa honored Collier with a thoughtful gift, a $181 royal blue sweatshirt from the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, showing her continued support. From Kobe’s mentorship of Collier to Vanessa’s presence courtside at the 2024 Olympics, their connection is a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of the Bryant family.

What began during Napheesa Collier’s days with the UConn Huskies has grown into a remarkable friendship with Vanessa Bryant, a bond that continues to honor the legacy of Kobe and Gianna Bryant. Even years after their heartbreaking loss, the connection between Collier and Vanessa has only deepened, shaped by shared values and moments that transcend basketball.
Recently, Vanessa expressed her affection with a thoughtful gift—a $181 royal blue sweatshirt from the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. Collier’s gratitude was clear as she shared her appreciation on Instagram, writing, "Love😍 thank you," and tagging Vanessa. (Via: EssentiallySports)
Their story traces back to when Kobe and Gianna, passionate UConn fans, watched Collier’s rise on the court. A casual workout invitation in Los Angeles turned into something much more significant. After seeing Collier’s commitment, Kobe enlisted her husband, Alex Bazzell, to train Gianna and her teammates. This collaboration grew into regular sessions and impactful camps at the Mamba Academy, leaving a lasting impression on all involved.
Vanessa’s support continues to shine brightly, whether through heartfelt gestures or her presence courtside, cheering Collier on at major events like the 2024 Olympics. Their connection is a testament to the power of shared dreams and the enduring influence of the Bryant family’s legacy.
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Alex Bazzell credits his passion for women’s basketball to lessons learned from Kobe Bryant, who was a fierce advocate for the sport. “So learning from Kobe, women’s basketball is a huge part of my life every day,” Bazzell shared, reflecting on how Kobe championed players like Napheesa Collier and Sabrina Ionescu, often analyzing their games and pushing boundaries for women in sports.
Now, Bazzell is channeling Kobe’s legacy into Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 league co-founded by Collier and Breanna Stewart, aimed at revolutionizing women’s basketball. As president, Bazzell is committed to creating an elite player experience with top-tier facilities, cold tubs, and salaries that break barriers.
With a salary pool exceeding $8 million and average pay of $242,000, nearly double the WNBA’s average, unrivaled is turning heads. For Collier, it’s about redefining women’s sports. “it’s about changing what women’s sports can look like,” she said, a vision that echoes Kobe’s passion.
As Unrivaled kicks off on January 17, 2025, it's evident that the league isn’t simply following in Kobe’s footsteps; it’s forging its own groundbreaking path.