Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry donned a pair of colorful sneakers designed by UConn star Azzi Fudd in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday.
Fudd, in collaboration with financial services company TIAA and DEZ Customz Art and Customs, created the shoes for Curry, and they were emblazoned with an important message.
The Curry 4 Flotros, painted in blue, pink and yellow, feature the phrases “#RetireInequality” and “We’re not done yet.”
TIAA partners with a range of athletes, including WNBA star A’ja Wilson, to raise awareness of the gender pay gap.
In particular, the company emphasizes the impact the gap has on women’s retirement funds. According to TIAA’s Retire Inequality website, women have 30% less retirement income than men.
Proud to have worked w/ @TIAA @dezcustomz & @kreativecustom1 to make the shoes @stephencurry30 wore in Game 3! A couple of pairs can be purchased on June 23rd on @NTWRKLIVE w/ proceeds going to the @WomensSportsFdn in support of TIAA's #RetireInequality mission. #TIAAAmbassador pic.twitter.com/VwggMVeDNX
— Azzi Fudd (@azzi_35) June 10, 2022
Fudd signed with Curry’s brand SC30 Inc. in December in a landmark NIL deal, with Curry becoming the first NBA player to enter into a NIL partnership with a college player. The duo first met at Curry’s camp in 2018 and continued their friendship into Fudd’s collegiate career.
A limited number of Curry’s shoes will be available to purchase on June 23 through the NTWRK app, with proceeds going to the Women’s Sports Foundation.