Latest news with #Kenbassador
New York Times
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
LeBron James Ken doll sparks long lines and big sales
Mattel's first ever Ken doll based on a professional athlete has generated a frenzy of interest both in stores and online since it became available for purchase. The new LeBron James 'Kenbassador' Barbie doll carried a retail price of $75 and first went on sale last Saturday at Undefeated's La Brea location in Los Angeles, where fans and collectors started lining up two days before the doll hit shelves. One man even showed up dressed in a LeBron Lakers uniform and followed by a full choir singing a parody of Michael Jackson's 'Man in the Mirror' about the NBA's all-time points leader. The line for LeBron James' Barbie Kenbassador doll at UNDEFEATED today 🤯 — Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) April 13, 2025 On Monday, the doll was also made available through Target, Amazon, Walmart and Mattel Creations, and is now listed as sold out on all of those platforms. The day leading up to the doll's midnight online release on April 14, eBay users searched for it over 760 times per hour according to the company. Current searches for 'LeBron Barbie' on eBay reveal the dolls selling for over $100 on average and a rare autographed version sold for as much as $3,000. Advertisement StockX has seen similar high demand for the doll, with an average resale price of $118, a 57 percent premium compared to the regular retail price. StockX says the doll is the site's number one collectibles release ever with over 1,400 transactions on its release day, surpassing the previous record set by the Supreme Hot Wheels Fleet Flyer + 1992 BMW M3 from 2019, which had 1,170 opening day sales. With the instant success of James' Kenbassador doll, it's likely only a matter of time before another athlete gets the 'Ken' treatment. More NBA dolls? Steph Curry? What about the NHL's newly crowned all-time leading goal scorer Alex Ovechkin? He could be the first Ken doll with a fashionably hockey appropriate missing tooth. Then there has to be a Tom Brady one, right? Star athletes known just as much for their pre-game fashion will likely be considered given one of the biggest features of the James doll is that he is not in an NBA uniform, which means there are plenty of options out there. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence in all our coverage. When you click or make purchases through our links, we may earn a commission.
The Onion
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Onion
LeBron James Becomes First Male Athlete To Have Likeness Depicted In Ken Doll
Basketball legend LeBron James became the first professional male athlete to have his likeness depicted in a Ken doll, with Mattel Inc. unveiling the figure to kick off the toy manufacturer's 'Kenbassador' series. What do you think? 'I just can't picture Lebron without nipples.' Andrew Boothby, Kettle Manufacturer 'Finally, I can make him and Kyrie kiss.' Katrina Meurer, Dress Shipper 'I worry this will only reinforce unattainable marketability standards for my kids.' Jake Fletcher, Risk Mitigator
Los Angeles Times
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
LeBron James is plastic, it's fantastic: Mattel unveils Ken doll modeled after Lakers star
Basketball icon LeBron James is bringing big Ken-ergy to the toy world. Barbie maker Mattel on Wednesday announced that the influential Lakers star would be the first professional male athlete to have a Ken doll modeled in his likeness. The newly introduced doll will be the first product in Mattel's new line of 'Kenbassador' toys. Last year, the toy giant released a line of several Barbie dolls modeled after women sports stars including tennis legend Venus Williams. This new take on Ken, Barbie's longtime best friend, 'celebrates LeBron as a role model, his icon status, lasting impact on culture, and dedication to setting a positive example for the next generation to reach their limitless potential,' said Krista Berger, Mattel's senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls. James' figure, one inch taller than the typical Ken doll, emulates the Lakers forward's fashion sense with a blue varsity jacket patched with his initials, 'LJ,' and his signature 23 jersey number. The Kenbassador also sports a pair of Nike high-tops, patterned pants, a gold watch and a black shirt that touts the James Family Foundation motto: 'We Are Family.' Accessories include a pair of headphones, sunglasses, a fanny pack and an 'I Promise' wristband. James said in Wednesday's announcement that his partnership with Mattel is rooted in his own experiences with role models. 'Now, as an adult, I understand how vital it is for young people to have positive figures to look up to,' he said in a statement. The Ohio native and Cleveland Cavaliers alum added: 'It's an opportunity to recognize the powerful impact of role models who instill confidence, inspire dreams, and show kids that they, too, can achieve greatness.' The James-inspired Kenbassador will cost $75 and hit shelves at various retailers Monday. Or in the NBA legend's words on Instagram: 'Lil Bron coming to a store near you!!!' Despite the intricate details mirrored in his Kenbassador, James joked in a video published by the Associated Press that his Ken figure isn't entirely accurate. 'I mean, he might need to do a little lifting. Legs look a little skinny. Little frail little fellow,' he said, adding, 'Nah, that's dope.'
BBC News
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Barbie: LeBron James to join line of famous Ken dolls
Basketball player LeBron James will be the first male athlete to get his very own Ken doll, as part of the famous Barbie toy Los Angeles Lakers basketball star has said that he's proud to be a "Kenbassador", saying that he wants to "instil confidence, inspire dreams, and show kids that they, too, can achieve greatness."It's even an inch taller than the standard Ken doll to reflect LeBron James' height - he is over two metres tall, or around 6ft which other celebrities have done Ken-ough for this honour?Here's some of the famous faces that Barbie have made into Kens of their own... Ryan Gosling Probably one of the most famous Kens ever, thanks to 2023's Barbie movie, Ryan Gosling has had many Kens made in his actor fully embraced his inner Ken-ergy, performing music from the movie at the 2024 Oscars and wearing pink to premieres and well as Ryan Gosling, there were many other Kens in the film, including Ncuti Gatwa - who plays The Doctor in Doctor Who! BTS The South Korean K-pop megastars, who are currently on an extended break, were given their own line of Kens back in was a Ken doll for each member of BTS - V, Jin, RM, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin and Jungkook. But BTS haven't been the only musicians to become Barbie branded... Elvis Presley Elvis Presley, who many call the King of Rock and Roll, has had lots of Ken dolls made in his was one of the most popular pop and rock singers ever, and made his name in the 1950s and 1960s with hits that inspired other musicians like The who are the company that make Barbies, has made lots of Elvis Kens, including a set of his wedding day. Prince William Another wedding saw Prince William get his very own Ken set was released in 2012 to celebrate the first wedding anniversary of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of was a limited edition set and it's even displayed at the National Portrait Gallery! Daniel Radcliffe The Harry Potter star has inspired many Ken dolls made of the famous boy wizard from the extremely popular film and book series'.Barbie has made many dolls of the Harry Potter stars, including Ron Weasley, played by Rupert Grint, and Cedric Diggory, played by Robert Pattinson. The new Harry Potter TV series, due to be released in 2026 or 2027, has announced its casting of Dumbledore - but we don't know who will be taking on the iconic roles of Harry, Ron and Hermione yet.
Chicago Tribune
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
LeBron James becomes the first professional male athlete to have his likeness depicted in a Ken doll
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Basketball great LeBron James has become the first professional male athlete to have his likeness depicted in a Ken doll. Mattel Inc. unveiled the LeBron Ken doll on Wednesday to kick off the toy manufacturer's 'Kenbassador' series. Last year, nine female athlete Barbies, including tennis star Venus Williams, were introduced. 'As a young kid, I was fortunate to have role models who not only inspired me but also showed me what's possible through hard work and dedication,' James said. 'Now, as an adult, I understand how vital it is for young people to have positive figures to look up to. That's why partnering with Barbie to release the LeBron James Kenbassadors doll is such an honor. It's an opportunity to recognize the powerful impact of role models who instill confidence, inspire dreams, and show kids that they, too, can achieve greatness.' The LeBron doll wears sunglasses, headphones and a blue-and-white letterman's jacket with 'LJ' on the left breast, his number 23 on the right sleeve and Ohio and crown patches on the other. His first name is on the back with 'Just a kid from Akron' underneath. His T-shirt says 'We Are Family,' a nod to the LeBron James Family Foundation. His blue shoes, of course, are Nikes. The doll costs $75 and goes on sale Monday. In an Associated Press-produced video of James seeing the doll for the first time, the 'King' expressed his approval, repeatedly calling the doll 'dope,' another word for 'cool.' While looking it over, he put an 'I Promise' wristband on the doll's wrist and adjusted the strap on its fanny pack. 'OK, now we ready,' James said. 'I mean, he might need to do a little lifting. Legs look a little skinny. Little fraily little fellow. Nah, that's dope.' 'We are excited to bring fans a new presentation of Ken that celebrates LeBron as a role model, his icon status, lasting impact on culture, and dedication to setting a positive example for the next generation to reach their limitless potential,' said Mattel senior vice president Krista Berger.
