Mattel surprised sports fans by announcing that LeBron James has been chosen to be part of a brand new series: the Barbie Signature Kenbassadors collection.
Not only is the Akron, Ohio native the first-ever Kenbassador, but he’s also the first male athlete to be recognized as a Ken doll. James worked closely with Mattel to bring the doll to life, creating a figure that may impress fans with its accuracy.
The doll is also a part of a larger collaboration with the LeBron James Family Foundation, an organization James started to help families in his hometown.
“I understand how vital it is for young people to have positive figures to look up to,” James said in a statement. “That’s why partnering with Barbie to release the LeBron James Kenbassadors doll is such an honor.”
The LeBron James doll captures his signature style, showcasing elements that fans will instantly recognize, such as his “I Promise” band and iconic fanny pack.
In addition to the fanny pack and wristband, the doll wears a “We Are Family” shirt in reference to the LeBron James Family Foundation, sunglasses, Nike Terminator High sneakers, Beats headphones, a watch, and varsity jacket. The latter even features patches that reference various milestones in the athlete’s life, including a 23 patch, a “We Are Family” patch, and an Ohio patch.
According to Mattel, the team worked closely with James to personalize the doll’s outfit. During the creation of the doll, details such as James’s beard, tattoos, facial expression, and even his height were considered. He’s standing a full inch taller than a standard Ken doll with larger packaging to match.
When the Barbie Instagram account posted the doll, fans flooded the comments instantly recognizing the figure, “Looks just like him! Before I read the caption I was like, LeBron??” wrote one commenter.
It seems fans couldn’t be happier with Mattel’s pick for the first-ever Kenbassador. One commenter shared, “Who made this decision? You need a raise.”
MATTEL
The venture holds great significance to the LeBron James Family Foundation, which works to support families through providing education, housing, health care, and job training.
“For the LeBron James Family Foundation and the families we serve, this is so much more than a doll. It represents the reality that a kid from anywhere can make a difference,” Michele Campbell, executive director of the LeBron James Family Foundation, said in a statement. “We are incredibly honored to partner with Barbie to continue inspiring the next generation and to celebrate LeBron’s unwavering commitment to his community by giving back through the LeBron James Kenbassadors doll.”
Barbie is making a donation to the foundation to aid its continued efforts to serve the families of James’ hometown. The toy company also plans to donate a copy of the Laker star’s children’s book, I Am More Than, to Save the Children for every Barbie Signature LeBron James Kenbassador doll sold at Target, both online and in-stores, between April 14 and 19.
The LeBron James Kenbassador doll will be available at major retailers for $75 on Monday, April 14.
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