Tension Builds Between ANTA, Ateneo Over Ladi Sneaker Dispute

A brewing conflict between Chinese sportswear brand ANTA and Ateneo de Manila University has found its flashpoint in the collegiate career of Blue Eagles player Kymani Ladi, raising questions about school authority, athlete sponsorship rights, and contract enforcement in the UAAP.

Ladi, who is under contract with ANTA until January 2026, now finds himself caught in the middle of a dispute that centers not on Nike or Jordan—the official outfitters of Ateneo—but on the school’s policy regarding athlete endorsements. ANTA began supplying Ladi with sneakers last year, while he was still in residency, and signed him in February 2025. As the UAAP season nears, the question of whether he will be allowed to wear ANTA shoes in official games has become a point of contention.

On Friday, September 19, an ANTA representative visited the Ateneo campus to deliver shoes to assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga then deliver sneakers to Ladi, Ian Espinosa, and Third Ebdane at their dormitory rooms. Shortly after, he was contacted by the University Athletics Office (UAO), where he was informed that Ateneo’s outfitting deal takes precedence. According to a UAO official, even if players have personal sponsorships with other brands, the school’s apparel agreement comes first. They cited the so-called “Cooper Flagg Rule”—referencing the American prospect who signed with New Balance but wore Nike during NCAA games—as justification.

ANTA isn’t buying it. Speaking on behalf of the brand, General Manager JP Paglinawan questioned the school’s authority to override signed contracts between players and brands.

“We want a clarification on what can and can’t be done by the schools to the athletes. How much influence is there and where does it start and end? Do we not respect contracts? Do we make up rules about Cooper Flagg in the NCAA in the US to apply here without documentation? Is the UAAP board appraised? Is it legal?” said Paglinawan.

While Nike and Jordan’s role in the matter is primarily as Ateneo’s official supplier, the direct dispute is between ANTA and the university. This isn’t ANTA’s first clash with Ateneo either. The brand cites a similar experience involving former Blue Eagle Raffy Verano, who faced roadblocks while under ANTA endorsement during his time with the team.

Ladi could now be placed in a difficult position. If forced to wear Nike or Jordan sneakers during UAAP games, he risks breaching his ANTA contract—opening the possibility for legal consequences. The controversy also brings up questions of consistency, as another Ateneo player, Josh Lazaro, has been seen competing in Adidas footwear without issue.

Lazaro and the three ANTA athletes were signed by their respective brands before being elevated to the Blue Eagles’ main UAAP roster.

ANTA also represents women’s basketball players Lauren Lopez and Candice Udal.

As of posting time, a message to Ateneo representatives for a statement haven’t been answered.

At the heart of the issue is a broader debate over how much control schools have over student-athletes’ commercial decisions, especially in a time when individual branding is becoming a key part of the modern athlete’s career. As the season approaches, the bigger concern may not be which shoes Kymani Ladi wears—but whether school policy can continue to override personal agreements in an evolving sports landscape.

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