Thirty years ago, on June 26, 1996, Kobe Bryant was drafted into the NBA and the game changed forever. Nike is looking back at the “What If” scenarios that didn’t come to be with the new Kobe 4 Protro “Draft Pack,” a blind-bag release featuring 14 colorways inspired by the teams that passed on Kobe before he landed with the Los Angeles Lakers.

When does the Kobe 4 Protro “Draft Pack” drop?

The Kobe 4 Protro “Draft Pack” drops on June 26 for a retail price of $200. It will be a “blind bag”-style release, meaning you don’t know which colorway you will receive when purchasing.

OFFICIAL: Nike introduces the Kobe 4 Protro "Draft Pack" 🐍🤞

The mystery bag drop will be released in 14 colorways, 13 of which feature wear-away uppers and represent the teams that missed out on Kobe in the 1996 NBA Draft. Lastly, a Lakers-themed pair 🟡🟣

🗓️ June 26th pic.twitter.com/2Z1BZHd4i0

— Sole Retriever (@SoleRetriever) May 10, 2026

Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Draft Pack” Release Details

Release Date	June 26, 2026
Release Time	10 a.m. ET
Retail Price	$200
Colorways	14
Release Type	Blind Bag
Rarest Pair	Lakers Gold & Purple (4%)

The story behind the Kobe 4 Protro “Draft Pack”

Dropping on the exact 30th anniversary of the day Kobe was drafted, the Kobe 4 Protro “Draft Pack,” as noted above, celebrates this milestone by taking a trip through the sliding doors of where Kobe could have landed in an alternate universe where another team looked into their crystal ball and saw what the Mamba would become.

There will be 13 colorways inspired by the teams that passed on Kobe plus a Lakers-inspired Purple and Gold colorway, all concealed in a blind bag presentation. The non-Lakers colorways all start with a mostly white upper, with a Swoosh outlined in the team’s primary color. Over time, that white upper will wear away, revealing more of that team’s primary color. Additionally, the team-inspired insoles on each pair feature a ping pong ball with that pick’s number.

As I’ve written about in the past, the Kobe 4 is famous for ushering in the age of low-cut basketball sneakers, changing the game and traditional orthodoxy when it comes to which cut is best for hitting the hardwood. The shoe prominently featured Nike’s then-new Flywire technology, which helped reduce the weight of the sneaker, although it will not be present in this “Draft Pack” drop. Even though the shoe was a standout performer in its era, Kobe was adamant prior to his death in 2020 that when his sneakers got re-released that they not just be a carbon copy, but rather updated versions intended for play by modern hoopers. Thus, the Protro was born and Kobe stans got the best of both worlds. Not only do Kobe fans — both the pros of the NBA and the weekend warriors hitting the blacktop — get a sneaker which holds immense nostalgia but the kicks can also be worn on court to emulate Mamba (to the best of their abilities).

In the past, Nike has noted that the Kobe 4 Protro has “been retooled for a smooth, responsive sensation underfoot … Soft yet resilient, the foam midsole and Zoom Air in the heel create a comfortable feel with energy return.”

What are the odds for each colorway of the Kobe 4 Protro “Draft Pack?”

Nike explicitly states on SNKRS that the Kobe 4 Protro “Draft Pack” is a randomized, mystery drop, where purchasers will learn which colorway they received upon opening their shipment. Nike states that given the limited-edition nature of this drop, all sales are final with no returns and that some colorways have been produced in more limited quantities than others.

The odds for each colorway of the Kobe 4 Protro “Draft Pack,” per Nike, are as follows:

• Pick #1 (Philadelphia 76ers): 8%
• Pick #2 (Toronto Raptors): 7.25%
• Pick #3 (Vancouver Grizzlies): 7.25%
• Pick #4 (Milwaukee Bucks): 7.25%
• Pick #5 (Minnesota Timberwolves): 8%
• Pick #6 (Boston Celtics): 6.3%
• Pick #7 (Los Angeles Clippers): 6.3%
• Pick #8 (New Jersey Nets): 8%
• Pick #9 (Dallas Mavericks): 8%
• Pick #10 (Indiana Pacers): 8%
• Pick #11 (Golden State Warriors): 7.25%
• Pick #12 (Cleveland Cavaliers): 8%
• Pick #13 (Charlotte Hornets): 6.3%
• Gold & Purple (Los Angeles Lakers): 4%

Where to buy the Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Draft Pack”

The Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Draft Pack” will be available at a number of online outlets, including:

• Nike SNKRS
• StockX
• Foot Locker
• Social Status
• Kith (App)

Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Draft Pack” Release FAQ

When does the Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Draft Pack” release?

The Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Draft Pack” drops on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 10 a.m. ET.

How much will the Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Draft Pack” cost?

The Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Draft Pack” will sell for a retail price of $200.

What is special about the Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Draft Pack” drop?

Nike explicitly states on SNKRS that the Kobe 4 Protro “Draft Pack” is a randomized, mystery drop, where purchasers will learn which colorway they received upon opening their shipment. All sales are final with no returns and some colorways have been produced in more limited quantities than others.

How many colorways are in the Kobe 4 Protro “Draft Pack”?

The release includes 14 total colorways: 13 representing teams that passed on Kobe Bryant in the 1996 NBA Draft and one Los Angeles Lakers-inspired Gold & Purple edition.

What is the rarest colorway in the Kobe 4 Protro “Draft Pack”?

According to Nike, the rarest pair in the drop is the Lakers-inspired Gold & Purple edition, which carries just a 4% chance of being unboxed. The Celtics, Clippers and Hornets editions are the next rarest at 6.3%.

To see more of this month’s releases, check out our release date calendar.