LeBron James is making a fashionable entrance into the world of Barbie. On April 9, 2025, Mattel, the makers of Barbie, announced that the Los Angeles Lakers star will be the first professional athlete to have a Ken doll released in his likeness. This milestone comes as part of the Kenbassador initiative, which celebrates influential figures who contribute positively to the world, coinciding with Ken's 65th anniversary in 2026.
The LeBron James Kenbassador doll will be available on April 14, 2025, at select Target stores and online through Target, Amazon, Walmart, and Mattel Creations, with a suggested retail price of $75. This collaboration marks a significant moment not only for the Barbie brand but also for representation in the toy industry.
As a trailblazer in the world of sports and culture, James is honored to be the first-ever Barbie Kenbassador. “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 in a statement. “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 James doll features a striking likeness of the athlete, standing one inch taller than the standard Ken doll. It showcases a custom outfit designed to reflect James’ unique style, including a blue and white letterman jacket adorned with patches that represent his iconic jersey number 23 and his Ohio roots. Underneath the jacket, he wears a black “We Are Family” T-shirt from the LeBron James Family Foundation, along with stylish houndstooth pants and blue and white Nike Terminator High sneakers.
In addition to its fashionable appearance, the doll comes equipped with several accessories that capture James’ personality, including a pair of black Beats headphones, a gold watch, a green I Promise wristband, sunglasses, and a black crossbody fanny pack. The facial resemblance is notably close to James, complete with a few of his signature tattoos on the arms.
Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls at Mattel, expressed excitement about this new venture. “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,” she said.
The collaboration between Mattel and the LeBron James Family Foundation goes beyond just a doll. Michele Campbell, Executive Director of the Foundation, stated, “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. We are incredibly honored to partner with Barbie to continue inspiring the next generation and to celebrate LeBron’s unwavering commitment to his community.”
In a generous move, Mattel will donate a copy of James’ children’s book, I Am More Than, to Save the Children for every LeBron James Kenbassador doll sold at Target stores and online from April 14 to April 19, 2025, up to 5,000 copies. This initiative highlights the importance of early childhood literacy, a cause that is dear to James.
Fans and collectors alike have shown enthusiasm for the release of the LeBron James doll on social media. Comments have ranged from excitement over the doll’s design to playful suggestions about what other figures might be added to the collection. One user remarked, “Absolutely buying it lol,” while another commented, “Ngl. This actually goes kinda hard. Congrats to him.”
The release of the LeBron James Kenbassador doll also coincides with the 45th anniversary of the Black Barbie, a significant milestone in representation within the toy industry. The first Black Barbie was designed by Kitty Black Perkins in 1977, and since then, Barbie has continued to evolve in its representation of diversity and inclusivity.
LeBron James, now 40 years old, is currently in his 22nd season in the NBA, averaging 24.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. His influence extends beyond basketball; he is a cultural icon and a dedicated philanthropist, committed to uplifting his community in Akron, Ohio, through the LeBron James Family Foundation.
As the excitement builds for the release of the LeBron James Kenbassador doll, it’s clear that this collaboration is about more than just a toy. It’s a celebration of representation, inspiration, and the enduring impact of role models in shaping the dreams of young people everywhere. With the doll poised to hit shelves on April 14, fans are eagerly anticipating the chance to bring a piece of this cultural moment into their homes.
