LeBron James becomes first professional athlete with his own Ken doll

CLEVELAND (WOIO/Gray News) - LeBron James, star of the Los Angeles Lakers, will be the first professional athlete to have a Ken doll released in his likeness.

Mattel announced the doll Wednesday as the first of its Kenbassadors, “who are inspiring and contributing to a better world for all.”

“While LeBron James is recognized for his groundbreaking contributions on the basketball court, he’s also renowned for being a cultural curator and trendsetter,” Mattel said.

The toy company is honoring Kenbassadors ahead of Barbie’s 65th anniversary in 2026. The doll has been a pop culture icon since her 1959 debut, and her presence in kids’ play has only grown with every new career, friend, house, show and film.

While Mattel claims Barbie has long been catering to collectors, the 2023 “Barbie” movie is credited for skyrocketing the brand’s popularity in the adult stratosphere. It also catapulted Ken into the spotlight, and with adults being the fastest-growing consumer segment of the toy industry, Mattel said consumers wanted more.

MORE THAN A DOLL

Mattel said James, who is a “basketball legend, author, activist and philanthropist” was chosen as a Kenbassador in recognition of “his positive impact on culture, style, and community.”

“Ken is Barbie’s longtime best friend and supporter,” said Krista Berger, Mattel’s senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls. “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.”

In a statement, James said becoming a Kenbassador doll is an honor.

“I understand how vital it is for young people to have positive figures to look up to,” he said. “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.”

TURNING LEBRON INTO KEN

To make the doll into James’ likeness, Mattel not only captured his effortless style but his height, too. The doll stands one inch taller than the standard Ken doll with larger custom packaging.

James worked closely with creators to personalize his outfit, which Mattel listed as:

• LeBron James Family Foundation’s signature “We Are Family" T-shirt
• Nike Terminator High sneakers
• Beats headphones
• sunglasses
• fanny pack
• watch
• his perennial “I Promise” band
• custom varsity jacket with patches referencing these milestones of his life:
  • “We Are Family” patch as a tribute to the LeBron James Family Foundation
  • 23 patch to represent his iconic jersey number
  • Ohio patch as a nod to his hometown

The Barbie Signature LeBron James Kenbassadors doll will be available at select Target stores and Target.com, Walmart, Amazon and Mattel Creations on April 14 for a limited time. It has a suggested retail price of $75.

DREAM TEAM

Mattel said Barbie teamed up with the LeBron James Family Foundation to make the doll.

The foundation was started by James to uplift his hometown of Akron, Ohio, by providing education, healthcare, housing and job training to community members.

“These life-changing resources, combined with the Foundation’s ‘We Are Family’ philosophy, work to redefine what a family and community look like,” Mattel said. “Barbie is making a donation to the LeBron James Family Foundation to help inspire the limitless potential of every child and invest more resources to create generational change for the kids and families of James’ hometown.”

Mattel said for every James Kenbassador doll sold at Target stores and Target.com from April 14 to 19, they will donate a copy of James’ children’s book, “I Am More Than,” to Save the Children, up to 5,000 copies.

“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,” said Michele Campbell, executive director of the foundation. “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.”