Barbie debuts first Kenbassador: LeBron James

Mattel announced today that Barbie is introducing a doll in the likeness of basketball legend, author, activist and philanthropist LeBron James. Barbie is teaming up with the LeBron James Family Foundation to release the first Ken doll of a professional athlete, LeBron James, to recognize his positive impact on culture, style, and community.

Global cultural phenomenon

Barbie the Movie spurred a global cultural phenomenon for the Barbie brand, recontextualizing the Barbie universe, including Ken. Today, adults are the fastest-growing consumer segment of the toy industry. In advance of the iconic character’s 65th anniversary in 2026, the brand is excited to honor Kenbassadors who are inspiring and contributing to a better world for all. 

Basketball legend

While LeBron James is recognized for his groundbreaking contributions on the basketball court, he’s also renowned for being a cultural curator and trendsetter. The LeBron James doll not only captures his effortless style, but also his height, standing one inch taller than the standard Ken doll in custom, larger packaging. James worked closely with the Barbie team to personalize his doll’s outfit, clad in a custom varsity jacket over the LeBron James Family Foundation’s signature We Are Family t-shirt, Nike Terminator High sneakers, Beats headphones, sunglasses, a fanny pack, a watch and his perennial ‘I Promise’ band. The patches on his varsity jacket reference milestones throughout his life, including a We Are Family patch as a tribute to the LeBron James Family Foundation, a 23 patch representing his iconic jersey number, and an Ohio patch nodding to his hometown. 

LeBron James Family Foundation

Barbie is proud to partner with the LeBron James Family Foundation, which James founded to further his mission to uplift his local community in Akron, Ohio, by providing tangible support to families through education, housing, healthcare, and job training. These life-changing resources, combined with the Foundation’s “We Are Family” philosophy, work to redefine what a family and community look like. 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. 

Source: corporate.mattel.com/news/barbie-debuts-lebron-james-doll-marking-the-brands-first-kenbassador