Barbie Launches LeBron James Ken Doll — A First-of-Its-Kind Collaboration Bridging Sports, Culture, and Community
LeBron James becomes the first-ever professional athlete Ken doll, launched by Mattel’s Barbie brand.
Key Takeaways:
- LeBron James becomes the first-ever professional athlete Ken doll, launched by Mattel’s Barbie brand.
- “Kenbassador” debut marks a cultural milestone ahead of Ken’s 65th anniversary in 2026.
- Partnership with LeBron James Family Foundation highlights commitment to community impact and childhood literacy.
- Limited drop on April 12 at UNDEFEATED in LA, official release April 14 via Target, Amazon, Walmart, and Mattel Creations.
- Includes donation of LeBron’s children’s book to Save the Children with every doll sold during launch week.
Barbie just went full MVP. For the first time ever, Barbie is introducing a Ken doll in the likeness of an actual professional athlete — LeBron James. This move is more than just a collector’s item; it’s a bold cultural play by Mattel to celebrate positive male role models while engaging the growing adult fanbase of the Barbie brand.
A Cultural Slam Dunk
Dubbed a “Kenbassador,” the LeBron James doll breaks new ground for Mattel. It celebrates not only his influence on the court, but also his legacy as an author, philanthropist, and advocate for education. The Barbie brand has leaned into storytelling with renewed momentum after the success of Barbie: The Movie, and this launch represents a pivot in how the brand is approaching Ken—less sidekick, more symbol of inspiration.
Krista Berger, SVP of Barbie, summed it up:
“We are excited to bring fans a new presentation of Ken that celebrates LeBron as a role model, his icon status, and dedication to setting a positive example.”
Design Details: A Doll with Real-World Influence
This LeBron Ken doll stands out physically and symbolically. He’s taller than standard Ken, dressed in a custom varsity jacket, Nike sneakers, Beats headphones, and of course, his signature “I Promise” wristband. The doll’s jacket features patches that tell his personal story — from an Ohio patch to a “We Are Family” emblem representing his foundation.
The packaging is also custom-sized, highlighting LeBron’s stature and the elevated status of the collaboration.
Social Impact: Literacy and Community
Mattel is pairing the launch with a tangible impact initiative. For every LeBron James Ken doll sold between April 14–19 at Target, Mattel will donate a copy of LeBron’s children’s book, I Am More Than, to Save the Children (up to 5,000 copies). This complements Barbie’s donation to the LeBron James Family Foundation, which supports education, housing, job training, and healthcare for underserved families in Akron, Ohio.
Michele Campbell, Executive Director of LJFF, noted:
“For the families we serve, this is more than a doll. It’s a symbol that a kid from anywhere can make a difference.”
Launch Details
- Exclusive Early Drop: April 12 at the UNDEFEATED store in LA (La Brea location). Limited quantities, some signed by LeBron himself.
- General Release: April 14 at Target (in-store and online), Walmart, Amazon, and MattelCreations.com.
- Retail Price: $75
Whether you’re a collector, a LeBron fan, or simply inspired by impact-led branding, this Ken doll signals Barbie’s evolving direction—celebrating diverse icons, giving back, and meeting fans where culture and community intersect.
