The Los Angeles Lakers superstar Lebron James scored a historic crossover by becoming the first male athlete to star as a Ken doll in Mattel’s Barbie universe.
Unveiled as a “Kenbassador” on April 8, 2025, the $75 LeBron James Ken doll honours his journey from Akron to becoming a global icon, merging sports stardom with cultural influence. Set to be released later this month, pre-sale listings on eBay are already exceeding $150, indicating significant hype surrounding the doll.
Dressed in signature gear, the doll comes in packaging that reads: “A true MVP, our LeBron James Kenbassador doll represents resilience, hope, and pride for Akron, the world, and beyond.” More than a collectable, it’s a tribute to James’s legacy on and off the court.
#LeBronJames is the first male athlete to ever be made into a #Kendoll. Y'all coppin? 👇👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/SRNMffuGcP
— HOT 97 (@HOT97) April 6, 2025A Collab with Purpose
The LeBron x Barbie partnership ties directly to the LeBron James Family Foundation, amplifying his mission to drive positive change. Mattel’s Kenbassador line honours inspiring figures, and James joins trailblazers like Venus Williams and Australian soccer star Mary Fowler. “This isn’t just a toy; it’s about showing kids they can dream big,” the collaboration emphasizes, aligning with James’s philanthropy.
Mattel turned LeBron James into a Ken Doll as part of its "Kenbassadors" program 🔥 😭 pic.twitter.com/6dpsTfkcOg
— House of Heat° (@houseofheat) April 8, 2025Barbie’s $1.4 billion box office hit in 2023, and the record-setting $300,000 Stefanie Canturi Barbie in 2010 prove the brand’s cultural clout. LeBron’s Ken doll taps into that legacy, merging sports, charity, and pop culture in a way only he can. Whether it’s breaking records or stereotypes, James keeps redefining what’s possible one doll at a time.
