Chet Holmgren and Nike have announced the upcoming Nike KD 18 “Thunder & Reign”, a player-exclusive colorway that is set to be released in 2026. This latest collab is a nod to the rise of Holmgren as one of Oklahoma City’s young superstars, embodying the energy of the Thunder brand with a stormy color palette and a savage texture blend.

The KD 18 uses a deep purple colorway accented by animal-print overlays, producing a wild but luxurious aesthetic. The shoe features a mesh upper for a lightweight feel, sculpted overlays for added toughness and a Zoom Air midsole for responsive cushioning, keeping with the bouncing tradition of the KD line. The insole boasts Holmgren’s signature “CH7” logo while a black glossy Swoosh can be seen at the heel, both subtle and delicious details that make the shoe an ultra-rare and sure-to-be-exclusive release.

The storm of energy from the pair of sneakers and luxe details of their design also pairs well with Holmgren’s own silent-but-lethal gameplay. Nike continues to grow its legacy of player editions that pay homage to the NBA and the stories of its rising stars through sneakers that feel connected to their performances.

The Chet Holmgren x Nike KD 18 “Thunder & Reign” will be releasing via Nike.com and select retailers in 2026. Official pricing and release details will be announced closer to its release.

Stay up to date with all upcoming sneaker releases from our Sneaker Release Dates page. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Photos: RicFlair79