Home Court Energy: Anthony Edwards and adidas Basketball Return to Atlanta for AE 3 Launch


Anthony Edwards and adidas Basketball return to the NBA star’s hometown to celebrate the launch of the Anthony Edwards 3, bringing basketball, community, and next-generation confidence together for a special homecoming experience.

The Minnesota Timberwolves star is celebrating the next chapter of his signature sneaker journey where it all began. On the heels of the Sept. 18 release of the Anthony Edwards 3, adidas Basketball returned to Atlanta with “Antlanta,” a community-driven basketball experience hosted at Shifting Energy Marketplace—the same location where Edwards launched his first signature shoe.

The homecoming event brought together young Atlanta hoopers, local talent, and basketball fans for a day centered on competition, community, and the self-belief that has shaped Edwards’ rise from hometown standout to global basketball star.

Anthony Edwards Brings the Believe That Mentality Home

Courtesy of adidas Basketball

At the heart of the celebration was the Antlanta 1v1 Believe That Challenge, which gave young Atlanta athletes an opportunity to put their skills to the test and embrace the confidence behind Edwards’ signature “Believe That” mentality.

Competitors battled through qualifying rounds, with the top players advancing to the semifinals and finals while wearing the new Anthony Edwards 3 “Cold Blooded” colorway. Edwards joined the action courtside during the tournament’s final games, interacting with players and fans as the competition came to a close.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also joined Edwards at the event to officially welcome the basketball star back to the city and recognize the significance of bringing the next chapter of his signature franchise home. The two connected courtside as Edwards celebrated alongside the young athletes and Atlanta community that helped shape his journey.

The event concluded with the crowning of the “Antlanta” 1v1 Believe That Challenge champions. The winning hoopers received a year’s worth of Anthony Edwards signature footwear, a $1,000 Foot Locker gift card, and tickets to the Minnesota Timberwolves’ matchup against the Atlanta Hawks.

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Beyond the 1v1 tournament, attendees had the opportunity to participate in on-court challenges, explore dedicated Anthony Edwards 3 product moments, and enjoy giveaways throughout the experience.

The celebration also maintained a personal connection to Edwards’ Atlanta roots. His childhood best friend, Nick Maddox, provided the soundtrack as the event’s DJ, while his older brother, B Different, delivered a live performance following the championship.

Courtesy of adidas Basketball

Introducing the Anthony Edwards 3 “Cold Blooded”

The Atlanta homecoming arrives alongside the launch of the Anthony Edwards 3, the third installment in the NBA superstar’s signature adidas Basketball line.

Building on the momentum of its predecessors, the latest model introduces a bold aesthetic and performance-focused construction designed to support the demands of competitive basketball. Inspired by Edwards’ dynamic style of play, the shoe combines responsiveness, containment, comfort, and durability to help athletes perform across a range of playing styles and court settings.

“Every time I step on the court, I want a shoe that can help me dominate,” Edwards said in the release. “Each element is designed to help players take over whenever they pick up the basketball, no matter what court they’re playing on.”

The Anthony Edwards 3 features several key performance components:

  • Dreamstrike EVA
  • A high-rebound performance foam designed to offer lightweight cushioning and energy return, supporting explosive movement and high-flying play.
  • Advanced TPU Cage
  • A containment component intended to provide lockdown support during cuts, drives, and quick changes of direction.
  • Reinforced Toe Protection and Two-Way Stretch Knit Upper
  • Designed to combine protection, comfort, breathability, and durability for movement on the court and extended wear.
  • Chevron Design
  • A visual and structural detail connecting the shoe’s sole and upper while reinforcing the aggressive look associated with the Anthony Edwards franchise.

Max Staiger, global general manager of adidas Basketball, highlighted the shoe’s connection to the brand’s focus on the next generation of athletes.

“AE continues to lead our mission to be the brand of the next generation,” Staiger said. “Each detail of his third signature shoe extends that mindset into product and onto the court.”

According to adidas, the shoe’s design incorporates disruptive styling, advanced materials, and bold color choices to reflect Edwards’ confident approach to the game.

The AE 3’s Next Chapter Extends Beyond the Court

The Anthony Edwards 3 launch is also part of a broader adidas Basketball campaign celebrating Edwards’ influence across sports and entertainment.

On September 12, adidas and Edwards debuted MINNATLANTASOTA, an episodic sketch comedy series featuring the basketball star alongside adidas athletes and emerging comedic talent. New episodes are scheduled to premiere on the fifth of each month throughout the season, extending the campaign’s storytelling beyond traditional product promotion.

The Anthony Edwards 3 will also be worn across the adidas Basketball family by next-generation athletes, including Olivia Miles, VJ Edgecombe, Kaleena Smith, and Karim Lopez.

Together, the shoe and campaign reflect the brand’s efforts to connect Edwards’ on-court identity with his broader cultural influence, while continuing to introduce his signature franchise to a growing audience.

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Anthony Edwards 3 “Cold Blooded” is available starting September 18, 2026, through adidas.com and select adidas and Foot Locker retail locations worldwide with a $130 retail price.

From returning to the same Atlanta venue where his signature sneaker story began to celebrating the next generation of local athletes, Edwards’ latest launch represents a full-circle moment for the basketball star and adidas Basketball.

The AE 3 brings that hometown energy to the next phase of his signature line, blending performance-driven design with the confidence and community that remain central to his journey.


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