Mamba Sports Academy Removes 'Mamba' from Name to 'Honor' Kobe Bryant

The Mamba Sports Academy says it will honor Kobe Bryant's memory by removing the word "Mamba" from its name forever. Kobe partnered up with The Sports Academy in 2018, which led to the name change "Mamba Sports Academy." Kobe was very involved with the Academy because it focused on getting area youth into sports. He and his daughter were actually on their way to the facility when their helicopter crashed back in January. Sports Academy founder and CEO Chad Faulkner says the company will remove the name as a tribute to the NBA legend. Sources say, it was Kobe’s estate who asked for the name change. No word on why the estate wanted Kobe’s name removed, but The Sports Academy has already changed its website to reflect its new name and says it will make changes to signage at its buildings in Thousand Oaks and Redondo Beach.