The cover of Issue 06 features NBA 2019 MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo shot by UK-based Nigerian photographer Ruth Ossai. Captured in Greece with Ossai’s signature use of dynamic backdrops imported from Lagos, the portraits show all of the Antetokounmpo brothers as well as their mother, Veronica. 

Franchise follows NBA rookie Rui Hachimura on his journey into the league throughout draft week — artist Kosuke Kawamura created a collage of Hachimura for the cover of an exclusive edition, sold only in Japan. 

The issue also includes painter Lauren Halsey, fresh from her accolades and residencies at Frieze and Louis Vuitton, and a studio visit with L.A.-based Devin Troy Strother that showcases the artist in his element, as he shines a light on his upbringing, current projects and the process behind them.  

Photographer Isa Saalabi makes his third appearance in the publication, this time documenting the NBPA Top 100 Camp in his signature style. Franchise editor Kirsten Chen meets artist Zhou Yilun in his studio outside of Hangzhou, China to get the story behind his unique works, and long-time collaborator Diplo takes time out from his residency in Las Vegas to speak with WNBA All-Star Liz Cambage. The two discussed her childhood, basketball and her growing DJ career. The acclaimed Hassan Rahim created an original work, Biometrics 001, which is included in each issue as a foldout poster.  

Finally, Franchise founders Justin Montag and Chris Dea travel to Paris to visit the House of Jumpman and Quai 54 to spend time with Kemba Walker, Blake Griffin alongside Jordan design team. Packed within the 200 pages is an illustrious group of contributors that are working at the cutting edge of their disciplines.

All of this and more make up Franchise Issue 06.