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Stephen Curry is nearing the end of his illustrious NBA career, but he's not done making moves. The four-time NBA champion announced Monday he's signing with the Chinese sportswear company Li-Ning after a high-profile period of sneaker free agency.
Under Armour had Curry for 12 years, and Curry started the sub-label Curry Brand with the company in 2020. Curry and Under Armour split last November over middling sales, however, with Curry allowed to retain ownership rights of Curry Brand the "Splash" logo.
Now, Curry is taking Curry Brand international with Li-Ning.
"This is bigger than a shoe deal, bigger than a signature series," Curry said in an Instagram post. "This is the partnership of a lifetime. The future of Curry Brand will be powered by a company truly rooted in sports and innovation. A partner dedicated to creating quality products, with sneakers that I believe in, that will continue to deliver at the highest level. The future of Curry Brand is with Li-Ning."
So, why did Curry choose Li-Ning? He gave two reasons in a statement on his website.
As an athlete and founder himself, Curry drew inspiration from Li-Ning's origins. Ning. Li Ning, the brand's namesake, was an Olympic gymnast who captured six medals (three golds) in the 1984 Olympics. He went on to found the shoe brand and the rest is history.
"It’s amazing to see how he’s grown his namesake company as an athlete founder, knowing I have those same hopes and aspirations for Curry Brand," Curry wrote. "Now, we’ll be working together to continually elevate both brands for the long run."
Miami Heat legends Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade have been with Li-Ning for several years now, and Curry saw the appeal after wearing their sneakers during his sneaker free agency period.
"Throughout my sneaker free agency, I was impressed by the quality, comfort and performance of Li-Ning’s shoes," Curry wrote. "It was during that time playing in Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler’s sneakers, that I knew that Li-Ning could be the right partner that can deliver on the innovation and design that I want Curry Brand to stand for."
There you have it.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why did Stephen Curry sign with Li-Ning after Under Armour split? 2 reasons stand out
Continue reading...
Under Armour had Curry for 12 years, and Curry started the sub-label Curry Brand with the company in 2020. Curry and Under Armour split last November over middling sales, however, with Curry allowed to retain ownership rights of Curry Brand the "Splash" logo.
Now, Curry is taking Curry Brand international with Li-Ning.
"This is bigger than a shoe deal, bigger than a signature series," Curry said in an Instagram post. "This is the partnership of a lifetime. The future of Curry Brand will be powered by a company truly rooted in sports and innovation. A partner dedicated to creating quality products, with sneakers that I believe in, that will continue to deliver at the highest level. The future of Curry Brand is with Li-Ning."
So, why did Curry choose Li-Ning? He gave two reasons in a statement on his website.
Curry inspired by athlete and founder Li Ning
As an athlete and founder himself, Curry drew inspiration from Li-Ning's origins. Ning. Li Ning, the brand's namesake, was an Olympic gymnast who captured six medals (three golds) in the 1984 Olympics. He went on to found the shoe brand and the rest is history.
"It’s amazing to see how he’s grown his namesake company as an athlete founder, knowing I have those same hopes and aspirations for Curry Brand," Curry wrote. "Now, we’ll be working together to continually elevate both brands for the long run."
Jimmy Butler, Dwyane Wade paved the way
Miami Heat legends Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade have been with Li-Ning for several years now, and Curry saw the appeal after wearing their sneakers during his sneaker free agency period.
"Throughout my sneaker free agency, I was impressed by the quality, comfort and performance of Li-Ning’s shoes," Curry wrote. "It was during that time playing in Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler’s sneakers, that I knew that Li-Ning could be the right partner that can deliver on the innovation and design that I want Curry Brand to stand for."
There you have it.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why did Stephen Curry sign with Li-Ning after Under Armour split? 2 reasons stand out
Continue reading...
