The Stephen Curry Li-Ning partnership is officially underway, and it could become one of the most significant athlete-brand collaborations in modern basketball. After months of speculation surrounding Curry’s sneaker free agency, the four-time NBA champion has signed a 10-year agreement with Chinese sportswear giant Li-Ning, launching the next chapter of Curry Brand on a global stage. The deal arrives less than a year after Curry and Under Armour agreed to end their deal, which began in 2013 and helped build Curry into one of the most influential signature athletes in the sneaker industry. So, let’s dive into this new chapter and what we know about it, shall we?
A Landmark 10-Year Agreement
According to multiple reports, Curry’s new partnership with Li-Ning extends for 10 years and goes far beyond footwear. The agreement includes basketball performance products, lifestyle apparel, athleisure collections, a dedicated golf category, and the opportunity for Curry to sign athletes under the Curry Brand umbrella. So, this is giving Jordan-signed athletes vibes! Curry described the move as “the partnership of a lifetime” on his Instagram post. He also emphasized that the collaboration focuses on long-term brand building rather than simply producing signature sneakers.
Why the Stephen Curry Li-Ning Deal Makes Sense
Li-Ning has steadily become one of the most respected performance basketball brands in the world. The company already boasts a strong NBA presence through athletes such as Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler, both of whom have signature footwear with the brand. Reports indicate that Curry was impressed by the comfort and performance of Li-Ning models worn by fellow players, which helped influence his decision.
For Curry, the partnership also creates a pathway to expand Curry Brand internationally. Li-Ning operates thousands of retail locations across Asia and brings a global infrastructure capable of growing the brand beyond North America. So, growth and performance? Sign us up!
What The Stephen Curry Li-Ning Deal Means for the Industry
The Stephen Curry Li-Ning deal represents one of the biggest endorsement moves of 2026. Rather than joining another big-name brand like Nike or Adidas, Curry chose a partnership that offers greater control and international growth opportunities. And we’ve already seen that happen previously with deals like Kyrie’s Anta partnership that’s currently thriving!
For sneaker fans, the move opens the door to an entirely new generation of Curry products. With Li-Ning’s performance innovation and Curry’s influence, the next decade could reshape how athlete-led brands compete on the global basketball stage. And for the resellers, this could be a new potential opportunity for investment. Keep it locked on our blog for more news as we go. Godspeed!
