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Li-Ning: Chinese Origin, Ownership and Basketball Business 李宁

Beijing Founded 1990

Yes. Li-Ning is a Chinese sportswear company founded in Beijing in 1990 by Olympic gymnast Li Ning. Li Ning Company Limited is publicly traded in Hong Kong, and its founder remains executive chairman and joint chief executive officer. The brand makes footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories.

Is Li-Ning a Chinese brand?

Li-Ning is Chinese by origin, founder, and core operating base. The company has research, design, manufacturing, marketing, distribution, and retail capabilities centered on the Li-Ning brand. Its products can be sold or made in other markets without changing the brand's country of origin.

Who owns Li-Ning?

Li Ning Company Limited is a public company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under stock codes 2331 and 82331. It is owned by its shareholders rather than entirely by one person. Founder Li Ning remains a senior executive and influential shareholder, but the listed company has a board, public filings, and other investors.

What is the relationship between Li-Ning and Curry Brand?

Li-Ning announced a long-term partnership with Stephen Curry and Curry Brand in June 2026. The announcement covers co-created performance products, sports-culture initiatives, and programs for younger athletes. Curry Brand remains Stephen Curry's athlete-led brand, with Li-Ning as its new sportswear partner after the Under Armour separation.

Read the transition details in Who makes Curry Brand shoes?

Is Curry Brand the same as Way of Wade?

No. Way of Wade is Li-Ning's basketball line developed with Dwyane Wade. Curry Brand is Stephen Curry's separate brand, and Jimmy Butler has another Li-Ning signature program. These athlete partnerships sit within the wider Li-Ning basketball strategy but are not the same product family.

For a company-level comparison, see Anta vs Li-Ning.

Known For

sportswearbasketball shoesathletic apparelChinese wave style

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Essential guides

Source-based explainers and comparisons featuring Li-Ning.

Latest from Li-Ning

Recent news, releases, and milestones from this brand.

Milestones

  • 2026-06Li-Ning announces a long-term partnership with Stephen Curry and Curry Brand covering performance products and sports-culture initiatives. Read more
  • 2025-04Li-Ning opens its first flagship store in Tokyo's Shibuya district, marking a deeper push into Japan and the wider East Asian market.
  • 2024-03Li-Ning posts a record 2023 with revenue above 28 billion RMB and continued growth in premium sportswear, with the running and basketball categories as the main drivers.
  • 2022Li Ning's revenue surpasses 25 billion RMB and continues to expand in the premium sportswear segment.
  • 2018Li Ning debuts at New York Fashion Week, leading a 'Guochao' wave of Chinese national-pride fashion.
  • 2012Li Ning's 'Way of Wade' basketball line extends the brand into US-style performance basketball.
  • 2010Brand repositioning under CEO Kim Jin-Goon emphasizes a more premium sportswear image.
  • 1992Li Ning appears at the Barcelona Olympics and the brand becomes a top Chinese sportswear name.
  • 1990Founded in Beijing by the gymnast Li Ning, originally producing sportswear and footwear.