Li-Ning announced a long-term partnership with Stephen Curry and Curry Brand on June 1, 2026. The agreement covers performance products, brand development, and sports-culture programs. It places one of basketball’s most recognizable athlete-led brands inside a Chinese sportswear partnership.
The announcement belongs to a broader, verifiable trend. Anta operates the KAI and KT signature lines with Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, while 361 Degrees develops Joker and AG basketball products with Nikola Jokić and Aaron Gordon.
What the Li-Ning and Curry Brand agreement covers
Li-Ning’s announcement describes long-term brand co-creation rather than a single shoe endorsement. Curry and Li-Ning plan to work across performance product development, sports culture, and programs for younger athletes.
Curry Brand remains the athlete-led brand in the relationship. Li-Ning is the new sportswear partner supporting its product and international development. This distinction is useful for buyers searching for who owns or makes Curry Brand products after its separation from Under Armour.
Anta’s verified NBA basketball programs
Anta’s current basketball range includes Kyrie Irving’s KAI series and Klay Thompson’s KT series. In February 2026, Anta announced a lifetime partnership with Thompson and presented the KT11, the eleventh generation of his signature line.
These are separate athlete programs within Anta. The names of individual models, materials, prices, and regional release dates should be checked on the official store for the buyer’s country.
361 Degrees and Nikola Jokić
361 Degrees identifies Nikola Jokić as a global brand ambassador and developed the Joker signature line around him. Its 2025 annual report also lists Aaron Gordon and Spencer Dinwiddie among its basketball ambassadors.
The company’s current international store sells Joker and AG basketball products directly in US dollars, which gives overseas shoppers a clearer official channel than was available during the brand’s earlier NBA partnerships.
What athlete partnerships do not prove
An athlete agreement is evidence of a brand’s international marketing and product-development strategy. It does not by itself prove that every shoe from that brand is better, less expensive, or suitable for every player.
Buyers should compare the exact model, fit, return policy, authorized seller, and local warranty. Performance conclusions require model-specific testing, not a list of sponsored players.
Why it matters
The Curry agreement gives Li-Ning a timely international entry point, while Anta and 361 Degrees already have established signature programs. Together, the verified partnerships make Chinese basketball brands easier for global shoppers to identify and research without relying on unsupported athlete or product claims.
Sources
- Li-Ning announces its Stephen Curry and Curry Brand partnership
- Anta announces its lifetime partnership with Klay Thompson
- Anta basketball lineup featuring Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson
- 361 Degrees 2025 annual report
- 361 Degrees international basketball store
Facts and links reviewed July 20, 2026.