Stephen Curry, a superstar guard for the Golden State Warriors, has signed a 10-year endorsement deal worth $400 million with Li-Ning, a sports apparel brand based in China, according to a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania who cited industry sources. The contract ends a process of recruiting that was stretched out after Curry left Under Armour back in Nov. 2025.
The conclusion of Curry‘s shoe free agency was announced by the 38-year-old Monday, doing so with a monumental deal with Li-Ning that extends the Curry Brand all around the world. Curry‘s endorsement will feature basketball gear, a complete golf line, athleisure lifestyle clothing, and he will also have the ability to ink other athletes to his brand. (RELATED: Russell Wilson Set To Join CBS Sports: REPORT)
The government of the United States and human rights groups have identified Li-Ning, as well as multiple other companies in China, as implementing forced labor to generate goods. In 2022, the United States banned merchandise from Li-Ning.
Rep. Chris Smith, who is a Republican in New Jersey that is the co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, stated Tuesday he has plans to request the Department of Homeland Security to inspect imports from Li-Ning.
“Steph Curry is one of the most talented and watched basketball players in the world, which is exactly why this matters,” said Smith in an official statement to ESPN. “The NBA, its players, and sites like Amazon cannot suggest that they stand for social justice at home while cashing checks from companies tied to the Chinese Communist Party’s forced-labor economy.”
Curry chose Li-Ning over pitches that were offered from other brands both domestically and foreign despite finances being alike. Per ESPN’s sources, there was at least one company that had a bigger offer. A factor that made up Curry’s mind on finalizing a deal with Li-Ning was how comfortable he felt while testing the sneakers of his Warriors teammate Jimmy Butler and NBA legend Dwyane Wade. Both are signature athletes of Li-Ning.
It’s planned by Li-Ning to construct Curry Brand shops in both China and the United States. Jeff Austin, who is the agent for Curry, recently completed the negotiation process.
The deal between Curry and Li-Ning was announced Monday on social media, however, the terms of the contract weren’t disclosed.