Li-Ning has grown from a Chinese sportswear company into one of the world’s most recognizable athletic brands. Founded by Olympic gymnast Li Ning, the company has expanded its global reach by signing elite athletes across basketball, badminton, running, and Olympic sports.
From NBA All-Stars to world champion badminton players, Li-Ning continues to strengthen its presence in international sports through high-profile endorsement deals and signature footwear collections.
NBA Players Sponsored by Li-Ning
Li-Ning has become a major force in professional basketball, competing with global brands by signing some of the sport’s biggest names.
Stephen Curry
In one of the most significant endorsement deals in sportswear history, Stephen Curry joined Li-Ning through a long-term partnership announced in 2026. The agreement further elevates Li-Ning’s global basketball profile and expands its influence in the North American market.
Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade remains the most iconic athlete associated with Li-Ning. His highly successful “Way of Wade” signature line helped establish the company as a serious player in basketball footwear. Wade’s partnership with Li-Ning includes a lifetime endorsement agreement.
Jimmy Butler
Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler has become one of Li-Ning’s premier ambassadors. The company launched the popular JB signature sneaker series, which has gained popularity among basketball players and sneaker enthusiasts worldwide.
CJ McCollum
Veteran NBA guard CJ McCollum has represented Li-Ning for several years and has received multiple signature shoe releases under the brand.
Fred VanVleet
Former NBA champion Fred VanVleet is another prominent member of Li-Ning’s basketball roster, frequently wearing the company’s performance basketball shoes on the court.
D’Angelo Russell
D’Angelo Russell has also collaborated with Li-Ning on signature footwear models and remains one of the brand’s recognizable basketball endorsers.
Li-Ning’s Badminton Superstars
Li-Ning is one of the leading brands in international badminton and sponsors many of the sport’s top-ranked players.
Notable badminton athletes sponsored by Li-Ning include:
- P. V. Sindhu
- Chen Long
- Loh Kean Yew
- Srikanth Kidambi
- Yuta Watanabe
- Kim Astrup
- Mathias Christiansen
- Gregoria Mariska Tunjung
- Pornpawee Chochuwong
The company’s dominance in badminton extends beyond individual athletes, with Li-Ning also supplying equipment and apparel for various national teams and international tournaments.
Olympic and Winter Sports Athletes
Li-Ning’s sponsorship portfolio extends beyond basketball and badminton.
Canadian snowboarder Max Parrot, an Olympic medalist and world champion, is among the company’s notable winter sports ambassadors. Li-Ning has also maintained longstanding partnerships with Chinese Olympic teams and athletes competing in multiple disciplines.
Why Li-Ning Continues to Attract Elite Athletes
Li-Ning’s growth has been fueled by a combination of innovative footwear technology, lucrative endorsement contracts, and increasing global brand recognition. The company has invested heavily in performance research while creating athlete-driven signature collections that resonate with both professional athletes and consumers.
The success of the Way of Wade brand, combined with the addition of superstars like Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, has positioned Li-Ning as one of the fastest-growing sportswear brands in the world.
Top Li-Ning Athletes in 2026
As of 2026, some of the brand’s most recognizable athletes include:
- Stephen Curry
- Dwyane Wade
- Jimmy Butler
- CJ McCollum
- Fred VanVleet
- P. V. Sindhu
- Loh Kean Yew
With an expanding roster of elite athletes and increasing visibility across global sports, Li-Ning continues to challenge established sportswear giants while building a strong international presence.