NBA Inks Partnership with Li-Ning Sports Brand

The Li-Ning Co. and the National Basketball Association have formed a multi-year marketing partnership that connects the Li-Ning sports brand with the NBA’s global popularity and its players.

Under the three-year agreement, Li-Ning will feature select NBA players in its advertising and utilize the league’s extensive marketing and media assets in the China market to promote the Li-Ning brand and help market Li-Ning footwear.

“Li-Ning is a leader in China’s rapidly growing sports market and we are delighted to join forces with them to promote the sport of basketball leading up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics,” said Mark Fischer, NBA China managing director, in a statement. “This groundbreaking partnership fits well with our strategy to partner with leading brands to further our reach throughout the China market.”

Li-Ning will also utilize NBA players in multimedia advertising and promotional campaigns, including annual appearances in China. Li-Ning will work with NBA players on selected programs and activities to grow the game of basketball and bring positive influences to communities across China.

Also, Li-Ning basketball and brand campaigns will appear on nationally televised NBA games broadcast across China, as well as on NBA.com/China.