Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry announced Thursday that his first signature shoe with the Chinese athletic brand Li-Ning is scheduled for release in early 2027. The four-time NBA champion made the statement during an interview with CNBC, following the June announcement of his partnership with Li-Ning after a 13-year endorsement deal with Under Armour came to an end.
Curry described the conclusion of his relationship with Under Armour as a “mutual” decision. “I think it was a great run,” he said. “Sometimes good things do come to an end. I don’t have any regrets of how anything happened.”
According to a report from ESPN, Curry signed a 10-year contract with Li-Ning valued at $400 million. In his interview, Curry stated he was seeking “longevity, legacy and global reach” in a new partner and cited the quality of the company’s products as a primary factor in his decision.
“I tried literally everything, and there was a reason that Li-Ning stood tall at the end because the product reigned supreme,” Curry said.
He also noted the influence of fellow NBA players who represent the brand, including his Warriors teammate Jimmy Butler and former Miami Heat player Dwyane Wade. Curry said he plans to wear shoes from Butler’s and Wade’s Li-Ning lines until his own signature model is released.
During the interview, Curry also commented on his professional future. Entering his 18th NBA season, he affirmed his commitment to the Golden State Warriors, where his current contract runs through 2027.
“I want to be a lifer with Golden State,” Curry stated. “What we’ve built there, the fact that I get to run it back with Draymond [Green] and Coach Kerr… my interest and mission is to stay and be competitive… The contract stuff will take care of itself.”
Curry also confirmed that he had attempted to recruit fellow player LeBron James to the Warriors during James’s most recent period of free agency.
“If anybody didn’t [try to recruit him], I think they’d be a fool,” he said. James ultimately signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million contract, according to multiple media reports.
Curry was speaking from an event for the Underrated Golf Tour at the Bethpage Black Golf Course. He founded the national junior golf circuit to provide opportunities for young and underrepresented golfers. Curry mentioned he is in discussions with the Golf Channel to televise the tournament for the first time next year.
