Stephen Curry Signs Long-Term Deal with Li Ning
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 02 2026
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- Brand Partnership Impact: NBA star Stephen Curry has signed a long-term shoe and apparel deal with Chinese sportswear brand Li Ning, which could disrupt the basketball shoe market for Nike and Adidas in China, while also affecting brands like Under Armour and Skechers.
- Market Expansion Potential: The partnership will focus on developing professional sports equipment across multiple categories, expected to help both the Curry brand and Li Ning expand globally in basketball, golf, and lifestyle sportswear, enhancing their market competitiveness.
- Athlete Perspective: Curry emphasized that Li Ning approaches its business from an athlete's perspective, aiming to inspire the next generation through high-quality and innovative products, highlighting that their collaboration will foster mutual growth for both brands.
- End of Historical Partnership: The 12-year association between Curry and Under Armour concluded at the end of 2025, and this new collaboration with Li Ning marks a significant shift in his career, potentially altering his positioning in the sports equipment market.
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Analyst Views on NKE
Wall Street analysts forecast NKE stock price to rise
21 Analyst Rating
14 Buy
7 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 44.190
Low
62.00
Averages
76.11
High
110.00
Current: 44.190
Low
62.00
Averages
76.11
High
110.00
About NKE
NIKE, Inc. is engaged in the designing, marketing and distributing of athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories and services for sports and fitness activities. The Company's operating segments include North America; Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA); Greater China; and Asia Pacific & Latin America (APLA). It sells a line of equipment and accessories under the NIKE Brand name, including bags, socks, sport balls, eyewear, timepieces, digital devices, bats, gloves, protective equipment and other equipment designed for sports activities. It also designs products specifically for the Jordan Brand and Converse. The Jordan Brand designs, distributes and licenses athletic and casual footwear, apparel and accessories predominantly focused on basketball performance and culture using the Jumpman trademark. The Company also designs, distributes and licenses casual sneakers, apparel and accessories under the Chuck Taylor, All Star, One Star, Star Chevron and Jack Purcell trademarks.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- North America Recovery: Nike's North America revenue rose 3% to about $5 billion in fiscal Q3 2026, driven by an 11% increase in wholesale, indicating that the company's efforts to regain shelf space with retail partners are yielding positive results in its turnaround strategy.
- China Market Decline: Despite a 7% drop in revenue to approximately $1.6 billion in China during Q3, management anticipates a 20% decline in Q4, a self-imposed strategy aimed at clearing excess inventory and reducing discounting, which has led to short-term sales challenges.
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See More
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- Chinese Market Challenges: Despite a 7% revenue decline in Greater China to approximately $1.6 billion, management anticipates a roughly 20% drop in Q4, reflecting a self-imposed strategy to clear excess inventory and curb discounting.
- Margin Fluctuations: Nike's gross margin fell to 40.2% in fiscal Q3 2026 from 41.5% a year earlier, primarily due to rising U.S. tariffs, but management expects a smaller margin decline in Q4 and a recovery in Q2 2027.
- Long-term Strategic Planning: Management plans to restore margins by Q2 2027 and will outline long-term targets at an investor day this fall, demonstrating confidence in Nike's future growth trajectory.
See More
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- Continued Advisory Role: Rogers' retirement will take effect after the annual meeting, after which he will serve as a strategic advisor focusing on various topics including the future of sport and social community impact, ensuring his expertise continues to benefit the company.
- Executive Appreciation: Nike's Executive Chairman Mark Parker expressed gratitude for Rogers' eight years of service on the board, highlighting his leadership in business and finance as well as his dedication to civic causes, reflecting the company's commitment to valuing talent.
- Future Commitment: Rogers stated his intention to continue supporting Nike's mission by helping the company impact and invest in sports, athletes, and communities globally, demonstrating his confidence in Nike's future growth.
See More
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- World Cup Opportunity: Nike sees the World Cup hosted in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico as a crucial opportunity for business recovery, particularly after over a year of restructuring, aiming to enhance brand visibility and market share.
- Innovative Product Launch: The introduction of Nike's new Aero-FIT technology significantly improves the breathability of soccer kits, expected to drive sales growth through World Cup exposure, with plans to expand this innovation across other sports.
- Community Engagement Activities: Nike has launched interactive retail and community experiences nationwide, such as the House of Merc in New York and Estadio Niky's in Los Angeles, aimed at attracting younger consumers and igniting their passion for soccer, thereby enhancing brand loyalty.
- Sales Growth Expectations: Analysts predict that the World Cup will yield substantial sales growth for Nike, particularly in the Asia-Pacific and Latin America regions, likely driving business recovery in the coming quarters, despite ongoing pressure on Nike's stock price.
See More
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See More
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- Political Future Discussions: Informal conversations among donors and business leaders about the future of the Democratic Party and fundraising will take place during the event, reflecting a pressing need to regain control of Congress and showcasing the intertwining of politics and business.
- Non-Partisan Stance: Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation, emphasized that despite the political undertones, the center, as a non-profit entity, aims to foster healthy dialogue among diverse political perspectives, embodying the core values of a democratic society.
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