
Luka He, LI-NING Brand Marketing Director, hand over customized LI-NING shoes to Baron Davis. (Li-Ning Company Limited) |
Los Angeles Clippers' Baron Davis and Chinese sportswear company Li-Ning announced their partnership Thursday at Mr. Chow's Restaurant in Beverly Hills. Financial terms were not released. The announcement event offered a sneak peek at the basketball shoes that Davis will wear during the 2008-2009 season. "I'm so excited about this one-of-a-kind relationship," said Davis. "Li- Ning has such a strong global presence and I am honored to work with such a well-respected company." Davis will have an active role in the branding and product development with the line. "Baron is unbelievably creative. His passion for the game and abilities on the court, as well as his unique style and fashion sense off the court easily coincide with the brand of Li-Ning," says Luka He, Li-Ning brand marketing director. As part of the promotion, Li-Ning is developing a series of "Baron Davis- inspired" athletic gear and Davis will also travel to China in the off-season to promote the new products. The endorsement with Davis will mark another important step toward the continued international expansion of the brand. The contract was negotiated by Bill Duffy and Todd Ramasar of BDA Sports and BDA affiliate Starz Sports and its lead agent Lu Hao. Ramasar, Davis' agent, added, "StarzSports played an instrumental role in making this groundbreaking deal happen. Baron is a progressive thinker and partnering with Li-Ning is a direct reflection of Baron's multifaceted brand." Source: Li-Ning
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