Stephen Curry Signs 10-Year, $400 Million Li-Ning Deal After Leaving Under Armour

Stephen Curry has signed a 10-year, $400 million endorsement contract with Chinese sportswear company Li-Ning. Industry sources told ESPN's Shams Charania that the deal ends a recruitment process that began after Curry left Under Armour in November. Curry announced the end of his sneaker free agency on Monday through a social media post.

The agreement covers basketball products, athleisure lifestyle wear, the ability for Curry to sign athletes under his brand, and a full golf line. Li-Ning plans to build Curry Brand stores in the United States and in China. Curry chose Li-Ning over offers from American and foreign companies, even though at least one brand offered more money, sources said.

His comfort testing shoes from Li-Ning athletes Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade was a factor in the decision. Curry's agent, Jeff Austin of Octagon, finalized the negotiations in recent days. The partnership expands Curry Brand globally.

U.S. government and human rights groups as using forced labor to produce their goods. Li-Ning merchandise was banned in the United States in 2022.

Chris Smith, a New Jersey Republican who co-chairs the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, said Tuesday that he plans to ask the Department of Homeland Security to examine Li-Ning imports. "Steph Curry is one of the most talented and watched basketball players in the world, which is exactly why this matters," Smith said in a statement provided to ESPN.

" Curry split from Under Armour after a 13-year partnership, announcing a mutual divorce in November.

During the recruitment period, he wore Nike Kobe 6 "Mambacita" sneakers to warm up before a Warriors game in San Antonio. ESPN's Anthony Slater contributed to this report.