NBA superstar Stephen Curry says his first signature basketball shoe with Chinese sportswear company Li-Ning is expected to debut in early 2027, giving fans their first clear timeline for the next chapter of his footwear career.
Curry shared the update Thursday while discussing his new partnership with Li-Ning. The Golden State Warriors star said the shoe is still being developed and that he has been closely involved in the design process, with the team moving quickly while making sure the final product meets his expectations.
Curry Moves Into a New Footwear Era
The upcoming shoe will be Curry’s first dedicated signature basketball model with Li-Ning after his long-running partnership with Under Armour ended.
Curry had worked with Under Armour for more than a decade, beginning the relationship in 2013. After becoming a sneaker free agent, he spent much of the 2025-26 season testing shoes from different brands before ultimately choosing Li-Ning as his long-term partner.
In June, Curry officially announced the new partnership, describing it as a long-term collaboration focused on building Curry Brand across basketball, golf and lifestyle products.
A Reported $400 Million Partnership
The Li-Ning deal has been widely reported as a 10-year agreement worth more than $400 million, according to ESPN reporting cited by multiple outlets.
The partnership is designed to go beyond individual basketball shoes. Curry and Li-Ning are also planning broader product development and brand initiatives, with the company aiming to expand Curry Brand's presence in both the U.S. and China.
Curry said he was looking for a partner that could provide longevity, legacy and global reach, while also delivering the product quality and innovation he wanted for the next phase of his brand.
Early Li-Ning Products Are Already Appearing
While Curry's own signature basketball shoe has not yet arrived, fans have already seen his branding appear on Li-Ning footwear.
During his recent China tour, limited Curry-branded editions of the Way of Wade 12 and Jimmy Butler 4 were introduced. These releases have provided an early look at how Curry's identity is being incorporated into Li-Ning's existing basketball footwear lines.
Curry has also already debuted a Curry Brand golf shoe under Li-Ning, showing that the partnership is being developed across multiple sports rather than focusing only on basketball.
Curry Wants the New Shoe to Be Right
Curry has indicated that the development process is moving quickly but that the focus remains on getting the final design right.
That hands-on approach is important for Curry Brand, which is being positioned as more than a traditional athlete endorsement. The basketball star wants to have a direct role in creating products that reflect his playing style, interests and broader business ambitions.
His comments suggest that Li-Ning is giving Curry significant involvement in developing the new footwear line before the first signature model reaches consumers.
Li-Ning Gains a Global Basketball Star
For Li-Ning, partnering with Curry represents a major opportunity to strengthen its international presence.
The company already has established basketball relationships with stars including Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler. Adding Curry gives Li-Ning another globally recognised NBA player while connecting the brand with Curry's large international following.
The partnership is also significant because Curry is seeking to build Curry Brand into a broader global sports business rather than limiting it to basketball sneakers.
First Signature Shoe Expected in Early 2027
For now, fans will have to wait a little longer for Curry's first dedicated Li-Ning basketball model.
Curry has confirmed that the shoe is expected to debut early next year, with development continuing throughout the current season. No official name, release date, price or full design details have been announced yet.
The release will mark an important moment for both Curry and Li-Ning. After more than a decade with Under Armour and months of testing different brands, Curry is preparing to introduce a completely new signature chapter, one that combines his NBA career with Li-Ning's ambitions to expand Curry Brand around the world.
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