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Chinese Brands Storm the Court, Nike Asserts Control
Several decades later there have been many power struggles, but Nike, Inc. has had a firm grip on the basketball market. ?At the start of 2010, there have been some big moves by a handful of brands signing more NBAers to their squad and lacing them in their shoes – many from China. ?Brands such as Li Ning, PEAK, and ANTA all signed athletes and there are rumors that Luyong is eyeing a few to sign in the next year. ?Li-Ning also made a pioneer move, becoming the first Chineses brand to have performance basketball footwear sold at Champs Sports and they even opened a flagship store in Portland, OR giving the brand physical US presence.
Several young stars started the season in their own new shoes with?competing?brands. ?First pick Rookie John Wall was signed to Reebok, NBA All-Rookie Brandon Jennings sported his first signature model with Under Armour, and Derrick Rose brought his first signature shoe with Adidas to the court and to a comedic commercial spot.
Nike is used to competition in the footwear space and?preemptively?responded reminding the world who was the leader in basketball with the first annual World Basketball Festival in New York City. ?This event brought together some of the world’s greatest players, national squads, and developing talent with much attention cast on the sport with the FIBA World Championship just weeks away. ?In a first ever triple brand effort, Nike Basketball, Brand Jordan, and Converse united to celebrate the heritage of the sport as well as introduce their new models and technologies. ?The World Basketball Festival was a grand production that demonstrated Nike’s commitment to the sport and helping take athletes to the next level in the game.
