Fresh off of his second NBA Championship, Klay Thompson grabbed some chocolate milk and headed east to China. While many thought he was simply touring the country, missing dunks during public appearances and dancing, Klay was working on bigger things, and today we learned just what those things were.
The two-time NBA Champion has secured what could be a 10 year, $80 million deal with Chinese shoe brand Anta. For those used to hearing Nike and Adidas, get ready to include Anta in those discussions because they’re aiming to make big thing happen with Klay.
Warriors Talk on Twitter
ChinaKlay mood forever tbh. https://t.co/ejlkmwRs1R
I didnt know much about Anta, Thompson told the site nicekicks.com during their latest Nice Kicks Cast. One of my agents clients, Rajon [Rondo] was with them, and he said this brand had incredible potential and that the Chinese market, as well, was something that I could really dive into.
After four trips to China, including two multi-city tours with Anta, the decision to sign with the brand, as opposed to being a part of the cluttered US sneaker market, wasn’t a touch decision.
I knew with the other brands in the States, whether it was Nike or adidas, it was going to be tough for me to get a signature shoe, said Klay. “I knew with Anta, I would have so much input creatively. I was going to hopefully be the Michael Jordan one day of Anta. That really resonated with me, and knowing that I could be really big in China, that was really cool to me. The shoe market sometimes is overflooded in the States, and I thought, Well, why not branch out and be global.’
And with the NBA’s global efforts, particularly in China, the decision became clearer for both Klay and Anta.
This partnership has been very successful, both on the brand side and business side, said Shawn Liu, Antas Sports Marketing Manager. Klays popularity has been growing with the success of the Warriors, which gives us a chance to elevate the Anta basketball brand positioning and product pricing.
Thompson began his deal with the company back in 2014, where he was paid $2 million. Three years later, he’s quadrupled his original contract. With $80 million new reasons to smile, is it any wonder why Klay is straight up partying? Congrats Klay. Keep us all smiling.
Klay having the time of his life in China
4,210 Likes, 365 Comments – Warriors World (@officialwarriorsworld) on Instagram: “Klay having the time of his life in China”
