Li-Ning

Li-Ning Company Limited was founded in 1990 by Li Ning, one of China's greatest athletes — a gymnast who won six medals (including three golds) at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, earning him the nickname "Prince of Gymnastics." After retiring from competition, Li Ning launched his eponymous brand with the vision of creating a Chinese sportswear company that could compete on the world stage. What began as a domestic brand producing basketball shoes and apparel has grown into one of China's largest sportswear companies, listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Li-Ning distinguishes itself through deep investment in sports technology and innovation across core categories: running, basketball, training, badminton, and sports lifestyle. The brand's research and development capabilities have produced proprietary technologies like BOOM cushioning (PEBAX-based supercritical foam), which powers its high-performance running and basketball shoes. The Wade series — a signature basketball line developed with NBA legend Dwyane Wade since 2012 — has become one of the most respected athlete-endorsed footwear franchises globally, with the Way of Wade sneakers commanding cult followings and significant resale value in China and beyond.

Li-Ning has also been a trailblazer in bringing Chinese design to global fashion. Under the creative direction of designer Li-Ning (no relation to the founder), the brand made history at New York Fashion Week in 2018 and Paris Fashion Week in 2019, presenting collections that blended traditional Chinese aesthetics with contemporary streetwear. The Essence series and Furious Rider models introduced innovative silhouettes with distinctly Chinese design language, earning recognition from international fashion media and collectors. Today Li-Ning represents the vanguard of Chinese sportswear — a brand that combines Olympic heritage, technical innovation, and a growing global cultural footprint.