Chinese sportswear company Li-Ning and NBA Miami Heat G Dwyane Wade formally announced a multiyear partnership involving the creation of a new athletic footwear and apparel brand called "Wade." The brand will serve as the centerpiece of Li-Ning's int'l basketball strategy and be shaped by Wade's creative and strategic direction. The line will be available soon at Li-Ning retail stores and online throughout China, and is set to debut in the U.S. in ‘13. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Wade will serve as Chief Brand Officer, and be responsible for guiding the creative direction of all Wade products. Prior to the official launch of his signature shoe, Wade will wear two specially-created Li-Ning-branded basketball sneakers during upcoming Heat games, including two preseason games to be played later this week in Beijing and Shanghai. Li-Ning also has plans to launch a Wade kids footwear and apparel line in the future. CAA Sports brokered the agreement for Wade (Li-Ning). XINHUA reported that Wade was in Bejing Wednesday for his deal with Li-Ning, "giving his respects to the company's boss Li Ning himself." Wade said, "I know him well. I've read many reports about him. Mr. Li is a very respectable person. He's done great job not only in sports, and I hope to have more cooperation with Li-Ning than sports." Li gave Wade the new shoes, the Way of Wade, for his upcoming games in China. The Heat will play two preseason NBA games against the L.A. Clippers in Beijing and Shanghai (XINHUA, 10/10).
