Stephen Curry chooses Li-Ning as sneaker, sportswear partner

Stephen Curry ended his sneaker free agency on Monday, announcing a deal to take the Curry Brand to China's Li-Ning.

The Golden State Warriors star wore Under Armour shoes for 13 years before the sides split in November.

Curry said Monday in a social-media post, "The next stage is set. This is bigger than a shoe deal, bigger than a signature series. This is a partnership of a lifetime. The future of Curry Brand will be powered by a company truly rooted in sports and innovation. A partner dedicated to creating quality products with sneakers that I believe in, that will continue to deliver at the highest level. A future of Curry Brand is with Li-Ning."

According to ESPN, Curry agreed to a 10-year deal with Li-Ning. The report indicated that he was impressed with the company's shoes made for teammate Jimmy Butler III and Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade.

Li-Ning will look to open Curry Brand stores in both the U.S. and China, per ESPN.

The company was founded by Li Ning, a 63-year-old former gymnast who won three gold medals for China at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

Curry said of the partnership, "It starts with Mr. Li Ning himself, an athlete founder who's built one of the world's most premium sportswear brands over the past 35 years. Together, we will continue the Curry Brand mission with stories, platforms and products that will inspire the next generation around the globe and change the game for good."

--Field Level Media