Andrew Rizzo China is buzzing for basketball. It’s been one of the country’s top sports for longer than many realize, but in the 80s and 90s, the legend of Michael Jordan helped spark unprecedented growth. Now twenty years removed from the GOAT’s first trip to China, Jordan Brand’s roots in the Asian country are strong and expanding quickly. Ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season, Jordan Brand is sending its top stars on a tour across Shanghai and Beijing to connect with local youth and further cement the Jumpman’s longstanding presence abroad.
Jayson Tatum, Luka Dončić, Zion Williamson, and Paolo Banchero are all in attendance for the trip, which will include visits to Jordan World of Flight Beijing Sanlitun, the Next Stop Dongdan streetball tournament finals, and youth basketball camps. On the tourism side of things, the athletes will also visit iconic landmarks like the Great Wall of China.
Ari Chen, Jordan Brand VP/GM, Greater China, states: “It’s exciting to welcome Jayson, Luka, Zion and Paolo to China and celebrate the growth of both the game of basketball and Jordan Brand here. They represent the greatness that is the hallmark of Jordan Brand. This tour, while celebrating the community we’ve built in China, also showcases the resonance of basketball culture across the entire globe. It’s a universal language and shows that the future of the Brand is limitless.”
Notably, we’re currently in a time when Chinese basketball shoe brands are making significant inroads in the NBA. Anta and Li-Ning are both continuing to add new signature talent, and many of their shoes have gotten rave reviews by non-pro hoopers. Competitive by nature, Jordan Brand’s Chinese tour surely intends to counteract that a bit.
There will be plenty to unpack as Tatum, Luka, Zion, and Paolo head out to different events, so keep this page handy for all the latest recaps and photos.
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