Draymond Green Calls Steph Curry's $400 Million Li-Ning Deal ‘Unheard Of'

Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry reportedly agreed to a landmark 10-year partnership with Chinese sportswear giant Li-Ning worth more than $400 million, ending one of the most closely watched sneaker free agencies in sports history.

The deal gives Curry control and expansion opportunities that go far beyond signature shoes, including the ability to sign athletes under Curry Brand, launch a dedicated golf line, and open Curry Brand retail stores in both the United States and China.

Multiple reports indicate Curry turned down comparable offers elsewhere to make the move.

Now, a new reaction from longtime teammate Draymond Green is putting the magnitude of the agreement into perspective.

Speaking on “The Draymond Green Show,” Green called the deal “groundbreaking” and pointed to several factors behind Curry's decision.

Green highlighted Li-Ning's rapid global growth, the enormous Chinese market, and the opportunity for Curry to build a business empire that lasts well beyond his playing career.

"Well, number one, Li-Ning is one of the fastest growing shoe brands in the world," Green said. "Number two, the opportunity for him to grow Curry brand globally, the market in China, life after basketball for him. This deal checks all of those boxes and I’m happy as hell for him. I think this is groundbreaking."

"To sign a $400 million plus sneaker deal, allegedly, at 38 years old is unheard of," Green added. "Which just lets you know the weight that the name Steph Curry carries, which lets you know that the presence that Steph Curry has, who he is, what he is, what he stands for, that they’re willing to sign this a 10-year deal … Amazing, absolutely insane."

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From a business standpoint, Curry's deal immediately joins the rarefied air occupied by the largest athlete-brand partnerships in sports.

While still below the lifetime agreements signed by basketball icons such as LeBron James and Michael Jordan, the reported value places Curry among the most commercially powerful athletes in the world.

What makes it particularly remarkable is the timing. Most athletes sign their largest deals near their physical peak. Curry secured his at an age when many Hall of Famers are already retired.

For Curry, it creates another revenue stream that could eventually push his career earnings well beyond the billion-dollar mark when combined with NBA salary, endorsements, media projects, and investments.

For Li-Ning, it instantly provides one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet as it continues expanding globally.

Curry reportedly has the freedom to recruit and sign future athletes under Curry Brand, creating a structure that resembles what Jordan Brand became for Nike.

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This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 1:05 PM.