Sidelining Brands: The Rise of State Driven Sports Apparel in China The recent partnership between Steph Curry and Li Ning, a Chinese sports apparel company, has sent shockwaves through the global market, raising questions about the role of state backed industry in shaping the international athletic wear landscape.
Beneath the hype surrounding this high profile endorsement lies a more insidious trend: the increasing dominance of state driven businesses in China's sports apparel sector.
Historically, China's sports industry has been characterized by government support and strategic investments.