Chinese sports brand Li Ning has signed up college basketball star Evan Turner to its list of sponsored athletes. The player has joined the Philadelphia 76ers and will feature in the NBA next season.
Brian Cupps, who is working for Li Ning as an ‘initiative director’ for basketball, said on making the announcment: “This is truly a game-changing moment for the Li Ning brand. Adding a supreme young talent like Evan Turner sends a message to the global basketball community that Li Ning basketball is committed to being a player on the global stage."
The player himself said: “It’s great to have the support of a company that’s as eager as I am to perform at the highest level possible. I am excited to be part of a growing brand and to blaze a new path for future young ballplayers everywhere to follow.”
He will showcase his own Li Ning signature footwear and apparel product line, which the company will make available globally in the second year of the agreement. He will also play a major role in Li Ning's global marketing plans beginning immediately.

Li Ning has also reported its financial results for the first half of the year. Revenue for the six-month period grew by 11.2% to $662.4 million and profit by 23.1% to $85.5 million.
On announcing the results, chairman, founder and former Olympic athlete, Li Ning, commented: "The group has strengthened its competitiveness in key areas such as brand awareness and product performance, thus achieving stable and sustainable business development." He said the company had benefited from continued growth in China's economy during the first half of 2010, although economic uncertainties in other markets had affected it too.
Accessories sales increased by 22.6%, while apparel sales rose 12.3% and shoe sales grew 7.4%.

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