Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum has developed into one of the league's most dynamic scorers over the last couple of seasons.
This has led to more endorsement opportunities coming his way that led to him inking a shoe deal with Li-Ning, which is a China-based company. According to Nick DePaula of ESPN, McCollum is now one of the top earners in the league with a Chinese business.
Across the globe, longtime Chinese athletic brand Li-Ning took notice and emerged as the most interested, most invested and most aggressive company — eventually signing McCollum to a lucrative five-year endorsement deal that will make him one of the top-earning players signed to a Chinese company. While Li-Ning might be unfamiliar to some players, McCollum had a unique vantage point among the league's emerging stars.
The 26-year-old now finds himself in exclusive company with the likes of All-Star guards Dwyane Wade and Klay Thompson to have lucrative shoe deals from overseas. It has provided him the opportunity to expand his personal brand in a much different fashion than those that have signed with the likes of Nike, Jordan, Under Armour and Adidas.
McCollum's play has certainly warranted the increased attention as he's developed into one of the premier scorers at his position while helping form one of the backcourts in the league with the Portland Trail Blazers alongside All-Star point guard Damian Lillard.
Although the Western Conference is stacked with talent, this endorsement deal could provide him the ability to have a larger global outreach with fans and build a stronger individual brand. There can be nothing but positive impact on his NBA career coming about from his new off-the-court business venture.
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