UPDATE: Dwyane Wade has been named Li-Ning’s Chief Brand Officer and will be in launching the WADE Brand, reports Sneaker News. The first shoe is called the “Way of Wade.”
The ink isn’t dry on Dwyane Wade’s new endorsement deal with Chinese athletic brand Li-Ning just yet. The Miami Heat player’s new sneaker alliance will be officially announced tomorrow morning (October 10) in China, hence the “#10/10” included in some teaser pics.
“In the end, the pros outweighed the cons,” Wade told ESPN of his decision to leave Michael Jordan’s company. “Jordan might have that cool factor, but I’m at a different point in my career. I want to be involved in building something.”
Although there is still no info about how much money Li-Ning is paying Wade, word is that the contract is in the millions and can potentially last until he retires. Also, Wade’s agent, Henry Thomas, revealed that part of his client’s deal includes receiving equity in Li-Ning, something that prompted his move versus staying with Jordan Brand or heading over to adidas.
Wade’s Li-Ning kicks are expected to retail at about $120 USD. Sneaker News reports that they won’t be available stateside until 2013. An apparel line to complement his sneakers is also planned.
The Miami Heat will be playing a pair of preseason games in China; the Los Angeles Clippers on October 11th in Beijing and October 14th in Shanghai.
Check out the full story over at ESPN. Peep some more photos of D. Wade’s new kicks in the gallery.
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Photo: ESPN, Li-Ning
