Chinese sportswear brand Anta has signed on to be NBA China’s long-term partner, making Anta company the first Chinese sportswear company licenser authorized by US-based NBA officials, NBA China’s official website posted on Tuesday.

Through the partnership with NBA China, Anta can produce co-branded basketball shoes and sports accessories.

As the leading company in the Chinese sportswear industry, Anta will further develop the Chinese basketball market with the NBA, said Ding Shizhong, Chairman and CEO of Fujian based Anta Sports Products Limited.
Shizhong says that Anta is aiming to be the number one Chinese sports brand in the domestic basketball field.

He added that the cooperation with NBA also will increase Anta’s professionalism and influence in the basketball industry.

Besides producing basketball shoes and sports accessories, Anta is the NBA’s official partner of the 2015 NBA Nation, a free occasion for basketball fans to interact with NBA teams.

“The NBA and Anta share a common goal to grow the game of basketball and inspire a healthy, active lifestyle,” said NBA commissioner Adam Silver. “This partnership will provide our fans in China with NBA branded footwear and accessories and more ways to connect with their favorite teams.”

The cooperation was announced at a joint ANTA & NBA China press conference held on Monday.