CBA allows Yi Jianlian, Guo Ailun to wear Nike on the court

October 27: The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) has launched a notice to allow the Guangdong Southern Tigers player, Yi Jianlian, and Guo Ailun, who plays for the Liaoning Flying Leopards, to wear Nike-branded sneakers in the 2017-2018 season.

According to earlier reports, Chinese sportswear brand Li-Ning extended a five-year partnership with the CBA in a one-billion-yuan deal.

In part of a controversy last season, Yi Jianlian took off his Li-Ning shoes and threw them on the court in protest of the league’s decision that all players should wear the sneakers of its official sponsor.

To protect the rights of sponsors, the CBA issued a notice to strengthen the management of players’ sportswear, shoes and protective equipment. At the same time, CBA chairman Yao Ming also stipulated that its players cannot release inappropriate message in public or on any media platforms, or they will face a fine of up to three million yuan. 

Source: sports.online.sh.cn

Proofread by William Logsdon