Klay Thompson Signs Historic Lifetime Contract with Anta Sports
BEVERLY HILLS – In a move that cements his legacy in the global footwear market, five-time NBA All-Star and current Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson has signed a lifetime contract with Anta Sports. The announcement was made on February 13, 2026, during the grand opening of Anta’s first North American flagship store in Beverly Hills, coinciding with the NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.
The deal elevates Thompson into an elite tier of athletes with permanent sneaker partnerships, joining icons like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Kyrie Irving.
“Make It Forever”: The KT11 Launch
To commemorate the historic agreement, Anta unveiled a special edition of Thompson’s latest signature shoe, the KT11, titled the “Make It Forever” edition.
- Design Details: The shoe features a striking chrome/silver finish with lace charms (“pingentes”) representing career milestones, including his 60-point game, his record-breaking 37-point quarter, and his four NBA championships.
- Symbolism: Inlaid with diamonds to represent the “enduring nature” of the partnership, the shoe was presented to Thompson by Anta Brand CEO Samuel Tsui.
- Legacy Jacket: Thompson appeared at the event wearing a custom “Klay For Life” jacket to mark the transition from a standard endorsement to a career-spanning legacy partnership.
Strategic Move into the U.S. Market
The timing of the announcement highlights Anta’s aggressive expansion into the Western market. The new Beverly Hills flagship store (approx. 3,000 sq. ft.) serves as the brand’s U.S. “hub,” featuring:
- Performance & Culture: A curated mix of basketball, running, and lifestyle apparel.
- Community Hub: Plans for “Run Clubs” and “Basketball Salons” to bridge Chinese and American sports cultures.
- Global Scale: While Foot Locker operates roughly 2,500 stores globally, Anta boasts over 12,000 locations across Asia, placing Thompson at the heart of the world’s largest sneaker market.
“AI has outgrown its role as a trick play; it’s now a whole new game plan.” — While this quote from the Global SportsTech Report 2026 refers to technology, the sentiment echoes in Anta’s strategic use of star power to disrupt the traditional U.S. retail landscape.
The “Lifetime Deal” Club (NBA)
| Player | Brand | Year Signed |
| Michael Jordan | Nike (Jordan Brand) | 1984 (De Facto) |
| LeBron James | Nike | 2015 |
| Stephen Curry | Under Armour | 2023 |
| Kevin Durant | Nike | 2023 |
| Kyrie Irving | Anta | 2023 (Chief Creative Officer) |
| Klay Thompson | Anta | 2026 |