Bold headline: Steph Curry’s sneaker free agency is down to three brands, and ANTA is in the running. And this is why it matters for his future, his brand power, and the sneaker culture we follow.
Steph Curry, the Golden State Warriors’ standout point guard, has not played since late January because of a knee injury. Yet the chatter around his footwear deals hasn’t slowed down. In fact, this moment marks one of the most watched sneaker free agencies since Kobe Bryant’s 2002-03 season, drawing intense attention from fans, brands, and industry insiders alike.
Here’s what you need to know, and why it matters for Curry and the sneaker world at large.
ANTA Makes the Cut
BREAKING: Steph Curry has narrowed his sneaker free agency to three brands — and ANTA is one of them, according to sources cited by Sole Retriever. While the other two brands haven’t been publicly named, this development is widely viewed as a major turn in the Curry sweepstakes.
A recent report by Drew London of Sole Retriever confirms that Curry has trimmed his list to three potential partners, with ANTA among the finalists. The identities of the remaining two brands remain undisclosed at this time, underscoring how significant this moment is in the ongoing saga.
Earlier this year, Sports Illustrated conducted an exclusive interview with Curry, where he shared thoughts on the footwear industry, sneaker culture, and how actively he follows online discussions among sneaker enthusiasts.
ANTA’s Recruiting Push
Complex Sneakers highlighted the ongoing pursuit from brands to recruit Curry. Back in November, Curry sent a message to the entire sportswear industry, saying, “Everybody should be on alert. I’m calling everybody. Trying to get some good product.” That bold outreach set the tone for what came next.
Since then, every brand has stepped up, but ANTA has arguably put in the most effort. The Chinese brand has already supplied Curry with multiple sneakers and even designed a player-exclusive colorway of the ANTA Enclosion Type 2 featuring his Curry Brand logo on the heel.
Why ANTA Could Be a Strong Fit
Some fans crave a return to Nike or a fresh partnership with Adidas, but there are practical reasons Curry could align with ANTA. Financially, ANTA is well positioned, with a market capitalization reported around $30 billion. In comparison, the global footprint of logistics and retail supports a large brand presence—ANTA operates thousands of stores worldwide (tens of thousands in Asia) and has the scale to back a high-profile athlete like Curry.
Curry already enjoys immense popularity in Asia, and partnering with ANTA could dramatically amplify his market reach there. Additionally, ANTA’s financial capacity has been demonstrated by recent moves, including a lifetime deal with Curry’s former teammate Klay Thompson announced earlier in the month.
Kyrie Irving Factor
Another angle to consider is Kyrie Irving. Irving signed a five-year sneaker deal with ANTA in July 2023 and serves as ANTA Basketball’s Chief Creative Officer. That collaboration has been fruitful for both sides and could influence Curry’s decision by offering a compatible brand culture and creative synergy.
What’s next for Curry’s sneaker journey remains uncertain, but the momentum is clear: more updates are on the horizon in the coming months. For continuous coverage on Curry’s footwear news and all things NBA sneakers, stay connected with Sports Illustrated’s Kicks On SI.
Thought-provoking twist: If Curry partners with ANTA, how might that shift regional market dynamics, especially in Asia, and what might it mean for the next wave of global sneaker collaborations? Share your instincts in the comments: Do you think this is a smart move for Curry, or would a return to a more familiar brand be better for his legacy?"
