Group 1 - Adidas has signed NBA star Anthony Edwards for his first promotional tour in China, following previous visits by other NBA players, indicating a strong push in marketing and brand engagement in the Chinese market [2] - The influx of NBA stars to China is part of a broader strategy by sports brands like Adidas, Li Ning, and Under Armour to leverage celebrity endorsements for new product launches and to connect with local fans [2] - Despite claims that the sneaker market is declining, major sports brands continue to invest heavily in basketball, suggesting confidence in the long-term viability of this segment [2][4] Group 2 - Adidas has recently signed a lifetime contract with NBA star Damian Lillard, highlighting the brand's commitment to basketball and its strategy to secure long-term partnerships with key athletes [4] - The basketball business for Adidas saw significant success in the 1980s and 1990s, but the brand is now focused on identifying new star players to maintain its market presence [4] - Under Armour has successfully built its basketball brand around Stephen Curry, demonstrating the potential for growth through strategic athlete partnerships [4] Group 3 - The sneaker market has experienced a cooling trend, with only 47% of sneakers on the StockX platform expected to sell above retail price in 2024, down from 58% in 2020, indicating a shift in consumer behavior [8] - The rise of marathon running has led to increased competition from new brands like ON and HOKA, prompting traditional brands to diversify their offerings towards running shoes [9] - Despite the market cooling, basketball shoes remain a crucial segment for sports brands, with companies like Li Ning emphasizing the importance of basketball in their overall strategy [9][11] Group 4 - High-end basketball shoes are viewed as a premium segment within the sneaker market, representing the pinnacle of technology and trendsetting in athletic footwear [11] - The era of extreme sneaker speculation may be over, leading to more rational pricing and increased accessibility for consumers, provided that brands continue to innovate and offer attractive products [11]