Core Insights - The sports endorsement market in China remains highly active in 2025, despite the absence of the Olympics, with brands shifting focus from short-term gains to long-term partnerships with athletes [1] - The trend indicates that brands are increasingly interested in building deeper connections with consumers through frequent endorsements rather than relying solely on athletes' peak moments of glory [1] Group 1: National Table Tennis Endorsements - National table tennis athletes, particularly Sun Yingsha, have seen a significant increase in endorsements, with Sun securing 24 brand partnerships this year, showcasing her high commercial value [2][4] - The brands associated with Sun span various industries, including consumer goods, technology, and beauty, indicating her broad appeal and influence in the market [4] - Sun's endorsement strategy involves more granular partnerships, allowing multiple brands within the same product category to collaborate with her, enhancing her marketability [5] Group 2: Sports Brand Endorsements - Major sports brands like Nike and Adidas have been actively updating their endorsement rosters, with Nike signing K-pop star Karina and Adidas making multiple announcements throughout the year [7][9] - The endorsement strategies of these brands reflect a blend of entertainment and sports, aiming to capture consumer interest across different demographics [9] - Outdoor brands are also ramping up their endorsement efforts, focusing on signing influential celebrities to integrate outdoor lifestyles into everyday consumer habits [10] Group 3: Winter Olympics and Future Trends - The upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics is generating significant interest, with brands already securing endorsements with athletes like Gu Ailing and Su Yiming, who are expected to attract more contracts as the event approaches [11][13] - The ice and snow sports market in China is projected to exceed 1 trillion yuan, indicating a booming industry that brands are eager to tap into [11] - The sports endorsement market is expected to remain vibrant in 2026, driven by major events like the Winter Olympics, World Cup, and Asian Games [14]