Jordan Brand Athletes Visit China to Grow the Game and Inspire Local Youth

Before Michael Jordan, people simply played basketball. Once Jordan came along, people worldwide started living it.

Now, after decades of developing the international basketball community, Jordan Brand remains committed to growing the game that its namesake made global.

To that end, Jordan Brand athletes Jayson Tatum, Luka Dončić, Zion Williamson and Paolo Banchero are embarking on a tour of Shanghai and Beijing to connect with local youth and foster their love for the game.

The athletes’ tour will include visits to Jordan World of Flight Beijing Sanlitun, the Next Stop Dongdan streetball tournament finals, youth basketball camps and iconic landmarks including the Great Wall of China.

"It's exciting to welcome Jayson, Luka, Zion and Paolo to China and celebrate the growth of both the game of basketball and Jordan Brand here," says Ari Chen, Jordan Brand VP/GM, Greater China. "They represent the greatness that is the hallmark of Jordan Brand. This tour, while celebrating the community we've built in China, also showcases the resonance of basketball culture across the entire globe. It's a universal language and shows that the future of the Brand is limitless."

Michael Jordan was popular on Chinese television throughout his career, beginning when the NBA first started broadcasting games in China during the 1980s. He later visited China for the first time in 2004 as part of his own tour, which paved the way for other NBA players to conduct annual tours of the country to promote grassroots basketball, serve local communities and inspire the next generation.

Jordan Brand has long shown its commitment to continuing its namesake’s outreach in China, from the initial launch of the Jordan Wings Initiative to the development of Next Stop Dongdan and World of Flight Beijing Sanlitun.

This week’s tour advances that commitment, signaling another chapter in Jordan Brand’s expansion and international growth — demonstrating for youth the power of the Jumpman and all the greatness it represents.