The LPL has a new official apparel partner. Li-Ning, one of China’s most recognized sportswear brands, has signed a four-year exclusive deal to replace Nike as the League of Legends Pro League’s jersey and apparel sponsor starting with the 2023 Spring Split. The agreement marks one of the most significant sponsorship shifts in Chinese esports history and signals a broader trend of domestic brands claiming territory in a market once dominated by Western giants.
Why This Deal Matters
Nike held the LPL apparel partnership since 2019, dressing every team in the league with Nike-designed competition jerseys. The deal was a landmark moment at the time, representing the first major global sportswear brand to commit to an entire esports league. But after four years, the partnership has ended, and Li-Ning steps in with a distinctly different vision.
Where Nike brought a uniform, global sportswear aesthetic, Li-Ning is leaning into something Nike could not credibly offer: Chinese cultural identity. Each LPL team’s jersey now features design motifs drawn from Chinese art, mythology, and regional heritage, creating a collection that is uniquely tied to the culture of the league and its audience.
Team-Specific Cultural Motifs
The standout element of the Li-Ning partnership is the culturally inspired design language applied to each team. Rather than producing generic templates with swapped colors, Li-Ning has assigned distinct visual narratives:
- Bilibili Gaming (BLG) — Dunhuang-inspired motifs referencing the ancient Silk Road city and its famous Buddhist cave art
- Weibo Gaming (WBG) — Dragon patterns drawn from centuries of Chinese mythology
- LNG Esports — Qilin Cloud design, referencing the mythical qilin beast and traditional cloud patterns
- JD Gaming (JDG) — Beijing cultural elements reflecting the team’s home city
- Top Esports (TES) — Flowing water patterns symbolizing the team’s fluid playstyle
This approach transforms LPL jerseys from simple competition wear into cultural statements, a strategy that resonates deeply with the Chinese domestic market.
Li-Ning: From Olympics to Esports
Li-Ning was founded in 1990 by Li Ning, the legendary Chinese Olympic gymnast who won six medals (three gold) at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. The brand has grown into a global sportswear company with NBA partnerships, fashion week runway shows, and a reputation for blending Chinese cultural elements with modern athletic design.
The LPL deal carries a personal connection as well. LNG Esports is owned by Li Ning’s nephew, making the brand’s involvement in Chinese esports both a business play and a family affair. Li-Ning’s manufacturing infrastructure brings professional athletic standards to esports jerseys, including performance fabrics, sublimation printing, and quality control processes that match their basketball and running product lines.
What This Means for Fans
For international fans accustomed to Nike’s LPL jerseys, the transition means a new purchasing landscape. Li-Ning jerseys are primarily distributed through Taobao and JD.com, with international availability through proxy shopping services and retailers like ShopNings. Pricing sits at approximately $65-100 depending on the team and edition, competitive with other top-tier esports jerseys globally.
The cultural design approach also makes each team’s jersey more collectible. Rather than slight variations on a template, each Li-Ning LPL jersey tells a different story, giving collectors a reason to pursue multiple teams.
More LPL Coverage
- Nike x LPL: How the Swoosh Became China’s Esports Jersey Standard
- Bilibili Gaming 2025 Dunhuang Jersey
- Weibo Gaming Li-Ning 2025 Dragon Jersey
- RNG 2024 LPL Jersey
- NIP Li-Ning 2026 LPL Jersey
Where to Buy
Li-Ning LPL jerseys are available through Taobao, JD.com, and team-specific stores for Chinese domestic customers. International buyers can find them at ShopNings and through proxy shopping services.
