Yao Ming and other NBA stars will soon be advertising products in China by Chinese sports apparel maker Li-Ning Co. under a deal signed Tuesday.

The NBA signed the agreement allowing its players to wear and promote Li-Ning footwear at games, in advertisements and at personal appearances in China such as basketball clinics and exhibition games, said Mark Fischer, NBA China managing director.

The deal is part of efforts to cash in on the huge popularity of basketball in China and the celebrity of NBA players such as local hero Yao Ming.

The NBA plans to host a regular-season NBA game in China ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, said Fischer.

The league has previously held two preseason games in China, both in October 2004, matching the Houston Rockets against the Sacramento Kings.

Beijing-based Li-Ning Co. was founded by its namesake, the Chinese Olympic champion gymnast.

Source: agencies