Klay Thompson’s NBA future may feel uncertain, but his sneaker future is locked in for life.
The four-time champion and one of the greatest shooters in league history has signed a lifetime contract with Anta, cementing a partnership that has already spanned more than a decade and produced over 10 million pairs of ‘KT’ signature shoes sold worldwide.
For a player entering the twilight of his career at 36 years old, it is a powerful reminder that legacy is not only defined by points per game.
Thompson is currently under contract with the Dallas Mavericks, though his role has diminished as the franchise pivots toward building around Cooper Flagg. He is averaging a career low 11.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, shooting 38.8% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range, also the lowest marks of his career.
There have even been whispers about a potential buyout scenario if contenders come calling.
Yet while questions swirl about where he will finish his playing days, one thing is now permanent. Wherever Klay plays, he will be wearing Anta.
The lifetime deal was announced during Anta’s grand opening of its first North American flagship store in Beverly Hills during NBA All-Star Weekend, a fitting stage for a Los Angeles native whose brand extends far beyond the Bay Area or Dallas.
Anta CEO Samuel Xu stood alongside Thompson to unveil the news, along with a special KT11 ‘Make It Forever’ edition sneaker that symbolizes the permanence of their partnership.
@ComplexSneakers Klay over here trying to surpass Nike and Adidas. Thats respect right to bring a nobody to everybody! Facts!
— Shey Anderson (@lil_Erobern) February 14, 2026
Thompson first signed with Anta in 2015, at a time when Chinese sportswear brands were still fighting for global credibility. It was a calculated risk for both sides. Thompson was not yet a four-time champion. Anta was not yet a global footwear powerhouse. Over the next 12 years, both brands rose together.
His signature line now spans 11 models. The KT series has reportedly surpassed 10 million pairs sold, a massive number considering Anta’s footprint includes over 12,000 stores across Asia compared to roughly 2,500 Foot Locker stores worldwide.
That scale makes Thompson one of the most influential athletes in the largest footwear market on the planet.
Lifetime shoe deals are rare territory. LeBron James and Kevin Durant with Nike, and Damian Lillard with Adidas, are among the few to receive similar treatment. Stephen Curry once had one with Under Armour before corporate shifts changed that landscape.
For Thompson, this contract ensures financial security long after his final three-pointer. More importantly, it validates his impact as more than just a shooter.
His scoring average might be dipping. His role might be shrinking. But his brand is forever.
