Playbook
1. Think Small...But Far-Flung:
The company sponsors the U.S. ping-pong squad and Sudan's track team.
2. Think Big...But Only at Home
An endorsement deal with Shaquille O'Neal is restricted to China.
3. Think American
Partnered with the NBA on a "Jam Van Tour" promoting basketball in cities across China.

How Li Ning creates global cachet on the cheap

By Frederik Balfour