Global sports juggernaut Nike extended its deal with Knicks star Jeremy Lin, according to published reports yesterday, keeping the overnight sensation in the Swoosh’s fold.
Nike’s preemptive strike was designed to fend off Chinese competitors, who want a piece of Lin for the world’s largest market, according to Beijing Business Today. Terms of the renewed deal were not disclosed.
Lin originally signed with Nike in 2010 after the undrafted Harvard grad was picked up by the Golden State Warriors.
The son of Taiwanese immigrants, Lin is the first American-born hoopster of Chinese descent to play in the NBA.
He scored 17 points and dished out nine assists last night, leading the Knicks to a 99-82 victory over the Atlanta Hawks at the Garden.
The Knicks’ point guard has filed for control of the term “Linsanity” with the US Patent and Trademark Office.