The Nets have entered into a multi-year sponsorship alliance with PEAK, a China-based company specializing in sports apparel production, including shoes, sportswear, and gear.

The announcement of the sponsorship was made at a press conference on Monday at the High Point Solutions Business Center at the IZOD CENTER, which was attended by PEAK general manager and executive director Xu Zhihua and Nets chief executive officer Brett Yormark. The press conference also included a performance by the Peking Opera and a fashion show, with PEAK models taking the ramp.

PEAK's sponsorship agreement with the Nets includes television visible courtside and baseline signage that can be seen during the 31 Nets' regular home games this season that will be broadcast in China. PEAK, which is based in Quanzhou, Fujian province, was founded in 1989.

"We are looking forward to building a solid and positive relationship with the Nets, as well as to building up our image on the East Coast and to marketing our products in the US," said Xu Zhihua. "We want to bring attention to China and we want the Chinese community to be excited about NBA basketball and about the Nets."

With their off-season addition of Chinese forward/center Yi Jianlian, the Nets have made their website, www.njnets.com, viewable in both simplified and traditional Chinese characters to give Chinese speaking fans the opportunity to connect with Yi.

(China Daily December 25, 2008)