LeBron James Returns to China for Nike Forever King Tour 2025

LeBron James, the four-time NBA champion, Olympic gold medalist, and cultural icon, is set to return to China this September as part of his Forever King Tour with Nike. This historic visit is LeBron’s 15th to China and marks the 20th anniversary of his inaugural Nike tour across Asia, cementing his bond with Chinese basketball communities and igniting further growth in the region’s booming love for the game.

Revisiting the Roots of LeBron’s Asia Influence

LeBron’s first steps onto Chinese soil set off a new era of basketball popularity in Asia and began a decades-long journey of youth engagement, community building, and sneaker culture expansion. Over the years, LeBron has visited Shanghai more times than any other Chinese city (eight to date), with Chengdu set to host him for just the second time.

“There’s an unbelievable love and appreciation for basketball in Asia that’s always incredible to experience,” LeBron shared. “To have the opportunity to share the game with fans and connect with athletes all over the world means a lot to me.”

The Nike RISE Program: Mentoring Tomorrow’s Basketball Stars

Central to the Forever King Tour is LeBron’s hands-on involvement with Nike RISE, a highly selective youth basketball initiative that has shaped grassroots talent in China and Asia for over a decade. The RISE 2025 cohort of boys and girls, who survived two rounds of intense tryouts, will undergo rigorous individual and team training under LeBron’s direct guidance.

LeBron will personally reveal this year’s RISING 10 rosters, culminating in wow-worthy exhibition games. The boys will face a team from the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) Scholastic League, while the girls challenge one of the top EYBL girls squads. These matches underscore Nike’s commitment to global player pathways and spotlight LeBron’s role in international basketball leadership.

Process Over Results: LeBron’s Timeless Lesson

LeBron, now prepping for his 23rd NBA season, continues to model a philosophy of dedication and perseverance through every appearance. His mantra, Embrace the journey, trust the process, remains essential advice for any young athlete:

“My message has always been the same to the next generation… If there’s something you love, go out and do it. Fall in love with the process and not the results. That’s the No. 1 key for me, and I always try to instill that in anyone who’s inspired by what I do or needs words of encouragement about how to reach their goals.”

China’s Basketball Boom: Cultural Bridges and Sneaker Fire

The Forever King Tour is also a celebration of China’s growth as a true basketball powerhouse. From Yao Ming’s NBA influence, through the popularity of streetball and massive sneaker releases, LeBron’s presence has catalyzed innovation and excitement. The tour may preview the next Nike LeBron signature shoe, sparking buzz across collectors and basketball fans alike.

Full Tour Details and How to Participate

• Tour Stops: Shanghai and Chengdu

• Youth Engagement: Nike RISE clinics, RISING 10 roster reveals, EYBL exhibition games

• Culture: Community projects, sneaker activations, meet-and-greets

• How to Follow the Action: Live stories, photos, and play-by-play coverage will be available throughout the tour on @nikebasketball Instagram and on Nike News.

Forever King: A Legacy of Impact and Inspiration

For LeBron, the Forever King Tour isn’t merely an anniversary; it’s a renewal of a deeper partnership between American and Chinese basketball, two of the globe’s most influential sporting cultures. His journey inspires young athletes to pursue greatness, celebrate community, and find their own reason to fall in love with the game.

The tour stands as a testament to shared dreams, athletic development, and cultural exchange, all powered by the world’s most recognized athlete and the game’s most passionate fans. Whether you’re a Chinese superfan, an NBA devotee, a sneakerhead, or an aspiring young hooper, there’s never been a better time to follow LeBron’s example, join the celebration, trust the process, and keep the global basketball fire burning.