After the USA, if there is a country that appreciates the purity of basketball it’s China. They love the game and mainly, it’s popular megastars. Stephen Curry and De’Aron Fox recently visited the Asian country to promote as part of the Curry brand. Quickly the seismic popularity of Curry in China posed as a challenge to tackle. People tried to grab his arm as a crowd of thousands crammed outside his hotel.

Looking at it, safety concerns began to ring. However, for the Chef, it was an unforgettable experience. In an X post, he sent a short message to his innumerable fans in China. In the video, an arena filled out just to get a glimpse of the Warriors cornerstone. A fan loved Stephen Curry to such an extreme extent that he collected every jersey he ever put on.

“Dear China, what a trip, what a tour, what a time,” Curry wrote in his farewell message to his fans.

Curry witnessed his massive influence and was full of gratitude despite the interruptions the tour suffered. Initially, the plan was for Fox and Curry to visit four cities – Chengdu, Xi’an, Shenyang, and Shanghai. From all the cities, the 36-year-old was most excited to visit Xi’an. “I’m excited to see how similar or different it is from the other cities,” he said about the city he had never visited.

Sadly, due to the rampant wave of humans that collected for Stephen Curry, the local government canceled his visit citing ‘overcrowding’. He might not have been able to visit during the 2024 tour. But judging from how he felt receiving the gracious hospitality of the Chinese fans, a visit again is bound to take place.

Stephen Curry has only just begun his empire in China

For Stephen Curry, the Curry Brand tour in China was historic. As part of it, Fox had the opportunity to unveil his first signature sneaker with the brand. Furthermore, The Chef also established a Curry brand store in Chengdu, the first of its kind. Not LeBron James, not Michael Jordan have had a brand-centric store before.

The tour clarified two things. Firstly, Steph Curry is adored in China. Secondly, De’Aaron Fox loved the way the Curry sneaker felt. That ultimately prompted him to praise his West rival’s efforts and even partner with him. “My foot was hurting at the time so I started wearing those and it went away and I played in them rest of season. I told him I loved the shoe, it had nothin to do with nothing else” the first Curry athlete said about his decision.

Judging solely from the loyal fanbase he has, the four-time champion’s initiative is bound to be a booming success. This only seems to be the start of Under Armour and Curry’s work in Asia. After all, his glamour could only be compared to Kobe Bryant’s. Whenever he would visit the country, thousands of fans would parade.

It’s the same for Stephen Curry. The business upside of it is just one part. Knowing Curry’s nature, he would want to establish a deeper connection in China arising from his remarkable fame. Even if it means tackling through a large swarm of fans, it’s an experience Curry would want to have again. More importantly, it’s an opportunity he would be willing to give his fans all over again.