Having an affordable brand available to the masses is not an easy choice. Air Jordans fetch anywhere from $150 to $200 for the latest pair of kicks. That’s why Shaquille O’Neal started his own Shaq brand, where the sneakers currently range between $20 -$40. Previously, there was another NBA star who did the same with his brand, ‘Starbury’. Stephon Marbury recently spoke about the challenges, as China’s son-in-law explained the challenges associated with it.

Today, Marbury’s unique position as a “Chinese son‑in‑law”—after marrying Wuhan singer Wang Yuling in April 2025, gives him a dual‑market perspective on affordability and manufacturing. He obtained a Hong Kong ID via the 2023 Top Talent Pass Scheme, cementing his role as a bridge between U.S. consumers and Chinese production hubs.

“With all of the things that’s going on in the world with tariffs and you know, it’s hard, especially trying to sell product at a price point that’s affordable for people. So, for me to be able to have the ability to have a vertical platform from China to America to sell products to people at an affordable price, it’s a blessing.” The former point guard played in the NBA for 13 seasons till 2009 and then continued his basketball endeavors with the CBA, where he later became a head coach.

“But still it’s still a challenge. So, coming back with the brand is something that has to happen. That’s one of the reasons why I gave up 15 years of my life to go to another country to learn how to do something for myself and not have somebody have to tell me how to do it.” Previously, his Starburys were sold for just $15 back in 2006.

“I want to drop it next summer,” Stephon Marbury said to Complex about the potential return of Starbury. “Because after 2025, going into 2030, we’re going to see a whole new breed of athletes.” This was just last month, which means the plans are in motion.

Stephon Marbury’s other brands and his commitment to Starbury continue

As Chief Brand Officer of Chamelo Eyewear, Stephon Marbury has overseen three distinct collections—Sport, Lifestyle, and Prismatic—each driven by cutting‑edge electrochromic lens technology that changes tint on demand. Sport frames feature impact‑resistant, photochromic lenses for athletes in motion; Lifestyle blends fashion and function with everyday tint‑adjusting glasses; and Prismatic offers the world’s first color‑changing sunglass lens, controlled via a touch slider on the temple

In 2019, Marbury launched Xavier3, a sustainable apparel line named for his middle name (“Xavier”) and iconic No. 3 jersey. It focuses on environmental materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and trendy techniques that offer a range of stylish apparel to consumers. Each drop features limited‑edition prints and gender‑neutral silhouettes that reflect Marbury’s Coney Island roots and global perspective.

Behind the scenes, Marbury has never abandoned the vision of Starbury—his groundbreaking $15 sneaker that upended athletic footwear pricing in 2006. On the brand’s 20th anniversary, he told Black Enterprise he intends to relaunch Starbury in 2026, restoring affordable performance shoes to the market; that timeline hinges partly on tariff negotiations between China and the United States, which have complicated overseas manufacturing and import costs.

His continued stance recently signifies his interest in bringing an affordable lifestyle experience back. But he is cautious, as China and the USA are still in the process of reaching an amicable solution amid the tariff wars.