Anta was founded by Ding Shizhong in 1991. In 2008, the Beijing Olympics gave Anta the opportunity to expand its business marketing footwear. on the
Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2007, with its
IPO price at per
share. In 2009, the company acquired the
Fila trademark in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao from
Belle International. Since then, the company operates the Fila business in these three areas. The company also operates
Descente and Sprandi stores in China, as well as Kolon Sport and Kingkow stores in China,
Hong Kong and
Macao. Former
Minnesota Timberwolves forward
Kevin Garnett left his former shoe sponsor
Adidas and has been sponsored by Anta since August 2010.
Golden State Warriors guard
Klay Thompson also left his
Nike sponsor and has been signed with Anta since 2017. Klay Thompson's new contract with Anta will run through 2026 and could pay him up to $80 million. In December 2018, an investor consortium consisting of Anta Sports,
FountainVest Partners, Anamered Investments and
Tencent announced a voluntary recommended public cash tender offer for all issued and outstanding shares in
Amer Sports. Anta Sports temporarily boycotted the
NBA in October 2019 as a result of a
re-tweet by a
Houston Rockets' official in support of
protests in Hong Kong. In October 2023, it was announced Anta Sports had acquired a majority (75.13%) stake in the female athleisure brand, Maia Active for an undisclosed amount. In January 2026 Anta Sports have acquired a 29% stake of German sports clothing brand
Puma for €1.5bn, becoming the largest shareholder in the company. == Brands ==