D’Angelo Russell draws hundreds of fans in Beijing, each paying $300 for a rare meet-and-greet experience

Imagine shelling out $300 just to meet an NBA player! That’s what hundreds of basketball enthusiasts in Beijing did to meet Brooklyn Nets guardD’Angelo Russell during his recent tour in China. This event was part of the promotion for his new shoe, the DLO 1, and fans lined up for hours to get autographs, take selfies, and participate in a podcast-style Q&A with Russell.The turnout was so massive that even Russell seemed a bit shocked by the response.On May 20, 2025, D’Angelo Russell hit up Beijing during his seven-day tour of China with Li-Ning, the big sportswear brand. The event took place in a lively mall where fans shelled out around 2,299 Chinese Yuan (roughly $320 USD) to meet the NBA star. They enjoyed a unique experience with autographs, selfies, and even gotta ask Russell questions during a live podcast.The hefty price tag sparked mixed reactions on social media. Some fans expressed disbelief, labeling the cost as excessive. One user commented, "Daylight robbery," while another quipped, "Paying $300 to meet DLo is not worth it lol" . Despite the online skepticism, the event drew a massive crowd, underscoring Russell's significant popularity in China.People on twitter are also not letting it slide, one user commented, “Paying $300 to meet DLO is not worth it lol” while another showed support for him and said, “People want to clown this, but I think it’s cool as fuck that even role players like DLo can have an international fandom where people show up to see him. I enjoy seeing the NBA from a global perspective.”Russell's partnership with Li-Ning, which began in 2019, has played a pivotal role in his international appeal. The DLO 1 "Canvas" colorway, retailing at $110, was released on May 17, 2025, exclusively through KICKS CREW . The shoe's launch coincided with Russell's tour, further amplifying his presence in the Chinese market.Not only did Russell meet with fans, he also watched Game 6 of the CBA Finals and put on Zheng FanBo’s Li-Ning jersey. On his visits to Kunming, Changsha and Hong Kong, people have met him with eagerness which underlines the NBA’s rising influence across the region.Also Read: Zaccharie Risacher and Zach Edey earn All-Rookie honors alongside Spurs’ Stephon CastleThe NBA’s growing popularity worldwide is made clear by occasions like Russell’s meet-and-greet in China. Some might find the cost surprising, but the crowd numbers at the event point to a big and excited fan base across the world.