Reebok will become the next major company to tap Yao Ming's popularity and unique international marketing power by reaching an endorsement deal with the Rockets' 7-5 center, a source said Thursday.

Although some contractual details are incomplete, a source familiar with the negotiations said a deal between Yao and Reebok is expected to end with Yao's size-18s wrapped in Reebok's.

Yao was still under contract to Nike last season, a contract reached with Nike's international arm when Yao became a professional in China.

"We can't officially comment," said Bill Sanders, who handles marketing for Team Yao. "We're still working on many details. There is a lot of discussion going on."