Hello Industry Friends, here is the very latest news and insights from Asia.
📰 Headlines: Sports jump on the RED trend, fashion meets sports in South Korea, Singapore to host FIBA 3x3, tickets sell out in minutes for Thai MotoGP race, Li-Ning becomes COC partner, and Singapore Airlines stays with F1 race.
🗞️ Key Industry News
Sports Jump on RED Trend
Xiaohongshu, or RED, is emerging as a serious TikTok alternative in the West. The app has recently attracted a wave of American users - over half a million new sign-ups - amid concerns over the impending TikTok ban on January 19 and increasing backlash against Meta. Notably, sports stars and teams are quick to capitalize on this trend, using the platform to engage with fans and showcase their content during this pivotal moment. Read more on Jing Daily (English)
💡Our Take: Whilst this news isn’t necessarily ‘sports business news’, it’s taken over media attention and social chatter. An unexpected and unfiltered opening for Chinese and American cross-border communication caught absolutely everyone by surprise, particularly the platform itself. The impending TikTok decision and expected intervention from the Chinese government mean this phase is unlikely to continue as it is, but it’s certainly provided a cultural window for connecting the world’s two superpowers. From a sports perspective, several teams and athletes have been jumping on this trend, for example, NBA star Jalen Williams grew 100K+ new followers on the platform thanks to jumping on the trend early.
South Korea’s Fashion Industry Looks Towards Sports Fandoms
Clothing companies are finally sponsoring South Korean sports teams to tap into loyal fan bases and convert them into brand-loyal customers through team merchandise. Companies like Adidas, Puma, Musinsa, and Willbe have found success in doing so. Read more on AsiaNewsNetwork (English)
💡Our Take: “Blockcore”, mixing sports uniforms with everyday wear, is trending and provides a unique opportunity for fashion brands to make aggressive moves in South Korea by taking advantage of the fashion-centric and brand-loyal culture of Korean youth. MLB has seen great success in tapping into the fashion consumer base in Korea: the LA Dodgers and New York Yankees merchandise are very popular and are often the only two logos Koreans recognize, essentially becoming fashion emblems more so than sports team logos. If fashion brands can do the same for South Korean sports teams, it will prove to be a very lucrative endeavour.
Singapore To Host FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup
The top streetball basketball icons from Asia and Oceania will converge in Singapore this March. The FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2025 promises entertainment, featuring a revamped free-entry policy for early sessions and community-focused activities, making it a desirable event for fans and families alike. Read more on Inside The Games (English)
💡Our Take: In recent years, Singapore has become the go-to location in Asia for big sporting and entertainment events. The region now has the challenge to maintain and grow its reputation, as the likes of mainland China look to open up again to events, Hong Kong opens its impressive new Kai Tak stadium, and Indonesia piles more investment into live sports events.
MotoGP Fans Snap Up 10K Tickets in Minutes for Thailand Race
Grandstand tickets for the season-opening PT Grand Prix of Thailand 2025 were sold out within minutes after the sale opened, while organisers announced their readiness to host the prestigious MotoGP event in Buri Ram next month. All 10k tickets were reportedly snapped up in two minutes and 55.24 seconds, breaking last year's record, with other stands filling up even faster than in previous years. Thailand will host the MotoGP opening race for the first time, marking Southeast Asia's first season start in 25 years. Read more on The Bangkok Post (English)
Li-Ning Becomes COC's Official Sports Apparel Partner for 2025-2028
The popular brand has replaced Anta as the official sports apparel partner of the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) and the Chinese sports delegation from 2025 to 2028. Founded in 1990 by Chinese gymnastics legend Li Ning, the brand is one of China's leading sportswear companies and previously served as the COC's official sports apparel partner from 1992 to 2004. Read more on Xinhua (English)
Singapore Airlines Maintains Backing of F1 Race
Singapore’s major airline carrier has agreed to a four-year extension to its title sponsorship of the country’s annual Formula 1 Grand Prix. The new deal takes Singapore Airlines’ backing of the race through the 2028 season, the point at which the event is currently contracted on the F1 calendar. Read more on SportBusiness (English)
Indonesia Confirms to Host World Rally Championship (WRC)
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has released the certainty that Indonesia has reached an agreement with the World Rally Championship (WRC) to host the event. However, the exact time has not been confirmed, between 2026 or 2027, although the government is optimistic that it will be realized in 2026 in Toba, Sumatra Island, which has a perfect natural contour for rally racing. Read more at RRI (English)
💡Our Take: This cooperation will have a greater impact on tourism promotion and also the popularity of motorsport in Indonesia. Local and national economic development in accordance with the current government program will also be encouraged. In addition, the presence of WRC completes the automotive world championship in Indonesia which has become a regular host for Formula E, and MotoGP events.
Stellar Olympic Performances Spark Craze for Emerging Sports
Chinese youngsters lead the way in adopting and excelling in novel events. Read more on China Daily (English)
💡Our Take: Chinese youngsters are increasingly drawn to niche sports due to the desire for individual expression and a break from the pressures of traditional sports. These activities offer a less competitive and more enjoyable experience, aligning with the government’s growing emphasis on health and wellness. Social media platforms RED and Douyin also play a significant role in showcasing these sports, fostering communities and inspiring participation.
Oppo Brings in Barcelona’s Yamal for Brand Refresh
The Chinese smart device manufacturer has signed the FC Barcelona and Spanish national team star as its global brand ambassador. Read more on SportBusiness (English)
🎮 Esports
Asian Champions League Unveils Prize Pool, Adds Two Games to Line-up
Asian esports event organiser Hero Esports has revealed the prize pool of its new multi-title tournament, the Asian Champions League (ACL). The total prize pool of the competition will be $2m. Read more on Esports Insider (English)
🤔 Opinion
What is 1573 - Chinese distillery continues sponsorship at Australian Open 2025
Summer after summer, at the court or sitting at home watching the TV, you become accustomed to the sponsors of the Australian Open. However, there was a new sponsor in 2019, and it's been around ever since and is back in 2025. Read more on Sporting News (English)
📸 Snapshot - Indonesia
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