Here are the top China sports business news stories you need to know from this week:
PP Sports Scores Ligue 1 Deal
Chinese digital sports platform PP Sports has signed a three-year deal (2018-2021) with the French Football League (LFP) for the exclusive new media rights in China to Ligue 1, the Coupe de la Ligue, and the Trophée des Champions. Read more on Sohu (Chinese) and Sport Business (English)
Momentum Sports Merges with CAA China
CAA China has announced a merger agreement with Momentum Sports which will see them become CAA China’s sports department. This corporation marks CAA China’s first major step into China’s sports industry through the integration of Momentum Sports’ domestic resources and operational capabilities, as well as CAA’s global sports resources. Under the deal, Legend Capital, an investor in Momentum Sports, will become a shareholder in CAA China. Read more on Lanxiong Sports (Chinese) Variety (English)
Mailman Take: A deal which makes sense for the CAA as Momentum Sports has an experienced sports sponsorship consulting business. Momentum Sports were involved in activating partnerships during the FIFA World Cup™ this summer, and also helped sign NBA star Steph Curry as Vivo’s brand ambassador. CAA has already made a big impact in China’s entertainment industry and is now looking to explore sports as a way to broaden its footprint in the Middle Kingdom. As a Chinese company, Momentum Sports will enable CAA to bring on more local brands and more experience to localise CAA’s sports business.
Laymau Named Official Sponsor of BWF World Championships
Chinese alcohol brand Laymau has become the Official Spirit of the BWF World Championships 2018. The championships are currently taking place in Nanjing, China. Read more on the BWF Website (English)
Mailman Take: Nanjing is the third Chinese city to host the world championships, following in the footsteps of Beijing and Guangzhou. It is estimated there are around 200 million people playing badminton in China, ranking it as one of the most participated sports in the country. Badminton product sales revenue reached RMB 4.7 million a day on Tmall and Taobao. While participation rate is high, the commercialisation of badminton tournaments remains very low in China.
Alisports Awarded Rights to the CUBA
The sports arm of Alibaba has won the commercial rights to the Chinese University Basketball Association (CUBA). The 7-year exclusive partnership runs until August 2025. Read more on Lanxiong Sports (Chinese)
Huya Gains Rights to WESG in China
Chinese esports streaming platform Huya Incorporated has become the exclusive streaming platform for the WESG (World Electronic Sports Games) season 2018/19 in mainland China. The platform will stream the whole WESG season in mandarin. Read more on Alisports (Chinese) and Esportsinsider (English)
Inter Academy Lands in Hong Kong
A strategic agreement between Inter Milan, Suning Sports Group, and Man Lap International Sports Group has led to the establishment of the Inter Academy Hong Kong. The new project is the latest step in Inter and Suning’s extensive plan to develop Inter Academies across China. Read more on Soccerex (English) and Sohu (Chinese)
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