Here are the top sports business news stories that you need to know from this week:
Wanda Partners with WMM to Bring Top Marathons to China
On April 26, Wanda Group signed a 10-year strategic agreement with Abbott World Marathon Majors (WMM) in Beijing. According to the agreement, Wanda will hold three WMM races in the Asia-Pacific region in the coming ten years, including a race in China, which will be the first time a WMM race is held in a developing country and fill the gap of an international marathon event in China. WMM is a series comprising six World Marathon Majors for the cities of Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City. Wanda gains exclusive rights to hold a WMM race in China, the host city will be selected by Wanda and WMM. Read more here
Real Madrid Launched First Official Chinese App
On April 25, Real Madrid launched their official Chinese App, offering team news, game updates and player profiles. Users can also share photos and comments with other Real Madrid fans on the localised digital service. The development, operation and promotion of the App were done by 9hgame Technology Company and TOK.tv. The app aims to be a vertical solutions provider for Real Madrid fans in China. Read more here
Toyota Becomes New Sponsor of China’s Top MMA Tournament KLF
On April 23, Toyota RAV4‘s logo was first displayed on KLF (Kunlun Fight) ring in Guizhou. This deal shows Toyota’s focus on the MMA industry and is part of its wider sports marketing picture. KLF is the top China-born MMA company. The events are broadcast on CCTV-5 and Jiangsu TV. KLF’s strategic partner, TTD Sports brokered this deal. Read more here
Manchester City Extend Partnership with Chinese Technology Company BNN
On April 25, Manchester City renewed their partnership with London-listed Chinese technology, content, and services company BNN as the club looks to increase commercial opportunities in Asia, including training clinics for fans and increased presence on the country’s leading news outlet, Xinhua News. The agreement will see BNN work with City to developed coaching programs, provide VIP experiences for Chinese fans and run exclusive content and competitions through the Xinhua News mobile app. Read more here
ATP Terminates LeSports TV Deal
Following the forced release of the rights to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Chinese Super League (CSL), on April 24th, ATP terminated their partnership with LeSports after the company fell behind on payments, worth around $20 Million. ATP also terminated the partnership deal with LeSports in late 2016. Back in November 2015, ATP announced a five-year deal with LeSports as its Official Online Video Partner and Platinum Partner of the ATP World Tour. The partnership between LeSports and Wimbledon is also rumoured to be souring. Read more here
Under Armour Partners with Jr. NBA China Programs
Under Armour (UA) was announced as the official partner and sporting apparel & shoes sponsor for Jr. NBA’s first program in China. All players in the program will wear UA goods during all games. Jr. NBA is a global youth training program and will numerous projects in China, including coach training and construction of facilities. Additionally, UA’s global brand ambassador, Stephen Curry, will help promote Jr. NBA China program through social media and other marketing activities. Read more here
China Open Appoint New EVP of International Affairs
On April 27, China Open officially announced the appointment of Thomas P. Ross as the new EVP of International Affairs and Tournament Co-Director. Previously, Ross was a well-known tennis agent, representing top players including Michael Chang, Lleyton Hewitt and Stefan Edberg. Ross also served as Senior Vice President for the world-leading sports marketing agency Octagon. Ross will oversee tournament organisation and related international affairs. The China Open was first contested in 2004 and has become a WTA Premier Mandatory Event, an ATP World Tour 500 event and an ITF Juniors Grade 2 event. Read more here
Alisports Teams Up with Suzhou to Build Smart Sports City
Alisports have signed an agreement with Suzhou Municipal Government, which aims to transform Suzhou into a ‘smart sports city’ in the next 5 years. Alisports will provide their cloud service and digital technology expertise to Suzhouoptimise sports consumers’ experience. Alisports’ expertise on international resources, events operation, sports marketing and fitness training will also provide a lot of support in this co-operation. Read more here
Mailman is a China sports digital marketing agency. We help deliver expert digital & social media programs for the world’s most powerful sports organizations in China.
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