Asia Sports Business Weekly | 25th April

Hello Industry Friends, here is the very latest news and insights from Asia.

📰 Headlines: Ruyi Jingxiu partners with NBA China, Wolves partners with Migu, DP World adds second India event, Japan Airlines sponsors Tokyo’s World Athletics Championships, WTT Finals to be held in Hong Kong, and BK8 signs with BWF. 

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🗞️ Key Industry News

Ruyi Jingxiu Partners with NBA China for Mobile Basketball Games

Both sides will co-develop two mobile basketball games that blend authentic NBA elements with cutting-edge gaming technology. The collaboration grants game developer Ruyi Jingxiu access to the NBA's extensive library of game footage and player data, enabling hyper-realistic recreations of on-court action through real-time motion capture. Read more on China Daily (English)

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Wolves Partners with Migu

Wolves have expanded their digital horizon in China through a partnership with Migu, in a move that underscores the club’s commitment to digital growth in China. Commenting on the partnership, vice chairman and general manager of Migu Video, Li Li, said: “The participation of Wolves enriches the sports content ecosystem of GKer, and we look forward to collaborating with Wolves to explore more cutting-edge interactive formats.” Read more on Ministry of Sport (English)

💡 Mailman Take: Wolves, owned by the China-headquartered Fosun Group, strengthen their digital footprint in China with this Migu deal which leverages Migu’s tech ecosystem to engage fans. Years back, there were many European clubs either owned or part-owned by Chinese companies, but now, Wolves are one of the few remaining, affording them more opportunities to forge partnerships like this one. 

DP World Tour Adds $4m Second Indian Event

The DP World Tour has added a second Indian tournament to its schedule with its title sponsor set to back the $4m event to be held at Delhi Golf Club from October 16-19. The DP World India Championship will have the largest prize fund ever offered for a DP World Tour event in India. Read more on SportBusiness (English)

Japan Airlines Sponsors Tokyo’s World Athletics Championships

Japan Airlines (JAL) has signed on as a World Athletics supplier for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Taking place from September 13 to 21, Tokyo 25 will see the Championships return to the Japanese capital for the second time, and for the first time since 1991, with hosting rights having been awarded back in July 2022. Read more on SportBusiness (English)

💡 Mailman Take: This strategic move reflects JAL’s broader vision to elevate its corporate value beyond domestic borders and position itself as a key player on the global stage. By aligning with premier athletic organisations, JAL aims to unlock new business opportunities and strengthen its brand presence in international markets.

Indonesian FA (PSSI) Launches Garuda Academy with FIFA & AFC Support

The Indonesian FA (PSSI) has officially launched the Garuda Academy program, an initiative dedicated to advancing sports management in Indonesia. Designed to empower young people and sports professionals alike, the program offers access to a specialized curriculum developed in collaboration with FIFA and AFC. Read more on VOI (English).

💡 Mailman Take: Another significant move by PSSI, not only from a marketing standpoint but also as a meaningful investment in long-term education. The Garuda Academy represents a strategic step in their broader vision to build a sustainable football ecosystem in Indonesia. By focusing on developing talent and expertise in sports management, this program lays the foundation for long-term growth both on and off the pitch. The involvement of FIFA and AFC further strengthens this initiative, providing critical support and credibility to PSSI’s efforts in shaping the future of Indonesian football.

British Icon Sees Big Squash Future in China

After more than two decades charting English squash's course to prominence, David Campion found a second life in the Far East. Now armed with a global vision and the backing of China's expanding sports infrastructure, the seasoned strategist is becoming the sport's architect in Shanghai. Read more on Inside The Games (English)

BK8 Signs BWF Major Championships Deal

Asia-facing betting operator BK8 has signed as the official betting sponsor for Badminton World Federation (BWF) major championships through to 2026. BK8 replaces M88 Mansion in the lead betting partner role. Read more on SportBusiness (English)

2025 WTT Finals to be Held in Hong Kong in December

The World Table Tennis (WTT) announced that the 2025 WTT Finals will take place at the Hong Kong Coliseum from Dec 10 to 14. According to the WTT, the confirmation comes as part of its broader vision to create long-term destinations for its flagship events, while unlocking greater value for fans, players, partners and host cities. Read more on China Daily (English)

Liu Guoliang Resigns as CTTA President

The 49-year-old has handed the baton to his disciple Wang Liqin, a two-time Olympic champion who had climbed the ladder as a sports official in Shanghai since his retirement from playing in 2014. Read more on Xinhua (English)

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🎮 Esports

Riot Games Reveals Legends Ascend South Asia

Riot Games announced the launch of Legends Ascend South Asia in association with Aftermath Ventures. Officially launching on April 27, the League of Legends tournament will be an open-for-all, online-only amateur competition with a total prize pool of roughly $11.7k. Read more on The Esports Advocate (English)

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