Here are the top China sports business news stories you need to know from this week:
Alibaba’s Youku Obtains New Media Rights to FIFA World Cup™
China Central Television (CCTV) has welcomed its second official FIFA World Cup™ New Media partner, Alibaba’s video platform Youku. Chinese fans will enjoy high-definition live streaming of all 64 matches on the Youku website and mobile app. As a strategic partner of Youku Smart TV, Hisense was also able to get the OTT broadcast rights to serve its users. Read more on Sohu (Chinese) and Variety (English)
Mailman Take: CCTV, as the exclusive broadcast rights holder in China, is looking to maximise the value of its rights. CCTV has also sold all commercial rights for a total of RMB 3.9 billion. A month ahead of the FIFA World Cup’s opening game, CCTV has now announced Migu and Youku as their digital broadcasting partners. Migu and Youku each bought the rights to broadcast all 64 games. However, the CCTV logo, commentary, and commercials will be shown on all of the broadcasts. Chinese fans will be able to watch the FIFA World Cup™ on TV, OTT, PC and mobile devices.
Arsenal Raises the Bar in China
Arsenal FC will open its first official-themed sports bar and restaurant in Shanghai. The bar will be operated by Super Halo Sports Culture Development. Super Halo Sports has obtained the exclusive license for the club in Greater China. Read more on SportsPro (English) and Arsenal’s Official Chinese Website (Chinese)
Mailman Take: Opening official themed restaurants, bars and cafes is currently a popular trend in China. Several professional clubs including PSG, Juventus, and now Arsenal are decorating the interiors of establishments to mimic their home stadiums. It gives fans in China a chance to feel closer to the team they support. Furthermore, clubs can grow their global footprint and gain access to more potential fans through official viewing parties and offline events.
HSV Partners with Changshi Sports
Hamburger SV (HSV) has signed a partnership with Beijing-based sports technology company Changshi Sports. The Bundesliga outfit will open four training schools in China and provide youth training coaching methods and facilities. Read more on sports.eastday.com (Chinese)
PP Sports and Xinhua Team Up for FIFA World Cup™ News
Suning-owned PP Sports and the Xinhua News Agency have agreed on a partnership. Together, they will provide premium news content throughout the FIFA World Cup™. Both sides will collaborate on producing original programmes, content, and up-to-date news. Read more on Xinhuanet (Chinese)
Bull Charges into Esports Industry
Chinese electrical device provider, Bull, will cooperate with Tencent to launch a series of crossover marketing campaigns during the FIFA World Cup™. The video games involved are FIFA Online 4 and FIFA 18 World Cup Mode. Bull has also become the official sponsor of Tencent’s esports World Cup tournament. Read more on Sohu (Chinese) and Inside World Football (English)
Alisports to Operate FISU University Football World Cup
Alisports has acquired the exclusive operational rights to the FISU University Football World Cup. The tournament will be held in Jinjiang, Fujian Province from 2019 to 2025. Read more on Xinhua (Chinese)
Der Brings its Subsidiary to Team Argentina
Der’s subsidiary company Paterson, a household furniture brand, has become a new partner of the Argentina National Football Team. Paterson will join Der in supporting the team at the upcoming FIFA World Cup™. Read more on finance.china.com (Chinese)
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