Here are the top sports business news stories you need to know from this week:
Tencent Partners With FFT
Tencent has signed a partnership with the French Tennis Federation (FFT) for the digital broadcasting of the Roland-Garros tournament over the next five years. Tencent Sports will be the official Roland-Garros digital broadcaster in China, while the traditional television coverage will continue on CCTV-5. This year, Tencent Sports has offered live streaming of the qualifying tournaments and the draw, as well as highlights from the main event. From 2019 Tencent will broadcast the entire tournament live. Read more on Tencent (Chinese)
DDMC Group and Suning Sports Pair
DDMC Group announced a joint venture with Suning Sports to develop the sports copyright market. The registered capital of the proposed joint venture is RMB 100 million. After the establishment of the company, Suning shall price and distribute its own Premier League (three seasons between 2019-2022) and other European football tournament broadcasting rights to the joint venture company. It is stated in the announcement that the partnership shall last no less than 10 years. Read more on Lanxiong (Chinese)
Ironman Acquires Competitor Group Event
The Wanda-owned triathlon brand, Ironman, recently announced the acquisition of Competitor Group Holdings Inc (CGI) who own more than 30 world-class events including their flagship Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. CGI events attract over 600,000 athletes each year. This acquisition strengthens Ironman’s position a leader in endurance sports worldwide. Wanda will bring Rock-n-Roll race to Chengdu this October. Read more on Ironman (English)
eSports Broadcasting Back on Chinese TV After 13-Year Prohibition
In 2004, China’s State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television announced the banning of eSports broadcasting on TV. This week Guangdong Sports TV broadcast the FSL Pro League finals on TV after the 13-year prohibition was lifted. This follows a period of rapid growth in the eSports market in China and their inclusion as a medal sport at the 2022 Asian Games which will be held in China. Read more on EcoSports
ITTF Partners with Sina for Social Media Promotion
Chinese news and social media giant Sina signed a strategic partnership agreement with the International Table Tennis Federation for the ITTF’s Chinese website and social media promotion. Sina will develop in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes content for table tennis fans on their popular Weibo platform. Read more on Lanxiong (Chinese)
SECA CEO Confirmed As Board Member for Formula E Holdings
Li Sheng, founder & CEO of SECA, has been confirmed as a board member for Formula E Holdings. His appointment follows the announcement of stake acquisitions in Formula E of CMC, Yao Capital and SECA. Read more on EcoSports (Chinese)
WSG to Repurchase 15.9 Million Shares
Listed Sports Company WSG (Wisdom China Group) recently announced the decision to repurchase approximately 1% of the total number of issued shares of the company. This is an attempt to avoid further decrease in WSG’s stock. Read more on Sina (Chinese)
Kunlun Red Star Women’s Team Join CWHL
Kunlun Red Star Woman’s Ice Hockey Club was announced as an addition to the expanding Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL). The club will compete in the CWHL from the 2017/18 season which begins this October. The women’s team is predominantly made up of Chinese national team players but also includes three international athletes. Shenzhen Universiade Centre will be the home venue for the club. Read more on Lanxiong (Chinese)
Beijing Ducks Appoint New Head Coach
Three-time CBA champions Beijing Ducks recently announced that Greek coach Yannis Christopoulos was appointed as their new head coach. Previously Mr Christopoulos served as assistant coach for China men’s national basketball team. Read more on SportsMoney (Chinese)
Mailman is a China sports digital marketing agency. We help global rights holders, athletes, and leagues build a successful business in China.
Comments