2010 CBA All-Star Game shoots Chinese basketball to the next level of excellence
CBA/Infront sell out event showcases the best sport action and grassroots activity at the famous Olympic Wukesong Arena
The eagerly anticipated event brings together the very best of Chinese basketball talent to play a one off exhibition game between the North and South All-Star teams at the world famous 2008 Olympic arena. Former NBA stars Wang Zhizhi (Bayi Rockets, South) and Stephon Marbury (Shanxi Zhongyu, North) will join favourite Chinese national team players including Zhu Fangyu (Guangdong Southern Tigers, South) to deliver the very best basketball action to fans.
2010 CBA All-Star online ballot receives 1.26 million votes
The participating teams were selected from an online ballot hosted by the official CBA website. The balloting received 1.26 million online votes. To warm up the fans, ahead of the main spectacle a Rookie Game will also be played to promote young CBA players. Both All-Star Games are due to be broadcast live on CCTV-5, the Chinese state sports broadcaster. Television audiences for the 2009 CBA All-Star Game weekend reached the highest levels to date, accruing over 16 million viewers.
AEG partnership secures world-class arena
The Wukesong Arena was host to the men's and women's basketball games during the 29th Beijing Olympic Games. The futuristic multi-use arena offers state-of-the-art facilities for 13,000 fans and features 45 luxury suites, two restaurants as well as a world-class lighting and sound system. It was secured by Infront and the CBA’s pivotal partnership with Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), the leading sports and entertainment presenters who manage the arena.
Increased promotional and grassroots activities
Infront has increased promotional and communications efforts to spur on excitement leading up to the event. Entertainment is also high on the agenda with a three day carnival planned in the Wukesong square alongside laser light shows, dance performances and the CBA All-Star opening ceremony.
Grassroots events have been organised with a Street Ball competition and school and university games. The CBA All-Star weekend will reach over 80,000 students creating excitement for young players and fans across Beijing. No fewer than 12 high schools and eight universities are due to compete.
New event sponsors join an already impressive line up
Exclusive hospitality packages have been prepared for the CBA’s commercial partners, joined by new event sponsors; Acura (Honda SUV brand) who are supplying vehicles and VIP transportation as well as official hotel the Sheraton - providing a presidential suite for the VIP reception.
The 2010 CBA League season has 14 regular Official Partners across both international and domestic brands. The involvement of Anta (sports apparel) dates back to 2004, this year they have supplied new kits and shoes for all 17 teams as a celebration of the 15th anniversary of the League.
The leading international sportswear brand, Nike is also on board and provides the new Official Ball in one of the most important sponsorship deals arranged by Infront China. Other international partners include; UPS (logistics) and Swiss watch brand Tissot.
Domestic Official Partners are NetEase (internet service provider), PAK Electrical Appliances, Dubon Insurance, TCL (electrical company), Ganten (beverage), Seven Brand (men’s clothing), SBS (zippers), Skins (sports equipment), QiSheng (washing machines) and Zengzhi Jeans.
Ma Guoli, CEO and Managing Director, Infront China, said: “The All-Star Game will be a fantastic event and showcase the very best of talent from this season’s league players. Infront has been delivering tremendous results which has sent the popularity of basketball in China soaring. It’s fantastic to see such a broad range of international and national top brands taking advantage of this superb one off sponsorship opportunity. The CBA League including the annual CBA All-Star game continues to be the best sponsorship platform available in China right now.”
About the Infront/CBA relationship
Infront’s Chinese subsidiary has been working with the CBA in a ground-breaking joint-venture partnership since May 2005 - developing, promoting and marketing every aspect of the League and raising international awareness of Chinese basketball. The future for the CBA League is extremely promising as more young people take up basketball as a result of national team success and more effective promotion of the sport at every level. Over 40% of the new season’s registered players are under the age of 20.
Infront ‘a comprehensive role
Wide ranging and all-inclusive, Infront’s unique partnership role covers: the marketing of all commercial rights; the technical development of the CBA clubs; promotion of the games; upgrading television production quality and distribution as well as the development of the new media platform. It also includes encouraging projects at youth and grassroots level and player development and representation. For example, Infront’s joint-venture with a premier basketball athlete management company in the US – Excel Sports Management – to establish the most professional basketball athlete representation business in China. Its objective is to increase opportunities for Chinese players and athletes to gain experience abroad and give international stars more scope to play in China, while also providing a professional service that can link stars and sponsors for promotional purposes.
For further information, please contact:
Jörg Polzer
Associate Director , Communication & PR
Infront Sports & Media AG
Tel. +41-41-723 15 15
Fax +41-41-723 15 16
press infrontsports.com
www.infrontsports.com
Jenna Li
Manager, Communication & PR
Infront Sports & Media (China)
Tel. + 86-10-88 89 0810
Fax + 86-10-88 89 0808
jenna.li infrontasia.com
www.infrontasia.com
