Infront‘s comprehensive enhancements of the CBA League stir excitement in anticipation of the 2009/2010 season – A strong line up of international sponsors

Beijing, China / Zug, Switzerland, 18 December 2009 – Infront Sports & Media and the CBA League are entering their fifth season of successful partnership with the launch of the new CBA League season on 19 December 2009. This season is eagerly anticipated, with an impressive cast of 13 sponsors and excellent television coverage on more than 20 channels in China, including CCTV-5, China’s national sports channel.

The CBA League is Asia’s leading sports league and the undisputed premium property in basketball, now China’s most popular team sport. The 15th season will consist of 272 regular games and 37 Play-Offs, as well as the CBA All-Star Weekend on 20 – 21 March 2010 in Beijing. It involves 17 clubs (see list below).

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.

Yao Ming invests
The recent success of the CBA has led Yao Ming – who plays for the Houston Rockets (NBA) and is one of China’s and the world’s best known athletes – to invest in the Chinese basketball market. He is now heading up the Shanghai Dongfang Sharks, having injecting a considerable investment which will add new players and help the team heighten awareness of its brand. Huang Jianhua, who owns a 15% share of the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA) has also signed a new partnership contract with the Jilin Northeast Tigers. These are a highly positive signs that the domestic sport is attracting support from successful Chinese nationals and is growing in appeal alongside foreign imports.

Anyway, 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.

Every game live on TV
This season, 20 television channels will broadcast the games across the country, with CCTV-5 featuring the opening game in Shanghai and at least one other game from each round live. Other local channels will broadcast live home team games. This level of coverage is unprecedented. The CBA League is currently the most popular indigenous sports programming on television — every game is now shown live on television.

Strong international group of sponsor
The new season has 13 Official Partners in total - both international and domestic brands. The involvement of Anta (sports apparel) dates back to 2004. This year, Anta will provide new kits and shoes for all 17 teams as a celebration of the 15th anniversary of the League. The leading international sportswear brand, Nike will provide the new Official Ball in one of the most important sponsorship deals arranged by Infront China.

UPS (logistics), a Sponsor of the Beijing Olympic Games, has recently renewed its contract and will be featured on the team shirts. Swiss watch brand Tissot remains Official Watch / Timekeeper. 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) and Zengzhi Jeans.

Ma Guoli, CEO & Managing Director, Infront China, said: “Infront has a long-term partnership with the CBA and is delivering tremendous results. Basketball is taking up number one position as China’s favourite sport. It is an exciting time to be involved, as the commercial success of the Infront-CBA partnership is going from strength to strength. One reason the popularity of basketball is rising is impressive media exposure. The CBA League is the best sponsorship platform available in China right now. Basketball is the most fashionable and popular indigenous sport featured live on Chinese television.”

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.

Competing Teams of the 2009/2010 CBA League:
Guangdong Hongyuan Tigers, Jiangsu Nangang Dragons, Bayi Army Rockets, Dongguan New Century, Zhejiang Wanma Whirlwind, Zhejiang Guangsha Lions, Fujian Xunxing, Jilin Northeast Tigers, Xinjiang Flying Tigers, Shangdong Gold Lions, Shanxi Zhongyu Dragons, Liaoning Panpan Dinosaurs, Beijing Shougang Ducks, Shanghai Dongfang Sharks, Shan’xi Dongsheng Kylins, Tsingtao Double Star, Tianjin Ronggang Jinshi.


For further information, please contact:

Jörg Polzer
Manager, 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