Yutang Weekly (12.7-12.13)

China estimates 400 billion yuan added value in sports industry in 2015

China’s sports industry is expected to account for 0.7 % of GDP with an added value of 400 billion yuan in 2015, a senior sports official claimed at last Tuesday’s press conference held by the Chinese State Council Press Office. 

Alibaba to sponsor 2016 FIFA Club World Cup

Alibaba, the Chinese e-commerce giant, will replace Toyota as the title sponsor for the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup. 

Wang Jianlin reportedly interested in purchasing Grand Tours

Italian financial newspaper Milano Finanza reported this week that a Chinese billionaire has expressed interest in purchasing one or more of cycling's Grand Tours. According to the newspaper, Chinese billionaire Wang Jianlin and his Wanda Sports group is considering purchasing the Amaury Sports Organisation (ASO) and RCS Sport (RCS) and so take over the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España.

FC Bayern’s skipper establishes column on China’s Xinhua

Chinese state news agency Xinhua recently agreed a partnership with Bundesliga giants FC Bayern Munich’s skipper Phillipe Lahm, which will see the former German international contribute an exclusive monthly column on Xinhua’s official website.

Peak Sports signs with Lakers’ Louis Williams

Peak Sports, a leading Chinese sportswear provider, has reached an endorsement deal with Los Angeles Lakers’ guard Louis Williams, according to several Chinese media reports. Under the agreement, the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year in their 2014/2015 campaign will join the roster of NBA stars as the face of Peak Sports’ sneakers.

Oriental Pearl Media, Super Sports and Shankai Sports may team up on UEFA media rights

Shanghai Oriental Pearl Media Company says it is seeking to establish a partnership with Super Sports and Shankai Sports, the two Chinese sports marketing companies. The Shanghai-based company released its Resolution at a meeting of the Board of Directors last Friday.