Yutang Weekly (2016.3.7-3.12)

Udinese to sell shares to China

Giampaolo Pozzo, the owner of Italian Serie A side Udineser may sell 15-20% of the club's shares to an unknown Chinese investor, according to an Italian news website. According to CalcioeFinanza.it, they may complement their investment in a new stadium by selling part of their assets to a foreign investor. Gino Pozzo, son of Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo, is believed to have ironed out the deal during a recent business trip to China.

AC Milan launch Chinese language website

Serie A giants AC Milan FC are today launching an official Chinese language website to engage with fans in China after striking a partnership with Hupu Sports, one of the leading sports-related web portals in China.

Estimated 500 million online viewership for 2016 CSL

TAs stated by several Chinese sources, the new media broadcast has already shown its power to increase the CSL viewership in the first round. According to a recent report by Le Sports, the current internet rights holder of the CSL, a record-breaking 16.6 million viewers watched the opening game online.

Home Credit to partner second CSL club

Home Credit, an international consumer finance provider, has continued efforts to strengthen its foothold in China through a link-up with another Chinese Super League (CSL) team, Tianjin Teda Football Club. Under the deal, Home Credit’s logo will appear on the sleeve of Tianjin Teda FC shirts. Financial details of the deal have not been revealed.

Beijing to introduce NHL games

The Chinese capital, Beijing, held a press conference yesterday (7th March) and announced a masterplan to develop a snow and ice sports industry. Beijing is now expected to introduce National Hockey League (NHL) games to the city. The municipal government has already held talks with NHL clubs last week, according to various Chinese media reports.

Alibaba buys 59.45% share in AGTech

Last Friday, AGTech, a Chinese sports lottery supplier, entered into a Subscription Agreement with a joint venture, 60% owned by Alibaba Holding and 40% by Alibaba’s affiliate company, Ant Financial.

Fomer Chinese NBA star raises RMB10 million

Beijing Day-BL Sports and Culture Co. Ltd, founded by former Chinese NBA star Mengke Bateer, has raised around RMB10 million from Angel Investors, according to a report on the Chinese web portal Netease.

Adidas to open 3,000 new stores in China

German sportswear brand Adidas is continuing with its aggressive plan to become the number one sports apparel retailer in China with plans to open 3,000 new stores in the country over the next five years.