Windy Shao

    windysjf@hotmail.com

    MORE than 600 key sporting industry figures gathered to discuss the future of China’s sports industry when the inaugural LeSportsConnect: The China Sports Forum, kicked off yesterday in Dongguan, neighboring Shenzhen.

    Billed the gateway to connect China’s new and emerging sports business power-players, LeSportsConnects: The China Sports Forum’s list of delegates reads like a “who’s who” of the sports industry, with a mix of administrators, brand owners, content creators, media, promoters, and sponsors making the trip to Mission Hills’ Dongguan resort.

    Notable speakers at the two-day forum include WWE heiress and current Chief Brand Officer, Stephanie McMahon, former Manchester United and Chelsea FC chief executive officer, Peter Kenyon, former England soccer player and entrepreneur Rio Ferdinand, as well as senior representatives from brands and rights holders operating at the forefront of the industry, including Weibo Sports, NBA China, GoPro, Baofeng Sports, ONE Championship and Manchester United FC.

    With China’s State General Administration of Sport recently announcing a five-year plan to grow the Chinese sport industry to three trillion yuan (US$460 billion) by the end of 2020, supported by an unprecedented acquisition and investment spree by Chinese companies, organizers are bracing themselves for a huge interest in the sector.

    “We look forward to valuable discussion and insight, and to contributing to the future direction of sport in this country,” said Ma Guoli, vice chairman of LeSports.

    Jasper Donat, CEO of event organizer, Branded, said: “As China continues to play such an important role in the future of the global sports industry, we look forward to sharing perspectives, understanding the trends that are going to define the industry’s future in China, and learning from some of the power-brokers behind the deals.”