NBA 2: China

A new opportunity may become available soon for basketball players. NBA Commissioner David Stern in in talks with authorities in China to set up a ‘Second NBA’, which would be a world-class professional basketball league. [China could host ‘second NBA’]

But don’t get too excited, this won’t be for a while.

David Stern is in Shanghai ahead of an NBA exhibition game and continues to suggest that with over 300 million people playing basketball in China, the prospect of turning the current CBA to an NBA is very feasible.

We have all seen the quality talented basketball-ers that China has produced, with Yao Ming going number 1 in the draft and Milwakee picking up Yi Jianlian in this year’s draft.

China is incredibly passionate about the NBA, with a reported 400 million items of memorabilia sold last year in the country. Not to mention television coverage reached over 1 billion viewers. [NBA tries to build interest in basketball-crazed China]

So what are the implications for Sports Agents?

Well, Basketball Agents based in China should see an increase in their commissions as a higher pay structure would probably be introduced. Assuming that the TV rights will be broadcast in may different territories, an athlete will see his profile significantly rise, which may lead to more endorsements and appearances. More players may make the switch to the NBA as scouts will have more accessability to footage of prospective players.

For other Basketball Agents around the world, the Chinese NBA may be seen as an option after the NBA, or even as a stepping stone for players in other leagues.

– Chris Lesley