BEIJING, April 25, 2018 – NBA China and Hongkun Group announced today the opening of the world’s first NBA Center, an NBA-themed lifestyle complex in Wuqing, Tianjin. Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins will participate in opening ceremony alongside NBA China CEO David Shoemaker, NBA China CFO Wayne Chang and Hongkun Group President Yuan Chun on April 30.
Covering approximately 12,000 square meters, the multi-level facility is a first-of-its-kind destination allowing fans to experience the NBA through a variety of activates and offerings, including regulation-sized basketball courts for recreational use, a basketball-themed children’s entertainment center with interactive games and an NBA retail store.
As part of the opening week celebration, NBA Center will host the inaugural Jr. NBA World Championship China Regional Finals, a seven-day competition to determine the 10 best boys and 10 best girls who will represent China in the first Jr. NBA World Championship later this year in the U.S. The Jr. NBA World Championship China Regional Final will be held from May 1-5.
“The opening of the NBA Center marks another key milestone in the NBA’s effort to bring the game of basketball to fans in China through unique experiences and interactive destinations,” said Chang. “This first-of-its-kind complex brings the NBA to life, allowing fans to experience and celebrate their passion for the game, all under one roof.”
“We’re excited to join the NBA in building this unique, family-friendly destination that caters to basketball fans,” said Yuan. “We can’t wait to share the excitement of the game with individuals and families who desire a healthy and aspirational lifestyle.”
NBA Center features three signature elements:
NBA Hoops – regulation-sized basketball courts with NBA-standard flooring will provide visitors an authentic basketball experience through basketball clinics, official training programs and recreational leagues and tournaments.
NBA Playzone-a fun, basketball-themed children’s entertainment center that can accommodate special events and training programs.
NBA Store-a shopping destination that offers a wide selection of NBA products including on court and lifestyle apparel, footwear and headwear for children and adults.
About Hongkun Group
Hongkun Group, an innovative city operator, was established in 2002, and has developed into an integrated shareholding group with four business segments including financial investment, industrial development, cultural tourism and real estate development.
Hongkun develops innovative elements and ideas created through asset operation and resource integration. Hongkun generate value through the integration and optimization of urban resources to improve integrated competitiveness, enhance urban vitality and improve the quality of life for residents.
“Leverage Urban Value, Possess Long-term Vision” is our brand philosophy. We are good at discovering and tapping into the essence of everything. Through industrial cooperation and the ecological development of our business plans, Hongkun are dedicated to creating sustainable communities and fulfilling our mission of ‘Open Happiness Drive Dynamism’.
About NBA China
The NBA’s entity that conducts all of the league’s businesses in Greater China was formed in January 2008 after its first office opened in Hong Kong in 1992. The NBA currently has relationships with a network of television and digital media outlets in China, including a 30-year partnership with CCTV. The league hosts hundreds of touring basketball events for fans, conducts community enrichment programs, and maintains marketing partnerships with a combination of world-class China-based corporations and U.S.-based multinationals.
NBA licensed apparel and footwear are available through retail and authorized online stores on e-commerce and social media platforms, including NBAStore.cn, Tmall.com, JD.com, NBAStore.hk and NBAStore.tw. In 2004, the NBA became the first American professional sports league to play games in China. Following NBA China Games 2018, 17 NBA teams will have played 26 games in Greater China.