October 16 – In a country of 1.5 billion people, it is an impressive feat to have almost 15% of the country follow your league, but that’s the power of the English Premier League in China, the most populated country on earth.
With interest in the self-proclaimed greatest league in the world at an all-time high, the EPL is to open an international office in the Chinese capital of Beijing according to a report from the SportBusiness website.
The League has enlisted the former World Wrestling Entertainment executive Jay Li to lead the expansion efforts. In his previous role, Li led the WWE strategic business development initiatives and day-to-day activities in China. He is expected to perform the same role for the Premier League.
With TV viewership increasing thanks to the partnership with Tencent Sports, substantial revenue is expected with all platforms for the game. Previously, Hong Kong has hosted the Premier League Asia Trophy, a biennial pre-season tournament, however, due to high costs this was cancelled in 2017.
With a dedicated Premier League headquarters now based in Beijing it is hoped that more lucrative pre- and post-season tours will head to the mainland where the exposure will be magnified 10-fold.
The largest stadium in Hong Kong could only hold 40,000 supporters and would generally sell out in a matter of hours. In the capital, there are three stadiums with capacities in excess of 80,000, the Beijing National Stadium, the Guangdong Olympic Stadium, and Hangzhou Sports Park.
Li gained his degree at Middlebury College in Vermont and has seen the growth of the EPL first hand in the USA. With the likes of Manchester United more popular than domestic clubs in China, Li should have no problem consolidating the fan base while at the same time exploiting the heightened interest.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1735008873labto1735008873ofdlr1735008873owedi1735008873sni@o1735008873fni1735008873