Brooklyn Nets and Tencent Partner for CheersNets: A Reality Series in China
The NBA China Games are fast approaching, with the Brooklyn Nets gearing up to head to Macao, China, after their game with Hapoel Jerusalem at Barclays Center on October 4. The Nets will face off against the Suns in two sold-out games at the Venetian Resort. This event is significant for the NBA's presence in the Chinese market, especially with Joe Tsai, the Brooklyn Nets governor and part of Alibaba, presenting the games.
The city of Macao is already buzzing with banners and promotions for the upcoming NBA China Games. The excitement is palpable as the players, including Egor Demin, are preparing for the event. Demin recently joined Douyin, the Chinese equivalent of TikTok, showcasing the potential of the Chinese market for players, even rookies like him. Additionally, Fanbo Zeng, the Most Improved Player in the Chinese Basketball Association, is expected to sign with Brooklyn soon.
In a new development, Tencent, a global multimedia company from China, will partner with the Nets and the Brooklynettes dance team to produce a reality series. The series will select the first-ever Brooklynettes China Dance Team, CheersNets, who will perform in Macao. This collaboration aims to bring another Brooklyn brand to China and engage millions of Asian viewers in a talent variety show to choose eight Chinese dancers for the team.
The audition process for the Brooklynettes China Dance Team has already begun, with 45 contestants selected to compete for a spot on the team. The show will be overseen by Criscia Long, the senior director of entertainment at BSE Global, who has been instrumental in the selection process. The Nets' aggressive international marketing efforts have paid off, with a rapidly growing global fan base of over 53 million fans worldwide, making them one of the most popular teams in France and China.
The partnership with Tencent Sports for the reality series, CheersNets, marks a new venture into sports entertainment for the company. The show will premiere on September 5 on Tencent platforms in China, showcasing the journey of the contestants as they vie for a spot on the team. The final episode, airing on October 9, will reveal the eight dancers selected for the Brooklynettes China Team. As the Nets head to Macao, the dance team will also participate in community outreach programs and workshops, culminating in their debut performance in October alongside the basketball team.
In conclusion, the NBA China Games are not only a sporting event but also a platform for cultural exchange and entertainment. The collaboration between the Brooklyn Nets, Tencent, and the Brooklynettes dance team highlights the growing international appeal of the NBA and its teams. CheersNets promises to be a captivating series that showcases the talent and diversity of Chinese dancers while bringing the authentic NBA arena culture to Chinese audiences in an engaging and localized format.