“Pivot Point: How Sports Ownership Is Reaching Global Communities” was held at The Parisian Macao in Cotai yesterday, gathering guest speakers to tackle the topic and talk about their experiences throughout the hour-long event.
Speakers comprised Alibaba Group Co-founder and Chairman Joseph Chung-Hsin Tsai (蔡崇信), who is also the owner of the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty; Las Vegas Sands President and Chief Operating Officer Patrick Dumont, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks; and former international footballer David Beckham, who is the co-owner of Inter Miami and Salford City FC, as well as being an entrepreneur and philanthropist. NBA legend Vince Carter moderated the event.
The speakers talked about their ownership of each of their respective teams,including stories behind their acquisitions as well as their development, among other key points.
Dumont also remarked that there has been an evolution in the type of tourism in Macau. He added: “With the infrastructure that was built here, it allowed for business tourism to occur. So, there’s been an evolution in the type of tourism that actually comes to Macau”, adding that Macau has seen increased tourism thanks to investments in improved hotel rooms, restaurants, and retail.
Dumont was also asked what other sporting events he was anticipating, responding that the company was thinking about the United States’ Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). He added: “The goal is to bring more sports here over time and have that capability”.
Meanwhile, Tsai remarked on the cultural differences in attitudes towards sports and its relationship with education, where in Asia, it’s not always conducive to developing athletes and sports teams, particularly in team sports, as well as highlighting the need for understanding from parents on its importance. “Participating in sports teaches you teamwork, discipline, time management, and just how to be a good human being”, along with other aspects such as respect.
Tsai also remarked on how social media platforms in China shape the way basketball content is distributed, noting that with its advanced and vibrant scene, it is pushing the NBA to think about “advanced ways to develop content”, besides live games, and the use of AI.
Meanwhile, aside from speaking about his experience in China, which he highlighted as having a large football fanbase, and about Inter Miami and the ambitions behind them, Beckham also echoed Tsai’s remarks in investing in youth. He also remarked on the continued growth of football, which is led by social media and investment. Moreover, finding more interesting ways or formats to watch the game could possibly lead to more growth.
Beckham also highlighted the beauty of the World Cup, a special moment for football fans around the world, as well as the opportunities and the emerging talent involved in addition to known players.
NBA legend Vince Carter (from left to right), Alibaba Group Co-founder and Chairman Joe Tsai, who is also the owner of the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty; former international footballer David Beckham, who is the co-owner of Inter Miami and Salford City FC; and Las Vegas Sands President and Chief Operating Officer Patrick Dumont, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, speak at yesterday’s roundtable at The Parisian Macao. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
