Outgoing Adidas CEO Herbert Hainer Calls For Bundesliga Opener In Asia

Adidas CEO Herbert Hainer "has called for a Bundesliga season opener in a foreign country such as China," according to Alfred Draxler of SPORT BILD. Asked about a possible season opener in Asia, Hainer said, "Of course that could happen. We already see in U.S. sports leagues that the so-called season opener often takes place in a different country." Hainer, who will step down from his position with the German sportswear company at the end of the month, said that it is "only a matter of time" until either the Premier League or Bundesliga will take this step. However, he also cautioned to "not lose sight of the domestic market." Hainer: "Therefore I say that of course you can do that, but you shouldn't overdo it. As a highlight or cherry on top, however, it can very much become reality" (SPORT BILD, 9/20).