Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba Group "has struck a wide-ranging deal with a new start-up founded" by Kobe Bryant, according to Bien Perez of the SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST.
Bryant's first project with Alibaba "involves the exclusive release in mainland China of his self-produced video documentary, Kobe Bryant's Muse," on Saturday through the Chinese firm's Tmall Magic Box, a widely used digital home entertainment system in the country.
Alibaba Lead Founder & Exec Chair Jack Ma Yun: "Kobe is an innovative entrepreneur who has established a legacy that extends far beyond the basketball court, and is someone who can bring positive impact to the players and fans of basketball in China."
Alibaba's Hong Kong-listed affiliate, Alibaba Pictures, "will also collaborate with Bryant in developing the athlete's branded products and distribute these through the group's online retail platforms Tmall.com and Taobao Marketplace, which have more than 350 million combined active buyers throughout the country." Alibaba and online media group Sina "will collaborate with Bryant's company to create a new social media platform." Bryant "has more than three million followers on Sina Weibo." Kobe Bryant's Muse will be available for viewing at Tmall Magic Box for 8 yuan ($1.29).
Bryant visited Alibaba's headquarters in Hangzhou in '09, where he shared a stage with Ma during an event for businesses hosted by the e-commerce firm.
Bryant: "We just hit it off" (SCMP, 8/3). VARIETY's Todd Spangler reported the pact calls for Alibaba and Sina "to collaborate with Kobe Inc. to create a new social-media platform aimed at 'connecting China’s young people directly to Kobe and his philosophies.'" The two Chinese companies said that the project with Bryant "will be a model for other 'Star, Media, Platform' properties they plan to launch together." Bryant: "I believe there is power in understanding the journey of others to help create your own" (VARIETY, 8/3).
