Tebas buzzing as LaLiga hits the big time in Chinese market
LaLiga president Javier Tebas reveals how Spanish football's return to Chinese state TV has been a game-changer, with viewership and influence soaring across Asia.
Spanish football’s influence in China reaching new heights as LaLiga builds strategic partnerships to help develop the beautiful game in the world’s most populous nation.
LaLiga’s Chinese boom
Javier Tebas, that geezer who runs LaLiga, is proper chuffed about Spanish football’s growing influence in China. Speaking at the tenth Spain-China Forum, Tebas revealed how returning to China’s state broadcaster has been an absolute blinder for Spanish football’s visibility in the region.
“Vivimos un gran momento en China,” Tebas declared during a roundtable discussion on sports diplomacy. The LaLiga president wasn’t just blowing smoke either – Spanish football has made significant inroads in the Chinese market:
- LaLiga has maintained offices in China for 12 years
- Spanish clubs are actively sharing expertise with Chinese counterparts
- Two live matches now broadcast weekly on CCTV5 (China’s main public sports channel)
- Viewership and exposure for Spanish clubs and sponsors has skyrocketed
Knowledge sharing, not just bread and butter
What’s particularly interesting is LaLiga’s approach to the Chinese market. Rather than just chasing the readies, Tebas emphasized their commitment to genuine football development.
The Spaniards aren’t just signing agreements for show – they’re providing honest feedback about where Chinese football needs improvement. Tebas himself has been appointed as a strategic advisor to Chinese football, a role he’s taking dead seriously.
The sleeping giant
The potential in China is absolutely massive. Consider these numbers:
- Over 160,000 football pitches built in recent years
- Football now taught as a subject in Chinese schools
- Approximately 60% of China’s population are football fans
Despite this foundation, Chinese football leaders acknowledge they aren’t where they should be. Li Kemin, President of China’s Professional Football League, praised Tebas for helping establish governance structures and youth development systems.
Youth football connection
Tebas highlighted Spain’s success with youth development, noting they lead the world in producing homegrown talent for their top division. He suggested Chinese youth football needs more competitive edge – the kind that sees Spanish youngsters playing full 90-minute matches “at full throttle” from an early age.
With China’s massive population and growing infrastructure, the partnership between Spanish and Chinese football looks set to bear fruit in the coming years. As they say in the East End, it could be a right Bobby Dazzler for both parties.