China is home to the world’s largest population and fastest-growing economy, so it might be more surprising if the country didn’t affect every part of the global sports economy. But make no mistake: China’s money makes the sports world go ’round. The country’s booming upper middle class is on the mind of every league executive and high-end sportswear manufacturer—and increasingly, the players themselves. China is where WNBA players go to get rich. China is where Dwyane Wade is the $60 million face of a sneaker brand aspiring to take down Nike. China is where casino revenues outstrip Vegas by a factor of seven. China is where the success of two tennis players launched a $4 billion industry. The Rockets’ offense may no longer run through Yao Ming, but now more than ever, the global sports economy runs straight through China.
The Mag’s “Money” Issue also features a survey of the top 100 paying teams compiled by SportingIntelligence.com, and encompasses 294 teams in 15 leagues, covering seven sports around the globe, comprising 8,663 athletes making a combined $16.15 billion in salary. The survey’s salary numbers are calculated from an average of base salaries among players, accounting for current or most recently completed team seasons and exclude bonuses, endorsements, appearance fees or any other source of extra compensation. Also featured in the issue is an in-depth look at the top 25 paid athletes in the world.
ESPN The Magazine’s “Money” Issue Cover featuring Dwyane Wade
Money Issue Features:
Can an American superstar can save a Chinese sneaker company? The Heat’s Dwyane Wade and sneaker brand Li Ning are gambling that the answer is yes. By Christopher Beam
On ESPN.com: Video: Dwyane Wade is so Money!
Dwyane Wade talks with Darren Rovell about his decision to leave Nike and join Chinese shoe company Li-Ning.
China is mad for American sports merchandise. But as big brands and Chinese pirate factories scrap over dollars, the fan on the streets of China wonders: Can you be a true baller and wear a fake jersey? By Eddie Huang
Home to the world’s biggest gaming industry, Macau is gunning for the Strip’s prizefights. By Tim Struby
For Self or Country
Li Na and Peng Shuai have launched a tennis craze in China. But by challenging the Communist sports machine, they’ve also forced the next generation to choose sides. By Shaun Assael
Held up in Customs
Brittney Griner signed with a Chinese team to fine-tune her game while earning big bucks. But life overseas gave the WNBA star more than she bargained for. By Kate Fagan
Additional Money Issue Highlights:
- Boston Marathon: In “Quality Time” The Mag’s Chris Jones writes that runners who’ve qualified down to the second for the toughest Boston Marathon ever have already learned a life lesson: There’s no time like the present.
- MLB: The Mag’s Howard Bryant writes how NCAA executives claim a players union would destroy college sports his new column entitled “United They Stand.” But MLB’s free agency fight disproved that argument 40 years ago.
- NBA: In “Back in Black” The Mag’s Jordan Brenner explores the special formula that makes the San Antonio Spurs keep winning year after year. Hint: It involves a trio of underpaid superstars and one genius coach.
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Media Contact: Carrie Kreiswirth – 860-766-6042
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