TLDR
- Alibaba Cloud becomes the official cloud computing and AI partner of NBA China under a new multi-year agreement
- The partnership will introduce AI-powered features including real-time highlights, 360-degree replays, and personalized content for Chinese fans
- Alibaba will build a proprietary AI model based on its Qwen foundation for the NBA China app
- NBA China’s digital ecosystem will migrate to Alibaba Cloud infrastructure for improved scalability and data analytics
- BABA shares traded down 2.60% to $176.30 in premarket trading following the announcement
Alibaba Cloud has signed a multi-year partnership with NBA China that positions the company as the league’s official cloud computing and AI partner. The deal was announced ahead of The NBA China Games 2025, featuring the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns.
The partnership was unveiled by Alibaba Group Chairman Joe Tsai and NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum. It comes as the NBA prepares to play its first-ever games in Macau this weekend under a five-year partnership with Sands China.
Alibaba Cloud will develop AI-driven products designed to make NBA viewing and interaction more dynamic for Chinese fans. The company plans to create a proprietary AI model for NBA China based on its Qwen foundational models.
The system will provide Chinese NBA app users with real-time highlights, player statistics, and interactive content. Fans will be able to engage with live game data across multiple platforms.
New Technology Features Coming to Fans
Alibaba Cloud will debut its Real-Time 360 Replay Solution at the China Games. The technology offers fans AI-generated, multi-angle replays to showcase pivotal moments in spherical detail.
Fans at NBA House will be able to generate personalized NBA avatars through Alibaba’s AI tools. They’ll also have access to voice-cloned commentary clips.
The partnership will enhance live game broadcasts and interactive engagement during marquee events. This includes NBA All-Star, the Playoffs, and the Finals.
Tsai said AI and cloud technologies are enablers of connection between player and fan, brand and consumer, and global vision and local culture. He called it an exciting time at the intersection of sports and technology.
Tatum said the partnership reflects the NBA’s ongoing commitment to using advanced technology. The league wants to deepen engagement with hundreds of millions of fans across China.
Cloud Business Shows Strong Performance
The NBA deal extends Alibaba’s reach beyond its core e-commerce business. It strengthens Alibaba Cloud’s presence in global sports and helps the company expand into new revenue streams.
During the Q1 FY26 earnings call, Alibaba’s Cloud Intelligence Group posted strong results. Revenue jumped 26% year-over-year to 33.4 billion yuan.
Growth was fueled by rising enterprise demand for AI services. The company also saw continued momentum in China’s internet sector.
The partnership deepens Alibaba’s role in sports and digital media. The company already has existing global projects with the Olympics and UEFA.
NBA China will migrate its digital ecosystem to Alibaba Cloud’s infrastructure. This includes the league’s official website, mini-programs, and app.
The migration aims to improve scalability and data analytics capabilities. Consumer AI apps Quark and Tongyi will serve as marketing partners under the agreement.
Analysts believe the NBA deal could lift Alibaba’s international profile. It highlights the company’s strength in AI-driven cloud services.
Wall Street remains bullish on the stock. Analysts have issued 20 Buy ratings and two Hold ratings for BABA.
The consensus rating is Strong Buy on TipRanks. The average price target of $192.30 implies about 6.17% upside potential from current levels.
BABA shares traded lower by 2.60% to $176.30 in premarket trading on Thursday following the announcement.
