NBA China Alibaba Cloud Collaboration Introduces AI-Powered Fan Experience
NBA China and Alibaba Cloud have launched a multiyear collaboration to reshape how fans in China experience basketball. The partnership makes Alibaba Cloud the Official Cloud Computing and AI Partner of NBA China.
The collaboration will bring new AI-powered applications to the NBA App in China. Fans can expect enhanced live viewing, real-time highlights, and interactive content during the NBA All-Star, Playoffs, and Finals.
Alibaba Group Chairman and Brooklyn Nets Governor Joe Tsai and NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum announced the partnership before the NBA China Games 2025 in Macao. The preseason event featured the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns.
Tsai said the partnership shows how sports and technology can connect people. “AI and cloud technologies are enablers of connection between player and fan, brand and consumer,” he said. “We aim to excite NBA fans through experiences they’ve never seen before.”
Tatum added that the NBA continues to use technology to reach fans in new ways. “This collaboration will transform how fans across China watch and experience the game,” he said.
Alibaba Cloud will build a proprietary AI model for NBA China based on its Qwen series. The system will use NBA digital assets to generate insights, highlights, and interactive discussions for fans. The AI will allow users to enjoy real-time stats, player analysis, and trending topics through the NBA App.
During the NBA China Games 2025, Alibaba Cloud will also debut its Real-Time 360 Replay Solution. The feature uses AI algorithms to track player movements and present spherical highlight views.
At NBA House, fans can create personalized NBA avatars and AI-generated commentary clips using their own voices. NBA China will also migrate its digital platforms to Alibaba Cloud’s infrastructure for faster, data-driven fan engagement.
