Lizhang Jiang (left) poses with Guo Chuan during the torch relay of the Rio Olympics. (Photo : Getty Images / Xinhua News Agency)
Lizhang Jiang, the NBA's first ever Chinese national to own a team, aims to use his connections in China in order to build his team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, into a global brand like the New York Knicks or Los Angeles Lakers. Lizhang witnessed the impact Yao Ming had on the sport in China and hopes to even exceed that impact to promote the sport and his team.
Lizhang said that he's been a long-time fan of the NBA, ever since Michael Jordan was the league biggest star. In an interview released on the Washington Post, he said he is familiar with both the local Chinese market as well as the international market. He stated that he can use his "experience and resources" to help his team grow in the Chinese and global markets.
The 35-year old, whose American nickname is John, bought a five percent stake in the ownership, will not be involved in the basketball side of running the team. Majority owner Glen Taylor, when talking about his Chinese partner on the Star Tribune, noted that he plans on utilizing them in "running the business." They are currently working on facilitating the possibility of a Timberwolves preseason game in China.
In terms of its on-court product, the future looks bright for Minnesota. Rookie of the Year awardee Karl-Anthony Towns, who was chosen unanimously, has shown the offensive and defensive acumen worthy of a franchise player. Towns, Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine, and incoming rookie point guard Kris Dunn are all below 23 years of age, giving them a lot of time to grow and jell as a team. The Wolves recently hired a new head coach in Tom Thibodeau.
As for Lizhang's impact on the league itself, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said they were "thrilled" to welcome the league's first Chinese owner and noted that Lizhang's "knowledge of the global sports landscape" will be very important as the NBA intends to further its growth and popularity in China.
Lizhang is the owner and founder of Shanghai sports marketing firm Double-Edged Sports. He also owns part of the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx and recently bought 98 percent of Granada CF, a football team which plays in the Spanish La Liga.
The video below shows highlights of the Wolves Summer League game, where Lizhang himself was in attendance.
