Alibaba creates social media platform with NBA star

Hangzhou, China – Alibaba is launching an omnichannel partnership with one of professional basketball’s biggest stars. Alibaba Holding Group Inc. and Kobe Inc., a newly formed company by NBA player Kobe Bryant, will collaborate with Chinese media company Sina to create a new social media platform.



The social media entity will be a key part of a “SMEP” (Star, Media, Platform) model of collaboration designed to bring current inspirational figures into closer contact with Chinese youth. The collaboration will also include an exclusive streaming Kobe Bryant video narrative and a series of Kobe-branded products which will be distributed through Alibaba’s retail platforms including Taobao Marketplace and Tmall.com.



“We are pleased to partner with Kobe to inspire young people all across China and encourage them to dream big and reach for their potential,” said Jack Ma, executive chairman of the Alibaba Group. “Kobe is an innovative entrepreneur who has established a legacy that extends far beyond the basketball court and is someone who can bring positive impact to the players and fans of basketball in China.”