National Basketball Association to launch basketball themed building in China

The National Basketball Association's China division is set to open the first ever NBA Centre in Wuqing, China.

NBA China has agreed a partnership with Yatai Lanhai Investment Group that will see the development of a four-storey NBA-themed building covering 12,000 metres2 in the middle of a 930 hectacre mixed-use development that will house 150,000 people.

The China Daily newspaper reports the centre will consist of an NBA-style indoor basketball court on the top floor, a state-of-the-art fitness centre below and a restaurant offering dining and a place to watch games.

A basketball-themed play zone for children and an NBA store will also be included, with the facility expected to open by 2015.

Luo Fulai, head of Wuqing District explained "the NBA Centre will promote the development of sport in Wuqing with its after-school programs and recreational leagues for students, corporations, and local organisations."

NBA China Chief Executive David Shoemaker added "this project gives our fans of all ages a permanent destination to experience the NBA on multiple levels from shopping, dining, and playing interactive games to learning basketball, training and conditioning all under one roof."

US-based architects Manica are responsible for developing the project, which is expected to open in 2015.

The new centre is the first of many planned NBA venues to open internationally.

China is considered to be the NBA's second biggest market after the United States and reportedly generated more than US$100 million in revenue for the league in the past year.

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