Di Yi Cai Jing·2025-06-27 05:34Group 1: Player's Selection and Impact - Yang Hanshen was selected as the 16th pick in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, making him the first Chinese player selected since 2016 and the ninth in history [1][2] - His selection is seen as a win-win for both the Portland Trail Blazers and the NBA's expansion in the Chinese market [1][2] - Yang's contract is structured as "2+1+1" over four years, totaling $21.39 million, with salaries increasing from $4.42 million in 2025-26 to $7.46 million in 2028-29 [3] Group 2: Comparison with Previous Players - Yang's selection at 16th is the third-highest for a Chinese player, following Yao Ming (2002) and Yi Jianlian (2007) [2] - The NBA salaries have significantly increased, with the current top pick expected to earn $62 million over four years, compared to Yao Ming's $18 million and Yi Jianlian's $13 million contracts [3] Group 3: Commercial Value and Brand Partnerships - Yang has signed with Li Ning, becoming the main spokesperson for the "Yushuai" series, marking a significant partnership for a Chinese player with a domestic brand [5] - Following the draft, Li Ning's stock rose by 5%, indicating a positive market reaction to Yang's selection [5] - Yang's commercial potential is projected to exceed $10 million, similar to other Chinese players who have seen significant sponsorship growth after entering the NBA [8] Group 4: Market Potential and Fan Engagement - The NBA's influence in China has waned since 2016, and Yang's entry is expected to rejuvenate interest and commercial opportunities in the market [8] - The demand for Yang's jersey in China surged, with orders exceeding three times that of Damian Lillard's peak period [8] - The basketball population in China is approximately 125 million, with over 76 million core fans, highlighting the vast market potential for NBA engagement [9]