Proprietary AI model based on Alibaba’s Qwen Foundational Model will enhance fan experience on the NBA app in China
NBA China and Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, recently announced a multiyear collaboration to reimagine the ways fans in China experience and engage with the NBA through AI and cloud technologies.
Through the collaboration, which makes Alibaba Cloud an Official Cloud Computing and AI Partner of NBA China, Alibaba Cloud will develop innovative applications to enhance live game viewing and other fan engagement experiences, including in conjunction with the NBA All-Star, the NBA Playoffs, and the Finals.
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The announcement was made by Alibaba Group Chairman and Brooklyn Nets Governor Joe Tsai and NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum prior to The NBA China Games 2025 presented by Taobao 88VIP, which will feature the Nets and the Phoenix Suns playing preseason games on Friday, Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. CST and Sunday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. CST at The Venetian Arena in Macao.
“It is an exciting time at the intersection of sports and technology,” said Tsai. “AI and cloud technologies are enablers of connection—between player and fan, brand and consumer, global vision and local culture. By collaborating with NBA China and introducing Alibaba’s latest innovations, we are here to excite NBA fans through the enablement of exceptional experiences that they’ve never seen before.”
“Our collaboration with Alibaba Cloud reflects our commitment to using the latest technology to engage the hundreds of millions of NBA fans in China in new and creative ways,” said Tatum. “We look forward to working with Alibaba Cloud to transform how fans across the country watch and experience the game in the years to come.”
NBA China will utilize Alibaba Cloud’s AI and cloud computing services to support a wide range of digital fan engagement initiatives, including the development of a proprietary AI model for NBA China based on Alibaba’s Qwen series of foundational models. The proprietary AI model, fine-tuned with the league’s range of digital assets, will provide NBA App users in China with engaging content including real-time game highlights, historical basketball data, player insights and interactive discussions on trending basketball topics.
In addition, Alibaba Cloud will debut a Real-Time 360 Replay Solution at The NBA China Games 2025, providing fans with AI-powered visual enhancements to replay highlights. Powered by Alibaba’s AI algorithms, the system tracks player movements and generates a visual presentation of high-quality frames to highlight key plays through a spherical view.
This year’s NBA China Games will also showcase innovative and interactive fan experiences powered by Alibaba Cloud’s AI capabilities. At NBA House, fans can create personalized NBA-themed avatars and generate iconic game commentary clips in a voice replicated from a sample of their own using AI technologies powered by Qwen.
As part of the multiyear collaboration, NBA China will also leverage Alibaba Cloud’s infrastructure to host its digital destinations, including the NBA App, the league’s official website in China, and NBA China mini-programs. In addition, NBA China will utilize Alibaba Cloud’s intelligent analytical tools to generate data-driven insights to enhance its fan engagement efforts. Quark and the Tongyi App, Alibaba’s consumer-facing AI applications, will also become Official Marketing Partners of NBA China and engage with fans across the country.
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