Q&A with Ewell Zhao, general manager of Tencent Sports

Q: How do you define the new era of sports development?

A: First of all, the use of digital platforms has unleashed new and more diversified content that couldn't be presented through traditional TV broadcasting in the past. Secondly, new users who watch sports on the new platforms and tap into some niche are emerging, posing new challenges and opportunities. Last but not least, sports organizations have to evolve to adapt to the new trend and cater to new users by upgrading services and products.

Q: What is Tencent's strategy to adapt to the new era?

A: We are committed to building a seamless platform between sports properties and their followers to help fans connect to their teams and stars as closely as possible. We are looking to develop various businesses in the chain such as e-commerce, venue services and training to maximize the consumption potential of the vast number of users on each platform. The key is to leverage our copyright resources to deliver fans what they want.

Q: Tencent has invested a lot in copyright resources. How soon do you expect that investment to turn a profit?

A: To build a mature sports market is a long process, which requires patience. Although an increasing number of users would like to pay for copyrighted content now, we are still running our business with a long-term perspective that the cultivation of a consistent and lucrative sports property needs time. When the market matures to the point of sports content becoming more of a priority with consumers, the profit will come.

(China Daily 11/10/2017 page22)