China: Nike ranked the most influential sports brand in 2017 with the Chinese Super League in third

US apparel maker Nike is the most influential sports brand in China, ahead of the CBA (Chinese professional basketball league) and the CSL, according to the 2017 ranking of "Top 50 most influential sports brands in China", published on 28/12/2017. Nike is the official equipment supplier for the Chinese Super League and the CFA, the Chinese Football Federation.

This ranking has been compiled jointly since 2015 by the Chinese website of economic information Dongshiju.com and the Chinese research institute China Data Center, specialising in big data. It is based on several criteria, including brand awareness and reputation, consumer preference, and market share. The gross measure was then refined by a panel of researchers and professionals from the sports industry, said China Data Center.

The equipment manufacturers adidas (GER), New Balance (USA), and Anta (CHN) occupy fourth, fifth and sixth place respectively in the 2017 ranking. In total, 24 of the 50 brands represented in the 2017 ranking were sports equipment manufacturers or outdoor textile manufacturers. In addition, 33…