Akron rules, your city sucks

I took a two day trip to Shànghǎi, followed by a three day trip to Hángzhōu. Shànghǎi put up their welcome posters just for me I think. 

You see that? This is the massive Nike store in Shànghǎi and the ad for Nike basketball features LeBron (obviously), and not a sign for Cleveland, but for his hometown, my hometown, Akron. Akron. Whoo! 

This ad may seem like nothing, because basketball is hugely popular in China, LeBron is one of Nike's biggest clients and he is as adored here as he is in the U.S. But, did you know that a Chinese investment group bought out a minority shareholder percentage of the Cleveland Cavs?

That's engaging a potential billion fans to feel ownership of not only LeBron, but the Cavs. The Cavs could become China's team, not Shanghai's, not Beijing's, China's...all of it. Clearly, there is a greater marketing vision than NYC or L.A. and Nike and Cleveland brilliantly recognize it. I think that LeBron is smart enough to recognize it too (he was just here for some meetings). So I feel confident in quoting Madonna when I say, "I'm keeping my baby."

Now that the Chinese know about my sweet Cleveland/Akron, does that mean that both cities will garner Asian investments and become centers of industry, art and awesomeness again? Fingers crossed.

Comments

[Sara]

Yayyyy!! My fingers are crossed too. Also, I am jealous you are in China and I am here. :(

[charity]

maybe that is your calling you can Akron ambassador for China

[jezabel]

this post is awesome! yeah AK-rowdy!