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GameAbove Sports Acquires Fourth Founding BIG3 Expansion Team

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Plans to base the team in Detroit for the 2025 season.

DETROIT, July 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, GameAbove Sports, a sports-focused business development and strategic investment entity announces the purchase of the fourth BIG3 franchise with plans to base the team in Detroit representing the State of Michigan for the 2025 season. The GameAbove Sports ownership group led by Founder and Chairman Keith J. Stone consists of individuals with deep connections to the region and robust acumen in operations, business, basketball, and sports; including Detroit pro sports notables NBA Hall of Famer and BIG3 Coach George Gervin and two-time NFL Pro-Bowler and Super Bowl Champion T.J. Lang, as well as Joe Januszewski, Karen LeVert, Dan McClory, Skyler Stone, Corey Welch and co-founder of Born in Detroit apparel Anthony Tomey. Former NBA point guard Earl Boykins will also be involved with the organization.

“The entire team at GameAbove and I are thrilled to bring a BIG3 franchise to the Motor City,” said Gervin. “My experience as part of the BIG3 these past few seasons has shown me that the league is at the forefront of 3-on-3 basketball’s increasing growth and global traction. Detroit’s rich sports history makes it a fantastic market for the BIG3; get ready for next summer!”

This announcement follows the purchase of rights to the LA, Miami, and Houston BIG3 franchises earlier this year. The league is currently in the fifth week of the BIG3’s seventh season, which continues to tour nationwide and reach millions of fans across linear, streaming, and digital platforms.

“I am excited to finally announce the sale of our Detroit team to this amazing group of investors, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists,” said BIG3 CEO and co-founder, Ice Cube. “GameAbove Sports and its leadership represent the values of the BIG3 every day and have an exemplary community outreach infrastructure that will take the Young3 initiative to a new level. It’s been a privilege to work with George Gervin over the past few BIG3 seasons and I know what he means to the Detroit and Southeast Michigan community. I look forward to working together with GameAbove Sports to bring the vision of BIG3 Detroit to life next season.”

GameAbove Sports is a unique player in the sports business. It is backed by CapStone Holdings Inc., which provides robust support to invest capital into various franchises and leagues worldwide. The company is committed to expanding its investment portfolio by strategically investing in franchises and leagues globally, including well-known entities such as the NHL, NBL, MLS, USL, MLS Next, professional golf, product investments, and other emerging leagues. GameAbove Sports’ innovative and flexible investment approach focuses on acquiring minority and majority ownership positions in established franchises or leagues. The company aims to promote, invest in, and advance technology within the sports industry.

“We are very excited about the BIG3 and the momentum Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz have established in the league,” said Stone. “Our philosophy at GameAbove Sports is to seek new and innovative ways to diversify our portfolio. The BIG3 presents a great opportunity for us to invest early in this emerging version of basketball. The ownership group and operational support are enthusiastic and ready. Detroit and the State of Michigan will be a leader in many ways for the league.”

GameAbove Sports’s decision to bring a BIG3 franchise to Detroit aligns perfectly with the brand’s existing presence in the region. In November 2019, Stone launched GameAbove as a philanthropic brand under CapStone Holdings Inc. He focused his giving efforts on his alma mater, Eastern Michigan University. Stone formed a philanthropic advisory board of 24 diverse, spirited, and accomplished EMU alums who shared his vision for the university’s success. Since its start, GameAbove has contributed millions to special causes and initiatives in Southeast Michigan, including social impact such as student emergency funds, combating food insecurities, mental health, youth STEM and literacy education, youth sports, and scholarships.

To learn more about the Ownership Group, visit www.big3detroitbasketball.com.

Visit GameAbove Sports at www.gameabovesports.com for all the latest news, updates, and exciting developments.

To learn more about the BIG3 go to big3.com and follow @thebig3 on X and Instagram. Tickets for the 2024 season are on sale now at big3.com/tickets/.

About BIG3
On January 11, 2017, the BIG3 was born. The first-ever professional FIREBALL3 league is the brainchild of producer, actor, and music legend Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz, who shared a vision of a player-centric league focused on entertainment and innovation. The BIG3 is a league with no garbage minutes, where trash talk is allowed, defense is emphasized, fast-paced action, and where every point –whether it’s a 4-point or 3-point shot – counts. Any given BIG3 team has hall of famers, icons and trailblazers, and the next best 3-on-3 player.

The league has led the sports industry in diversity and opportunity, becoming the first professional sports league to implement a mental health policy, favor CBD as a pain management alternative to opioids, enlist female coaches of men, and appoint a black Commissioner in Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler, who is also professional sports first former player serving as Commissioner. The inaugural CEO was the legendary, incomparable Raider executive Amy Trask. This January 2024, BIG3 co-founder Ice Cube was honored at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, where he received the inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award, acknowledging individuals making substantial contributions to their community, the first non-player to be recognized. Founders Ice Cube and Jeffrey Kwatinetz are missioned to better society as BIG3 pursues business success while also helping to break down stereotypes, promote diversity in sports, create opportunities for black, brown, and female athletes beyond the court, and support the black, youth and basketball communities overall.

About GameAbove
GameAbove is a successful multifaceted brand consisting of charitable giving, capital investment, sports entertainment, and media ventures. It provides its portfolio companies the power to propel their business to the next level, fan and athlete experiences that aim to grow sports, and awe-inspiring cinematic experiences. Brands include GameAbove Capital, GameAbove Entertainment, GameAbove Sports, and GameAbove Giving. To learn more, visit www.gameabove.com.

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Top-Notch B2B Sellers from South and Southeast Asia Crowned Champions at Alibaba.com’s KEL Award Grand Finale

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HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Alibaba.com, a leading platform for global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce, yesterday hosted the Key E-Commerce Leader Award (KEL) Grand Finale in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The event celebrated the achievements and contributions of outstanding B2B e-commerce sellers from across South and Southeast Asia, reflecting Alibaba.com’s commitment to fostering the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the global e-commerce sector.

The event brought together 10 top-notch e-commerce sellers from Vietnam, India, Pakistan, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia in one of the region’s most vibrant cities, Ho Chi Minh City. These exceptional sellers exemplify the transformative power of Alibaba.com’s platform, which enables local businesses to grow into global players by providing access to international markets and digital tools. The KEL Award spotlighted their achievements, resilience and leadership, inspiring other SMEs to embrace cross-border opportunities and reach international markets.

After hours of intense business case pitching by the top 10 finalists and careful deliberation by the judging panel, Alibaba.com announced the top 3 Key E-Commerce Leaders for KEL Award 2024 went to Ms. Xuan Hai Yen (Yanni), Deputy Director at Proline Vietnam Manufacture and Trading from Vietnam; Ms. Natasha Gogna, Managing Director of Shri Krishna International from India and Mr. Tayyub Hussnain, Founder of Norwich Streetwear from Pakistan. Additionally, the event awarded Mr. Tayyub Hussnain as the winner of the People’s Choice Award, determined by audience votes.

The judging panel included distinguished Alibaba.com leaders and experts: Mr. Shawn Yang (General Manager of Global Business Development at Alibaba.com), Mr. Roger Luo (Head of South and Southeast Asia at Alibaba.com), Ms. Ella Xie (Director of Global Business Development at Alibaba.com), and Ms. Savannah Zheng (CEO of CGCH & Awins).

Mr. Shawn Yang, General Manager of Global Business Development at Alibaba.com, shared: “Through the inspiring stories shared by the sellers at the KEL Award, Alibaba.com aims to motivate businesses across South and Southeast Asia to engage actively in the high-potential arena of global digital trade. For those who have already embarked on their digital trade journeys, we hope these success stories offer valuable insights and strategies for breakthrough, innovation, and diversified growth to succeed on a global scale.”

One such inspiring story comes from Ravin Sadh, founder of Conifer Handmades, whose journey demonstrates the immense potential of digital trade through Alibaba.com. He has spent the past two decades building a successful export business in the gifts and crafts industry without ever stepping into a traditional trade expo or needing to travel abroad. Since joining Alibaba.com in 1999, when the platform was newly established, Ravin has relied exclusively on it to reach customers worldwide. Today, 100% of Conifer Handmades’ business comes from Alibaba.com, with exports spanning over 35 countries. Focused on sustainable gift bags and crafts, Ravin’s business has grown exponentially through Alibaba.com’s digital platform, allowing him to connect with international buyers without the typical need for in-person networking or overseas travel. In fact, he only acquired a passport to attend the KEL Award Grand Finale, marking his first journey abroad as a testament to his commitment and success through Alibaba.com alone.

One of the 10 finalists, Tayyub Hussnain from Norwich Streetwear, shared a compelling story that underscores the transformative power of ambition and innovation in e-commerce. After graduating from Govt. Murray College in Sialkot in 2014, he embarked on his career with a modest monthly salary of 16,000 PKR. His entrepreneurial journey in the apparel industry was catalyzed when he received a laptop from the Chief Minister of Punjab, which introduced him to Alibaba.com. Through this platform, he secured his first major order of 770 pieces of clothing, an accomplishment that significantly boosted his confidence. This newfound assurance led Hussnain to leave his stable job and devote himself fully to building his business on Alibaba.com.

Xuan Hai Yen, Deputy Director of Proline Vietnam Manufacture and Trading, is a dynamic leader who has turned her family’s business into a multimillion-dollar enterprise with double-digit revenue growth over the past nine years. With 15 years of experience in the import-export and e-commerce sector, Yen exemplifies how resilience and a forward-thinking approach can drive transformative growth.

Yen took charge of the company during challenging times, crafting digital strategies to modernize operations and expand into global markets. Her vision to embrace digital solutions, particularly through Alibaba.com, helped revive the company, leading to an impressive 30% growth rate. Today, Proline exports a diverse range of products, including food bags, ESD anti-static bags and more. Under her leadership, Proline successfully expanded its reach to over 15 countries, including the U.S., UK, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Russia, Cambodia and Australia. Within just four months of joining Alibaba.com, the company secured its first U.S. order, a significant milestone in its growth journey. These success stories illustrate the transformative potential of e-commerce, with Alibaba.com serving as a vital growth engine, connecting businesses to the global market and maximizing their potential.

The Top 10 Finalists of the 2024 KEL Award Grand Finale included:

Ms. Xuan Hai Yen (Yanni), Deputy Director at Proline Vietnam Manufacture and Trading Limited Company, VietnamMr. Can Quang Sang, Marketing Manager of VIHABA Co., LTD, VietnamMs. Nguyen Thi Loan, Founder and CEO of Centic Vietnam JSC, VietnamMr. Ravin Sadh, Founder of Conifer Handmades, IndiaMs. Natasha Gogna, Managing Director of Shri Krishna International, IndiaMr. Muzafar Hussain, Overseas Marketing Head of JNM Leather Safety Gloves, PakistanMr. Tayyub Hussnain, Founder of Norwich Streetwear, PakistanMs. Nitcharee Ujjin, Co-founder of Thumbinthai Co., Ltd., ThailandMr. Nicholas Tee Kai Xuen, Vice President of L.K.Tee Enterprise Sdn Bhd, MalaysiaMr. Fahmi Zaenal, Co-founder of PT Pohacee Cartens International, Indonesia

About Alibaba.com

Launched in 1999, Alibaba.com is a leading platform for global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce that serves buyers and suppliers from over 200 countries and regions around the world. It is engaged in services covering various aspects of commerce, including providing businesses with tools that help them reach a global audience for their products and helping buyers discover products, find suppliers and place orders online fast and efficiently. Alibaba.com is part of Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group.

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SOURCE Alibaba.com

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MTR* advertising Launches Full-Funnel OMO Interactive Branding Campaign for Bank of China (Hong Kong) To Elevate Brand Connection with MTR Passengers

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HONG KONG, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — MTR* advertising is excited to unveil the Bank of China (Hong Kong) (“BOCHK”) “Connect Every Excitement” branding campaign, designed to deepen brand engagement and foster connections with MTR passengers.  BOCHK leverages the extensive and high-quality passenger base of MTR’s urban lines and features an engaging tennis game to enhance daily commuting experiences while strengthening the BOCHK brand identity.

This innovative Online-Merge-Offline (OMO) campaign represents a pioneering effort to seamlessly integrate digital interactions into the MTR* advertising ecosystem. Utilizing a full-funnel strategy, BOCHK “Connect Every Excitement” creates multiple touchpoints to boost brand awareness and passenger engagement through an interactive tennis game. By bridging the online and offline experience via digital panels, mobile devices, and social media, BOCHK aims to cultivate a vibrant community around its brand.

The campaign harnesses the power of digital media to create an immersive experience targeting MTR passengers, particularly the office workers and Gen Z demographic. With comprehensive coverage across MTR’s extensive digital networks, it features captivating station zone takeovers, incentivized mobile and on-site games, and a cutting-edge programmatic digital out-of-home (pDOOH) advertising strategy.

The centrepiece of the campaign, the BOCHK “Connect Every Excitement” mobile game invites users to enjoy a fun tennis experience anytime, anywhere. Participants can compete for exciting rewards, including MTR Points and a BOC Credit Card HK$1,800 cash rebate. To cater to the fast-paced lifestyle of city dwellers, BOCHK has also introduced on-site versions of the game at the Interactive Iconic Digital Zones of MTR Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay stations, allowing passengers to stretch and win additional MTR Points during their commute.

With over 480 digital panels across MTR stations, the campaign ensures numerous touchpoints with passengers. The adaptability of digital formats allows real-time content optimization, encouraging participation in the on-site game at MTR Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay stations. Through the integration of retargeting advertising with MTR Mobile, reinforcing game participation messages for those who have been reached by BOCHK digital advertisements.  Additionally, Digital Ring Zone Domination at MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station targets diverse demographics to maximize engagement.

Through this dynamic approach, BOCHK not only enhances its brand visibility but also enriches the journey for MTR passengers, making commutes more enjoyable. The BOCHK “Connect Every Excitement” campaign stands as a testament to BOCHK’s commitment to innovative brand engagement, fostering a closer connection with its customers.

“We are thrilled to launch this full-funnel OMO campaign that combines digital and on-site interactions to connect with our customers. The BOCHK “Connect Every Excitement” campaign reflects our dedication to understanding our customers and enhancing their connection with the BOCHK brand through our digital interactive platform.” said Ms. Shirley Chan, Managing Director of Hong Kong and Macau at JCDecaux Transport.

It’s time to dive into the hype of BOC “Connect Every Excitement” for a chance to win MTR points and cash rebates on Bank of China (Hong Kong) credit cards at http://bit.ly/40wZOy2

 

Terms and conditions applied
Reminder: To borrow or not to borrow? Borrow only if you can repay.

For further details regarding the promotional campaign of MTR* advertising and BOCHK, please reach out to media inquiries:

About JCDecaux Transport

JCDecaux Transport is the main subsidiary of the JCDecaux Group, the number one outdoor advertising company worldwide. Established since 1976, JCDecaux Transport is the market leader in outdoor advertising in Hong Kong and manages the advertising sales concessions of MTR* and Airport Express for over 45 years. Currently, the company also operates the advertising concessions for Hong Kong International Airport, Macau International Airport and Pacific Place Passages. For more information about JCDecaux Transport, visit

Website: www.jcdecaux-transport.com.hk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jcdecaux-transport-hong-kong/ 

*MTR advertising refers to advertising exclusively operated by JCDecaux Transport, including Island Line, South Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line, Tung Chung Line, Tseung Kwan O Line, Disneyland Resort Line and Airport Express, as well as MTR Mobile advertising.  

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/mtr-advertising-launches-full-funnel-omo-interactive-branding-campaign-for-bank-of-china-hong-kong-to-elevate-brand-connection-with-mtr-passengers-302306878.html

SOURCE JCDecaux Transport

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PayerMax Recognized as “Best Payment Service Provider” by MEA Finance

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DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — PayerMax, a leading global provider of payment solutions, has been named Best Payments Solutions Provider of 2024 by MEA Finance magazine at an award ceremony hosted on November 12 in Dubai. The award is a testament of PayerMax’s success in providing exceptional financial technology services to clients in the Middle East and Africa, as well as its leadership position in payment solutions.

The annual MEA Finance Industry Awards recognizes the financial institutions, technology solutions providers, fintech companies, service providers and individuals for exceptional achievements, groundbreaking services and inspirational leadership in delivering innovative products and services.

“We’re very honored to receive the award. It not only recognizes the success of our innovative technologies and regional strategies, but also it is the perfect testimonial of how our team thrives to create superior values for our clients, and we look forward to more cooperation with more partners,” said Wang Hu, co-founder of PayerMax. “Looking ahead, PayerMax remains committed to further strengthening our presence and deepening our efforts in the Middle Eastern market. We will continue to empower more businesses and enhance the digital payment ecosystem across regions, driving value and growth for clients around the world.”

In 2024, PayerMax achieved major milestones in the Middle East market. In alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, PayerMax became the first Asian fintech company to establish a regional headquarters in Riyadh and obtained the Payment Technical Service Provider (PTSP) certification from Saudi Payments on behalf of the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) in September. This certification allows PayerMax to operate seamlessly within Saudi Arabia’s financial ecosystem, providing merchants across the country with secure, flexible, and efficient payment solutions. The company has also formed partnerships with leading banks such as SAB and Emirates NBD, advancing the digital twin ecosystem while supporting financial inclusion, economic diversification, and an enhanced user experience through digital payments in the region. Furthermore, as the first Asian fintech company to secure the UAE’s payment license, PayerMax is strengthening its presence and expanding operations across the Middle East.

Beyond the Middle East, PayerMax’s achievements in 2024 were globally recognized. In May,  PayerMax was awarded the 2024 “Best Payments and Collections Solution” award from The Asset in the prestigious “The Asset Triple A Awards.” With an impressive 95% coverage of mainstream payment methods in emerging markets, PayerMax continues to build on its vision of providing innovative payment solutions worldwide.

PayerMax is committed to providing businesses with one-stop local payment solutions to meet their diverse payment needs. Its extensive network supports a wide range of over 600 payment methods, more than 70 transaction currencies, and over 20 local languages, catering to diverse global user payment preferences. With a vision to drive merchant success on a global scale, PayerMax offers an array of value-added services, including risk management, foreign exchange management, payment marketing (webshop), and finance & tax services, constructing a comprehensive environment for merchants to excel in a competitive global marketplace and handle the intricacies of globalization with ease.

Looking ahead, PayerMax is committed to staying at the forefront of the evolving digital payment landscape. The company will continue to invest in technological innovation and service enhancements to deliver increased value and opportunities to its customers. By doing so, PayerMax aims to empower global business expansion and facilitate the transition to a cashless society. For more information, please visit https://www.payermax.com/.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/payermax-recognized-as-best-payment-service-provider-by-mea-finance-302306832.html

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